Tummy tuck for back pain, issues with seroma and wound separation, scar revision, 47 years old

If it turns out they can't do anything to minimize the scar you should look into tattoos. My friend does those realistic nipple ones. They can blend skin tones - it's amazing! Maybe they can blend the scar to look like your natural skin color so you don't have to go through another surgery.

Lynne. Hope you don't mind me copyng m y post on your tread so your followers can read it? It and my photo's can be seen at alan306. Thanks!

I lost 70 lbs. and still had 10 lbs. of stomach skin remaining. I opted for a a "drainless" tummy tuck, but ended up having drains off and on for 5 months.

My first issue was apparent immediately after the surgery. My eyes felt like they were on fire. Instead of being able to go home and rest, I had to be seen by an eye specialist. She said my eyes had been burned by the light above the surgery table. Not a serious issue, but I had to get two prescriptions for eye drops.

A few weeks after my surgery, I noticed that the area above my incision was no longer flat but, instead, "puffed up." I had seroma issues. To deal with the seromas, I had drains off and on for 5 months. Dr. Steockel tried injecting isopropyl alcohol, waiting 30 mins, and then removing the alcohol. In three efforts, this procedure did not fix the problem.

Over the months, I was opened up 2 more times to try and find the "issue." These two procedures were done in the surgery room, but not with the clean conditions under which the original procedure was conducted. During the procedures, the door was actually kept open and people could come and go. (This fact may explain what was found later.) Also, being opened up 3 times created a large amount of scar tissue.

In a final effort, I had to do "vac therapy" for two weeks. This therapy used a sponge/tube/vacuum system that I had to carry over my shoulder. It did help in reducing the amount of drainage, but I began to develop fistulas (open wounds that develop internally and work their way out). These fistulas did not respond well to simply putting on medical gauze for weeks, so Dr. Stoeckel gave me some silver nitrate sticks. The silver nitrate was supposed to burn the inside of the fistulas to help them close, then heal. This process caused fluid to run out of the fistulas, actually burning the skin it came in contact with.

After 8+ months, I underwent a fourth procedure, using one of the three plastic surgeons I consulted before my initial operation. This doctor found 14-15 inside sutures that were infected. He indicated that these areas would never have healed, even with antibiotics. He spent approximately 1.5 hours removing and cleaning the infected areas. He also removed a significant amount of scar tissue, which was caused by the previous 3 surgeries. Post-procedure, I had a completely flat stomach, no scar tissue, and needed drains for just two weeks.

I reached out to Dr. Stoeckel, not to ask that he pay for the corrective surgery ($7400), but to simply pay a portion of this cost due to the added 1.5 hours of surgery time that was required to correct what he was unable to find. He disagreed, saying I should have come back to him to continue my treatments and to try to resolve the issues.

To his credit, when I contacted him later asking if he would at least give me a special deal for liposuction of my flanks, he agreed. Unfortunately, one side of my flanks has quite a bit more fat remaining than the other one, looking uneven. I will have that fixed later, after a break from surgeries/procedures.

The pictures I am posting were taken a few weeks after my original surgery, during the following months when I underwent two more surgeries with Dr. Stoeckel, the night before my fourth surgery with another plastic surgeon, and finally my "after" pictures. I am thrilled with the results. My stomach is totally flat, my scars are totally flat, etc. The redness will lighten up to a normal skin color in a year or so.

I hope my sharing this experience will help others with their future decisions and any complications you may have (hopefully you won't have any). I am here if anyone needs any more info, has questions, etc.

Take care.
P.S. Total costs:
$8400 first surgery
$7400 corrective surgery from 2nd plastic surgeon
$1500 lipo
TOTAL: $17,300 :-(

Good luck! This whole experience is wrong on so many levels. I'm so sorry you're going through this.

Hi there! I understand your seeking the procedure by a general surgeon so that insurance can help out for a change! Your previous ps sending you for second opinions from his own peers was just a joke at best. What a jerk. He was just covering himself, at best. He must have called in all his favors for that charade! I am at a crossroads myself. It will be a year since my tt come August. I have had a really uncomfortable lump off center of my bb since almost the beginning. An ultrasound (finally) revealed it to be another hernia! There is intra-abdominal fat squeezing out through a split in the muscles. I KNEW it was a 'something'!! I first see my ps at the end of the month because I still need a revision of the scar holes in my incision and I want to know just how much it will cost (out of pocket) for further abdominal surgery. As you know I would have to pay for the OR and anesthesia at the very least. I dread a lengthy recovery- again. Then, a few days later, I see a general surgeon that my primary is sending me to about the hernia. I don't know anything about this guy! Some generals are just butchers who care nothing about scars, viewing them as just a consequence of 'getting the job done'. But at least insurance would cover his surgery. I am so depressed and stressed. My husband just views this as an inconvenience to his own life because he is just a selfish person but that is HIS problem! Too bad, buddy! Lol! So, guess I am just commiserating with you but also really hopeful that you have success with your new surgeon! I can't wait to hear what he says!! Good luck- God knows you could use some! And a happy ending, too!! I am sending good vibes and light and all my hopes your way. ;)

Hi again, Lynne! Just a quick update. I saw my ps and he is going to do the scar revision on August 18th. I think he will only do the vertical section where the big hole was and also agreed to fix the lump- whatever it turns out to be. I am not thinking it will be a great finish but at least the husband is on board for a change. I will update my review with photos before I go. I am sorry the general surgeon didn't work out!!! :(

No, but I know of one in Melboune Florida. Dr Roxanne Guy. Excellent.

I am shocked Lynne. A medical mystery ? No you are a person who paid her money and trusted a surgeon. Looks like they are protecting each other. I had a wonderful ps who had the most amazing aftercare but I am in the UK. I don't know if he would give an opinion but I wonder if you put your situation on the Doctors question page if somebody might comment. I'm not sure if we are allowed to put on the names of our ps but mine was called Rizwan Alvi. He is based in Liverpool UK. Honestly don't know what else to suggest. At the risk of upsetting you, which I would never want to do what about contacting Terry Debore from that cosmetic surgery programme on tv. Xx

Is it possible you could be allergic to the temporary or permanent sutures. I read about a gal that was, her incision opened up like yours did. Doctor picked up on it right away and her second revision was finally successful. As for dr stoeckel, in no way shape or form is he gonna admit to any wrong doing. If you want an honest opinion,If it was me,id make sure hes board certified and get another opinion. I wouldn't mention names, id stay focused on goals and what I hope to accomplish. Yes, you'd have to pay out of pocket but at least there would be hope and light at the end of the tunnel. Sending prayers,follow your gut and good luck

The wound vac I wore for two weeks did not fix my issue. Yes, it closed the wound more, caused less drainage, but the fistula's (open wounds) continued. My 2nd PS found out that the issue was that 14-15 of my inside stiches had become infected. He said these would never have healed until he spent about an hour cleaning and removing the infected area's. P.S. My 9 month experience will be posted next week. Continued good luck to you Lynne.

Lynne, the saga continues. My PS' name is Dr. Jefferey Schreiber. He does a lot of corrections and would email/converse with you. Someone can fix your issues. It will require more diligence on your part. Sounds like you PS and colleagues are more concerned about their reputation than your care. There is definitely light at the end of the tunnel.

I have just read your entire journey in one sitting. I am so very sorry for all you have gone through. I cant even imagine. I am currently doing research for my own tummy tuck and this is the kind of stuff the makes me hesitate. If i were you, I would go see another surgeon that has no relation to your current one. You should go so you at least know what your future options are. I am sure you are both mentally and physically drained from dealing with this. I will say prayer for you tonight.