Will a Third Tummy Tuck Surgery Be Necessary?

It's unfortunate that your expectations were not met and/or the anticipated results were not made clear by your surgeon. You can end up with a small vertical incision between the belly button and the lower horizontal incision if you do not have enough skin that can be removed between the original belly button and the lower abdominal incision. Most surgeons will discuss this with you preoperatively, as another option is to "float" (or disconnect) the belly button stack and reattach it lower to avoid that vertical scar (that you called the "crack").

As far as feeling bloated up high under the breasts, that is probably due to the muscle plication or tightening that was done during the abdominoplasty. I cannot tell from your description, but if you are having an outward bulge, that is likely above the area that was tightened, so when you bloat its the easiest area to bulge. If the bulging is felt inside and not seen outwardly, it is a result from the amount of tightening that you had, which decreases the amount of room your intestines have to expand. If you are having problems now I would discuss them with your surgeon. In a situation such as this I also think it would be a good idea to find a board certified plastic surgeon for a second opinion. It is helpful if you obtain the operative reports from your surgeon to take with you to that visit. Best of  luck!

It’s unusual
for patients to require a third abdominoplasty procedure.Your history is very concerning because you
continue to have aesthetic concerns and now functional issues as well.It’s virtually impossible to
evaluate your aesthetic results without pictures or a physical
examination.Your issue with bloating is
probably related to the muscle plication, but again this requires an
examination to fully evaluate.This is a complicated problem that has
aesthetic and functional components, for this reason it might be helpful to
obtain a second opinion from a board certified plastic surgeon with experience
in this area.This surgeon should be
able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your anatomic findings and
achieves your aesthetic goals.

IT appears that you may need to undergo some muscle re-education and I would strongly encourage you to undertake a regimen of core strengthening exercises such as a Pilates type program.

Abdominoplasty is one of the most sought after surgeries in plastics with one of the highest rates of patient satisfaction.  The best odds of achieving a great result are at the time of the primary procedure.  When revision or secondary work is involved it is complicated by scarring and altered anatomy.  Thus, it is extremely difficult to achieve excellent results.  Nevertheless, there is still hope that you can achieve your goals.  It would be wise to seek the advice of one or many board certified plastic surgeons.  You have had multiple procedures, and, if another is necessary, the hope is, it will be your final one.  Ideally, you can take your time and find a physician to explain the options and, hopefully, create the results you seek.

Your situation is complex.  Whether or not it can be improved is impossible to answer online.  Seek several opinions from Board Certified Plastic Surgeons experienced in abdominoplasty.

You have had a very unfortunate series of events/surgeries.  From reading your information it sounds like your surgeon was to aware of what you wanted, and you were not aware of what your surgeon was planning.  It is very important to communicate well with your surgeon.  If for some reason this hasn't taken place on two occasions, you may want to seek another opinion to see if you can communicate better with another surgeon.

Best option for you is to seek a second opinion.  Look for a board certified Plastic Surgeon who is known for his or her abdominoplasties.  Sounds like you should be properly examined to determine how a revision tummy tuck, if at all, would make you better.

Fortunately, revision tummy tucks are possible, but the cure can be challenging.  Basically, in order to redo the work that it sounds like you had (I can't be sure) you may need to undergo a new and complete tummy tuck.  Sorry, but it sounds like that may be the best fix.

Your story is not atypical.  Sounds like you had a "mini-tummy tuck" first, then a "formal" abdominoplasty with muscle fascia repair and full correction.  No surprise you are feeling tighter.

You have been through a lot of surgery already, and the last thing you should do is consider any further surgery at this time.  You should discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  If you have lost some confidence,  it may be best to  consider a second opinion,  which your surgeon should welcome to reassure you.

Almost all properly performed abdominplasties (tummy tuck) get it right the first time.  I don't believe I have ever heard of anyone getting 3 operations without some major event (like pregnancy) creating new problems.  I think it's time for another opinion.