Why does my stomach look like this 2 years after a mommy makeover? (Photo)

Question

I had a mommy makeover over two years ago. At my one-year follow-up, I expressed concerns about the appearance of my stomach, and I was told that the unevenness was due to swelling. However, after all this time, I find it hard to believe it could still be swollen—so why does it still look so uneven?

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. It appears that the lower portion of your abdomen, below your belly button, is slightly fuller than the upper portion of your abdomen, especially the central portion. I don’t have the benefit of knowing what your original surgeon did, however, it’s possible that liposuction was done during your tummy tuck, and that slightly more volume was removed from your upper abdomen. You could check with your original surgeon about this and see if improved contour could be achieved by a revision liposuction. Best wishes.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Nice522591,

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

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

It would be unusual to have swelling this far from your surgery.  Although there are a number of reasons for asymmetry, often the problem is correctable with liposuction.  Of course it depends on the reason, and you would need a good workup to determine this.  If your plastic surgeon cannot help you, perhaps you could get another opinion.

Guler Gamze Eren, MD · Answer

Hi from Istanbul!Thank you for your question. The bulginess/thickness on the lower part of your belly looks like a fat excess.You should know that liposuction for the lower part of tummy is considered risky for blood circulation problems. I prefer to do a secondary liposuction for my patients who are looking for a slimmer and fit body at least 1 year after tummy tuck.Best Luck!!

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

By this time, the majority of swelling would most likely be resolved. Would you be able to pinpoint the areas that you’d like to even out? That would help your surgeon determine what course of treatment could help achieve your goals. One treatment option may include liposuction.

Samir Hasan, MD · Answer

Swelling is typically resolved by 1 year post-surgery. The contour of the central upper abdomen could be due to various factors, including if upper abdominal liposuction or muscle repair was performed, as well as underlying rib anatomy. It is difficult to say for sure with these photos alone and no operative report to clarify what was done. Getting a second opinion may be beneficial if your original surgeon is unable to assist you.

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello,Your issue can be addressed with a small liposuction session, or even better, a Vaserlipo session.

Tek Przylecki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Most likely the upper abdominal flap that was brought down to meet the lower flap (after excision of the intervening tissue) had a thicker layer of subcutaneous and/or sub Scarpas fat resulting in unevenness. Liposuction or revision with direct excision of fat can likely improve the appearance. I hope this information is helpful. Good luck

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Very likely there is some fat tissue that needs to be reduced. Liposuction would be appropriate 2 years after abdominoplasty. Good luck.

Gregory Baum, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, it looks like you may benefit from some liposuction to thin out the area at the lower abdomen and get that area smoother. It is impossible to know if this was present at the time of your original procedure or due to some possible recent weight gain. I would speak to your original surgeon to see if liposuction may get you the result you desire.