Muffin top after tummy tuck - will this need a revision? (Photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck and lipo 4 months ago. I developed a muffin top a- where the fats on the side of my tummy is still showing despite the l. during my review I asked the doctor why is there a muffin top and he asked if I put on weight and asked me to stand on the scale. The scale showed that I have lost 1kg after the surgery. He then said that he has done all he can and ask me to go lose 2kgs! losing weight on the hips is impossible and he said if I lose 2kgs I will lose it everywhere on my body. Is this muffin top normal despite the fact that I also did lipo?

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello, thanks for sharing your experience — it's understandable to feel frustrated, especially after going through a major procedure like a tummy tuck with liposuction and still not getting the results you expected.  Even after tummy tuck + liposuction, it's not uncommon for some fat to remain in areas like the flanks (sides of the waist/hips) or upper abdomen. You are still early in the healing process and swelling is still present.  Your final results are closer to 12 months with all the swelling. 
As for losing weight in just a certain area through diet and exercise alone is not really obtainable. Spot reduction isn’t possible through diet or exercise alone. But losing weight overall can shrink fat cells everywhere, including the muffin top — even if it's slow and uneven.  However, if that area is really resistant, non-surgical body contouring (e.g., CoolSculpting, radiofrequency), or a minor revision liposuction might be more effective. Best of Luck!

Elisa Stein, MD · Answer

Bbutterflybbb,
It would be helpful to see a before picture of the area you are noting the fullness. At 4 months out from surgery, you would still not be seeing your final results due to swelling. About 60% of the swelling typically is gone at 3 months, but there will still be changes in the 6-12 month period after surgery. In my practice I would not plan a revision until that time to allow all the swelling to resolve and to allow the skin to contract after the liposuction. If a patient gains or loses weight after surgery is does affect their results. 
Elisa Stein, MD, MHACertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Muffin top after tummy tuck - will this need a revision? (Photos)

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Muffin top after tummy tuck - will this need a revision? (Photos)

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.