On #1 abdominoplasty, I expected a full abdominoplasty w/MR, new belly button.. but all the surgeon did was pull everything down so my wrinkled belly button was still there but lower and I had a crevice between my belly button and my incision, looked like a butt crack in front. #2 surgery to fix the crevice and smooth it out but basically redid abdominoplasty w/MR. Stomach feels like my guts are crammed up under my breasts and sewed into place. At hysterectomy, GYN said I had metal staples in there?? When I have bloating, I bloat up under my breasts.
After two tummy tuck surgeries, it still doesn't feel right. Is there anything I can do to fix this?
Answer: 3rd tummy tuck would be unusual
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!
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Answer: 3rd tummy tuck would be unusual
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!
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Functional and Aesthetic Issues- Quite Concerning 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.
Helpful
Answer: Functional and Aesthetic Issues- Quite Concerning 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.
Helpful
August 12, 2011
Answer: Revisionary Tummy tuck
Your case if very complex. You need to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in tummy tuck surgeries and who can show you results as well as discuss your options with you "confidently". Really, you need someone to examine you - doing it online is not a good choice.
Helpful
August 12, 2011
Answer: Revisionary Tummy tuck
Your case if very complex. You need to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in tummy tuck surgeries and who can show you results as well as discuss your options with you "confidently". Really, you need someone to examine you - doing it online is not a good choice.
Helpful
September 1, 2015
Answer: Looking for tummy tuck #3? Not the answer.
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.
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September 1, 2015
Answer: Looking for tummy tuck #3? Not the answer.
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.
Helpful
October 15, 2010
Answer: Abdominoplasty satisfaction
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.
Helpful
October 15, 2010
Answer: Abdominoplasty satisfaction
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.
Helpful
January 19, 2011
Answer: Fixing tummy tuck
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.
Helpful
January 19, 2011
Answer: Fixing tummy tuck
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.
Helpful