What do you think has gone wrong with my Tummy Tuck and what can be done to fix it? (photos)

Question

My surgeon has agreed to revise my tummy tuck surgery in May this year, would like to know what do you think went wrong and what would you do to fix it? My surgery was in august, so this was 5months ago, my tummy has got larger above my tummy button, and bulges are more pronounced. My navel was not centred straight away, but has got a bit better over time, but apparently needs to be released and centred again. I will include before and afters to compare change, would love any comments

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding what went wrong with your tummy tuck and what needs to be done to revise your tummy tuck. Sometimes in surgery, we don't know exactly what happened. Thankfully, we know how to fix things. If you want me to guess what happened with your abdominoplasty, it could be a variety of things. The muscle plication was not tight enough. The muscle plication should be done with a permanent suture and in my opinion, with two layers. The muscle plication is to be done from the sternum to the pelvic bone. The second problem is your surgeon may not have resected enough skin. The amount of skin is completely patient dependent, however, usually, it involves removing skin from just above the pubic region to just above the belly button or umbilicus. A third problem could have been that not enough fat was removed. This is sometimes accomplished either by direct excision or liposuction. Another problem could have been the postoperative healing period. You may have had a seroma or a collection of serous fluid.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. 
(“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Abdominoplasty scars can be quite complex, ranging from the simple hypertrophic scar to a multiplane inflamed keloid. Pigmentation, discoloration, chronic inflammation, scar visibility can all occur in the short term. We begin each treatment with combination therapy using Yellow broadband BBL, Vbeam, fractional erbium, intralesional IIT, and scar modulation. Start with a combination of Plato's Scar Serum massaged twice daily after one week of epithelialization followed by Luminase/Exfolase. Scar consultation and revision may be recommended.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It appears some of the contour irregularities are from visceral fat (the fat around the organs) which can only be addressed through weight loss.  Further skin removal will help the excess you showed in the first two photos.  Be sure to ask questions and discuss your concerns.  It's important you feel comfortable and confident in your surgical plan.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It looks like you didn't have nearly enough skin removed. Your tummy tuck needs to be redone and the skin pulled down tight

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Nurturing79905,
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

What do you think has gone wrong with my Tummy Tuck and what can be done to fix it? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What do you think has gone wrong with my Tummy Tuck and what can be done to fix it? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.