2nd Tummy Tuck Needed for Failed Muscle Repair - Best Method?

It is too early to predict what if anything will need to be done.   I would recommend waiting to see how you heal.  Only then can you plan you revision, if necessary.  Depending how the muscle was tightened, you may need to have the entire repair re-done.  In such a case the entire tummy tuck area will have to be opened up to expose the muscle repair which then needs to be revised.

Sincerely,

Martin Jugenburg, MD

Regarding: "2nd Tummy Tuck Needed for Failed Muscle Repair - Best Method?  I had a full tummy tuck 3 weeks ago. I have never seen a completely flat abdomen. I took pictures at 2 days post op and there was a slight bulge above my belly button. At my 2 week post op PS thought that I might have a failure of the muscle repair but to wait until my 6 week appt to re-evaluate. My question is what is the best way to correct the bulge? A second full tummy tuck? Endoscopically? After a FTT how far should my belly extend when I am pushing outward?"

A persistent above the belly button bulge can be caused by multiple causes. To get a successful resolution, the cause of your bulge must be diagnosed before any treatments are tried. I would suggest you wait 8-10 weeks for much of the inflammation to go away and then have your surgeon examine you. If in doubt a CT scan may be obtained. A disrupted muscle repair correction would depend on how the muscle was repaired originally (single stitches or a running stitch) and how much of the muscle length sepatated. Residual fluid can be aspirated with a needle. Residual fat can be liposuctioned.

A wait and keeping in touch with your surgeon is the best way to proceed at this point.

Good Luck

Dr. Peter Aldea