Inconsistent results on galleries - how to feel confident with a provider? (Photo)

It’s completely natural to feel a little nervous when looking through before-and-after galleries, you’re seeing both the “wow” results and the more average ones, and it can make you wonder which side you’ll fall on. The truth is, no matter how skilled the surgeon, there will always be some variation because every body heals differently, every starting point is unique, and even with the same technique, outcomes can’t be carbon copies. That’s why consistency across many cases, as you mentioned, is one of the best things to look for when choosing who to consult with.
It’s also common to feel torn when different surgeons shine more in different procedures. One helpful way to think about it is to ask yourself: which area affects my confidence the most right now? That can guide whether tummy or breasts should come first if you don’t plan to do both together. And remember, many surgeons are very skilled across procedures, so you may still find someone who can deliver beautifully balanced results in both areas.
As for the belly button question, you’ve noticed something many careful patients pick up on. The little circular outline you sometimes see around the belly button after a tummy tuck is usually from how the scar tissue forms where the sutures are placed. It can happen in a small percentage of patients, often related to how their skin heals or how much tension is on the area. It’s not necessarily a sign of poor technique, but rather one of those healing variables that can show up differently person to person. A skilled surgeon will do their best to minimize it, and in many cases, it softens and becomes much less noticeable over time.
Your thoughtful eye and realistic expectations are actually a strength, they’ll help you ask the right questions in consults and choose the surgeon whose style and approach you trust the most. And that trust is the key to feeling at peace with your decision.

I completely understand your concerns and hesitation, and I truly respect the thorough research you are doing to find a surgeon who aligns with your goals. It’s important to feel confident and comfortable in your decision-making process.

There are several factors to consider here. I fully appreciate your desire for a very natural-looking belly button. Achieving a natural result in this area can be challenging, as an unnatural belly button is often a telltale sign of a previous tummy tuck, even when the main incision is well-hidden. Over time, I’ve refined my technique to ensure that the sutures and incision line are placed in such a way that they are tucked inside, leaving no visible scarring on the skin. Additionally, I carefully thin the tissue around the new belly button opening and secure the belly button stalk to the abdominal wall during the muscle repair to achieve a natural, seamless result.

To help guide our discussion and ensure I fully understand your aesthetic vision, I encourage patients to bring in both before-and-after photos of results they admire, as well as those they don’t. This allows us to align on your goals and ensures that I focus on achieving the outcome that best reflects your personal preferences, rather than my own aesthetic ideals.

I can assure you that there are skilled surgeons who can achieve outstanding results for both the breast and abdominal areas, and I’m confident you will find someone who can meet your expectations.

I wish you the very best in your journey toward achieving your aesthetic goals!

You need a breast lift and a tummy tuck. I always recommend doing the breasts first as the breast lift will pull up the upper abdomen and help make the tummy tuck easier to perform. The breast lift technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. At the same time, a tummy tuck can be done. If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thank you for your question- You are right that results can vary by patient. This is because a major contributor to a patient's final results is their starting anatomy, as well as their goals. Regarding tummy tucks in female patients- final shape and contour is very dependent on how much fat stores patients have, degree of muscle separation, skin laxity, as well as there skeletal frame. While many patients are looking for a more "hourglass" figure, what is possible with a tummy tuck is limited by what your frame will allow. Patient's typically have the best result with this operation when the main goals are removal of excess skin and muscle repair with more targeted liposuction rather than those that are still holding on to a larger amount of abdominal fat. This appears to be your situation. Final scar appearance can be variable between patient as everyone heals differently. But, generally speaking, look for consistency from what surgeons are posting to feel comfortable about your decision.
It is totally normal to be nervous about the idea of surgery- especially before meeting with a surgeon. The best first step is meeting with a few well qualified surgeons and discuss what you are bothered by and your goals with surgery. Find someone that you feel comfortable with and will listen to your goals and come up with a surgical plan that fits this.
Sean M Fisher MD Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon Seattle, WA

Good morning. Thank you for sharing your experience and for your respect for our profession. I completely understand your concerns; it's natural to want consistent results and to feel nervous before surgery. Every patient is unique, and factors such as skin quality, scarring, and individual anatomy can influence details like the appearance of the belly button after a tummy tuck.

I encourage you to explore our results on Instagram @dr.manueldiazg, where you can see a variety of real-life cases. This can help you make an informed decision about which procedure to prioritize based on your aesthetic goals. I am available to answer any questions during a personalized consultation. Please contact us at 829-554-6062.

Selecting your surgeon is a very important step and one you obviously, and wisely, take seriously. First you want to ensure you are selecting a board certified plastic surgeon. You can find a listing of those near you using the ASPS website. If you are unsure who you think is best based on galleries you may want to also consider experience, credentials and testimonials. Once you pick a few surgeons with whom to have consultations be sure to have questions ready for your meeting. Go with your gut. It rarely will steer you wrong.