So disappointed with my mini tummy tuck and liposuction, is this a normal result? (Photo)

Hello,A  Mini Tummy Tuck addresses concerns with the abdomen below the belly button. A small amount of skin can be removed and the incision is less wide than with a full tummy tuck. Separated muscles below the umbilicus can be tightened. Many Plastic Surgeons will also use liposuction during this procedure to help contour the abdomen, however liposuction is not an effective weight loss tool. You will find that each Plastic Surgeon has their own preferred approach and that not all patients are good candidates for a mini tummy tuck. Many times there are also concerns with the abdomen above the belly button area and a mini tummy tuck would not provide optimal results. General fat loss with diet and exercise is always a good idea before planning Tummy Tuck surgery.Swelling can remain for many months after Tummy Tuck surgery so try to allow a full 6 months before evaluating your result. You may be able to improve the look of your abdomen with exercise  or follow up after 6 months to discuss further surgical options.All the best

From the photos submitted it appears you would have been a better candidate for a full tummy tuck. It appears there is adequate skin and would have given you a more complete result. I encourage you to speak to your surgeon and potentially get a second opinion on how to proceed.

Without a chance to see before photos, it is not particularly useful or fair to evaluate after photos.It does appear to me that from the current state of the upper abdomen you would have been a better candidate for a full TT.All the best. 

Please post before pics.  Most women are not candidates for a mini tummy tuck and it looks like you may have been a candidate for a traditional tummy tuck and liposuction. 

I'm sorry for the experience you've had.Many fewer women are good candidates for a mini (or moderate) tummy tuck than those who wish they were. The mini/modified TT is an excellent procedure - but only for women who are basically happy with the way their abdomens look ABOVE the BB but have some excess or loose skin limited to the region below the BB. Some lipo can be done above the BB with the mini, but there is a limit to what that can accomplish.Based on your current photo, and with the understanding that one would have to see a pre-op photo to provided a knowledgeable discussion, it seems like you might have benefitted from the full TT.  And that, unfortunately, you do not now have enough excess tissue to do that procedure.  Some lipo may help your contour and you can, possibly, have more surgery done in the future.However, you'll need to discuss this with your own PS and to see what the options may be.Sorry...but I hope that this has helped and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100