What Should I Do if my Surgeon Didn't Do What We Agreed on?

Question

Agreed to do full tuck plus flanks. Doc said that once he cuts me open he might have to cut slightly below the belly button which would result in a little slit above the midline of my scar. Which i didnt mind. Told him repeatedly that tight skin was first and scars were second. after, i had found that he decided to just do a mini tuck instead of a full tuck, and moved my belly button down an inch to tighten the top skin(didnt even know they did this) Im upset and this is not what i wanted. How should I handle this? Also, how long do I have to wait to get it fixed?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Communicate with  your surgeon in as calmly and not accusatory fashion as possible. Discuss options to improve the situation. It may also be helpful, for your own peace of mind, to seek other well-trained board certified plastic surgeons opinions in person. Best wishes.

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

You are a very sufisticated patient. I can tell from your drawing that you knew exactly what needed to be done. I do very few mini tummy tuck because I have rarely seen a patient happy with the results. I feel that the option 2 with the vertical scar above the pubis is a great solution when one can not bring the skin above the belly button to the pubis. This allows us to remove all the excess skin and stretch marks that can be removed and get as good a result as possible. I can't tell you why he did't do it. May be you can ask him. The good new is that surgery can always be done. You can have that done any time. There is no need or advantage  to wait.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

tuckguy,

In general, you want to wait at least 3 months before considering a revision.  The exact timing depends on various factors, and thus it is best to see your plastic surgeon and let him /her decide how long to wait.

Before considering a revision surgery, you clearly need to talk to your surgeon first and try to determine whether there is an understandable reason why this was done.  Perhaps there is a very logical explanation.  However, if you are unsatisfied with the answer you get, you are always free to get a second opinion.  You should never be afraid of getting more than one opinion.

Sincerely,

Martin Jugenburg, MD

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Obvious this is a difficult situation.  The answer is to sit down with your plastic surgeon and discuss your displeasure.  Ask the rationale for the change in plan.  Wait at least 6-12 weeks to see what your result are.  Then readdress the issue if it is still unacceptable to you.  There will have to be some kind of agreement on a revision (if needed) is handled.  

	Good Luck.

	Dr. ES

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

You would want to wait at least 4 months and preferably 1 year prior to considering a revision. Discuss your concerns frankly with the physician expressing your initial goals and desires and understanding. Try to assess your results and see if it achieved your goals. Ask the surgeon about what he/she plans to do if you desire additional surgery. They may be willing to revise the result at a later date. It is common for the patient to pay for operating room and anesthesia fees at  that point.

What Should I Do if my Surgeon Didn't Do What We Agreed on?

Answers (8)

Answer: Frank Discussion

Answer: Frank Discussion

Answer: Options for revision tummy tuck

Answer: Options for revision tummy tuck

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What Should I Do if my Surgeon Didn't Do What We Agreed on?

Answers (8)

Answer: Frank Discussion

Answer: Frank Discussion

Answer: Options for revision tummy tuck

Answer: Options for revision tummy tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Male Tummy Tuck

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