Too flat tummy after a tummy tuck with muscle repair and liposuction

Question

Hello, I’m 38 yo. Mum of 3 all by c-section. I’m 155 cm tall and 50.5 kg. I have had a tummy tuck with muscle repair and a soft lipsuction as I requested from my surgeon 18 months ago. Since then, I’ve been having mixed emotions about the look of my tummy. Its too flat that it does not have those natural feminine curves. Like its one level from above and below the belly button! I could not understand why is that and wheather it can be fixed either surgically or by working out. Pls advise

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding concerns about a too-flat abdomen following a tummy tuck. If you're not satisfied with your post-surgery results, I recommend discussing your concerns with your plastic surgeon. If you're aiming for more curves, a minor weight gain might be an option to restore some softness. Remember, "natural feminine curves" often relate to the distribution of body fat. Striking a balance between maintaining a healthy weight and achieving desired aesthetic outcomes is crucial.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

Please post before and after photos of your abdomen and torso so that I can give you the most accurate assessment.

Sean Arredondo, MD · Answer

Occasionally this can happen. One of my favorite solutions to this problem is liposuction! With liposculpting or HD liposuction, we are able to help accentuate the muscles below your skin. There are varying degrees of sculpting that can be done. This works remarkably well after a tummy tuck because the skin and fat have already been thinned out. Usually, we can use the existing scars to perform the procedure, so often no new scars are needed. Photos are super helpful to discuss all possibilities. You would also be well served by speaking with your original surgeon, they may have some other options for you. Hope this answer helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear 659068anon,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Before/after photos would be helpful in answering your concerns.  The flat abdomen contour is likely a result of the muscle repair.  I encourage you to visit with your surgeon to discuss your concerns and goal look.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

To make an assessment on the outcome of the procedure we always need to see proper before and after pictures. If you do not have before and after pictures and ask your surgeon to forward the ones they took.
Without seeing pictures we can’t make an assessment.
An ideal female figure should have slight curvature of the abdominal wall with slight bowing of the lower abdomen. Aggressive muscle tightening will create a beeline between the sternum/rib cage and the pubic bone. Lower abdomen tends to be affected more strongly from muscle tightening and sometimes it’s appropriate to back off slightly on the lower one and third of the abdomen.
Each plastic surgeon will have their own way of doing the procedure and the outcome will vary based on each individual persons anatomy.
Results can be predictable based on the presence or absence of visceral fat and the relationship between the rib cage and the pelvis which are connected via the abdominal wall.
Best, 
Mats Hagstrom MD

Too flat tummy after a tummy tuck with muscle repair and liposuction

Answers (6)

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