Should I get a tummy tuck revision? I love my doctor and I'm just not happy with my results

Question

I had a tummy tuck two years ago and had wound open up. I waited two months until it healed and my doctor did a revision. Several months later I had some very hard scar tissue protruding and he removed the scar tissue. I still have an uneven lower stomach with small bulge in the middle of former scar tissue and second infection I had in other side of lower stomach. The bulge is in the middle of these two things and I still have extra skin below.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,After two minor revisions, it looks like a more concerted effort to revise your skin and fat layers would be in order. Depending on your examination, aggressive liposuction and a re-draping and tightening of your lower belly skin may rectify your problem. Sometimes the decision to do smaller, minor revisions is really insufficient; in other words less is less.  Whether you want to stick it out with your surgeon is up to you, but if not make sure you choose an ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeon who uses progressive tension sutures and avoids drains. Best of luck!

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

From the photo you provided, it does appear that you have room for improvement with respect to your overall contour and shape.  Even though you like your surgeon, I would get a second opinion and see what other Plastic Surgeons recommend. While it is hard to say definitively from a single photo, it does look like you could benefit from additional liposuction and tightening of the TT flap.  I hope that helps and wish you the very best!Gregory A Buford MD FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

This is a very poor photo that doesn't show much regarding scar placement and entire deformity. However, it shows enough to suggest revision abdominoplasty. Despite the fact that you like your surgeon I would suggest a second opinion consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with good reputation in body contouring surgery. Good luck.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your picture and questions. If you love your surgeon but not the results, then I would encourage you to discuss that openly and honestly with your surgeon. If you have a good doctor-patient relationship, then you should be able to discuss your options and come up with a plan. It sounds like you have both been through a lot together and I would bet that he has an interest is helping you achieve a great outcome.Best of luck!

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

If you don't like those surface contour irregularities, try to have them improved.  It definitely can be smoothed out without any new scar(s), either by small localized liposuction or by open revision.  Going to your previous surgeon may save some $$, and he or she is most definitely committed to your best result and your satisfaction.  Still, you'll not likely insult your previous surgeon if you seek help elsewhere.  Most of us just want the best for patients, and understand that going somewhere else sometimes helps past difficulties fade, and that new or different approaches may be of value in solving problems.

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

If you are unhappy with the result, you should absolutely discuss some kind of revision.  If you do not feel your Dr. can give you the results you're looking for, a second opinion never hurts.Best of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Fara Movagharnia, DO, FACOS · Answer

Thank you for the photo, and I am sorry to hear that you have had some postoperative complications.  From what I can see, there can be a definite improvement with another procedure.  My recommendation would be to redo the abdominoplasty.  In so doing, the loose skin above AND below your navel will be removed.  At that time any scar tissue, fat pockets or torn muscle repair that might be causing the uneveness can be corrected.

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

I am so sorry you are not happy. This picture is not the best to really tell what is going on. It does seem that additional liposuction and possibly flap revision would be good for you. I would seek out a second opinion for sure if you are not sure even though you like your surgeon. We all want to have a chance to fix our patients if something is wrong, but in this case you may want another pair of eyes just to see. Best of luck.

Lissa Bootstaylor, MD · Answer

It's great that you had a tummy tuck because it is one of the most  profound body contouring surgeries which are commonly performed today. Sorry, that you had delayed healing after your surgery however your problem can be easily be corrected by a skilled plastic surgeon. You need both liposuction and additional skin removal below the belly button to get the outstanding results you are looking for. If your skin quality is good in the area above your belly button this area can be  improve however talk to your surgeon about changes in the skin quality of this area before you decide to have this area addressed also. Success to you and you are almost there  :)

Anthony J. Taglienti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Wow, you have had some journey! Having prior surgeries does make achieving an improved result difficult - but it can be done. I would sit down with your surgeon and have a conversation with him about your desires for a revision. He should be able to tell you if he can help you - the fact that your incision opened up the first time, and that you have had prior surgeries now does make things more difficult. Seeking a second opinion is also a potential - always make sure you see a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon. Best of luck!

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