Muscle laxity or internal bloat? (Photo)

Your surgeon lied to you. Your abdomen still has excess skin and subcutaneous fat as demonstrated in the photo of you bending over, not intra-abdominal fat, or 'bloat' as your surgeon may be referring to. You'll need another 6 months of healing before an adequate assessment of skin, fat and muscle can be made for the purposes of revision surgery.

Dear Adventurous5183,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

When you bend, there appears to be some extra skin and fat. I would have to examine you in person to determine the abdominal wall laxity. It takes up to a year to heal and a final assessment could be made at that time. The scars appear to be healing well. If this bulging varies, internal bloating can contribute. I would seek another opinion to help you understand your concerns.

Hello,This complaint is not something that can be understood solely from photographs without an examination. I definitely recommend that you have an examination.

My initial impression is that you would benefit from liposuction to maximize the flatness of your tummy, I do not see any visceral fat on the side photos. I have done liposuction on may patients that have had tummy tucks prior which will maximize the results and make a noticeable difference that will meet patients expectations. Thank you.

An examination is needed to see what may be present. An ultrasound could be done to check for any excess fluid. Please discuss this with your surgeon.

At six months post op swelling that is associated with the surgery would have resolved. Based on your photos it appears excess skin remains as well as potential subcutaneous fat. A revision to your tummy tuck would help improve your overall results.