Strange shape after tummy tuck. Why do so many people end up with the square result?

Question

I’ve noticed that many patients look very square after having a tummy tuck. I desperately need one after six children and weight loss of over 60 pounds, but I don’t want those results. I’ve always had a well defined waist line and I’d rather have flappy skin than to lose my shape. Why do so many people end up with the square result? Thanks

Matthew G. Stanwix, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on losing the weight and doing so with six children! With having that number of pregnancies likely you also have some form of muscle separation as well as the excess skin you mention. Flat appearances and a boxy look are a mistake a lot of plastic surgeons make because they don’t do aggressive liposuction and they don’t pull the skin in the right direction. Seek a tummy tuck plastic surgeon who does aggressive liposuction. I perform a corset violin liposuction with really narrows the waist and gives great natural looking curves. best wishes.

Michael J. Weinberg, MD · Answer

I
think that the final result of a tummy tuck depends on your shape underneath.
If you have a waist and minimal internal fat then after the tummy tuck you will
look curvy. If you don’t, then despite all efforts, you may look square.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello! I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon to get better information geared toward yourself - you can find one at plasticsurgery.org. Be sure to check out the surgeon's photo gallery to see representative work - check out shape and scars.Best of luck!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

After six children and weight loss of 60 lbs, I would recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement, if you are not planning future pregnancies.  The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.  This procedure does not produce square results.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Congratulations on your weight loss.  would be helpful to view pictures of your abdomen.  The goal for a tummy tuck should be to provide improved shape and contour and not to result in a square appearance.  In most patients, this can be done through a low and short incision, all completely below the bikini line.  The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on the exterior.   Your muscles can also be plicated resulting in a flat abdomen.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. 
 
 Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question and congratulations on your weight loss!  To some degree a patient's outcome after a TT is dependent on their inherent anatomy - say the distance from their hips to their ribs to achieve an hourglass shape.  A tummy tuck will help to tighten and flatten the front part of the abdomen when can cause some patients to widen but this is typically resolved with liposuction performed at the same time.  Hope this helps.

Michael Eisemann, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question. The goal of every abdominoplasty procedure is to sculpt a flat stomach by removing excess fat and skin and repairing the abdominal muscles. Exactly what sort of results every patient experiences will differ according to their anatomy, the skill of their plastic surgeon and their desired results. Most patients enjoy satisfying results following their tummy tuck.To learn if you are a good candidate for abdominoplasty, schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Be sure to bring up your concerns during your appointment as well. Hope this helps!Michael Eisemann M.D.
Plastic Surgeon
Houston, Texas

Danielle Andry, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss! In order to create an hourglass shape with a tummy tuck, I routinely perform muscle plication which acts as an internal corset and brings together your abdominal muscles and liposuction of the flank area.  In certain patients, I also perform liposuction of the upper and lower back area and fat transfer to the buttock or hip area help to accentuate their curves.  However, there are some patients who have very difficult anatomy with a very short torso or a lot of internal fat, which makes it difficult to achieve an hourglass look.

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Hi. To avoid a boxy shape the Tummy Tuck should be combined with Liposculpture and BBL (if needed or desire) depending on each case. You can see the video to have and idea.International Member of the American Society of  Plastic Surgeons
Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
25 years experience

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction can help you to achieve an hourglass shape. There are safety limits, however, in terms of protecting the blood supply to the abdomen.  Flappy skin is not a good or realistic outcome to the procedure.

Strange shape after tummy tuck. Why do so many people end up with the square result?

Answers (11)

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