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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews

32 Years Old with 1 Child - Raleigh, NC

UPDATED FROM mbrid010
6 months post

Not what I expected??????????

M
mbrid010
$8,500
I'm about 6 months post op and I'm unhappy. I knew what to expect going in and did tons of research. Unfortunately I am not a success story. I still have a bulge above my belly button and excess fat on the sides/front. I know the healing process takes time but I should at least look like I had work done besides the scar. I really feel like I wasted my money and went through all the pain for nothing. At this point I don't know what to do and I keep beating myself up for deciding to go through with the surgery. Anyone else go through the regret phase? And if you did what did you do? I need advice b/c I'm upset and unhappy with my results. Going to post a picture of me and my front roll that remains after surgery.

mbrid010's provider

Christopher J. Morea, MD

Christopher J. Morea, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 272 Reviews
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Replies (3)

V
July 1, 2016
Could this be a hernia? I'm so sorry you've had to go through this. Unfortunately, while nothing is guaranteed in life, it might be time to take action. Have a partially-redone surgery under local anesthetic sounds comfortable from what you described, not to mention traumatizing. Though the MD tried to fix it, you're now more traumatized and upset with the results... and it's quite an expensive procedure. I've never had the finances to do it myself, but to mention the stories, risk of infection and the scarring are very intimidating. I don't heal well and I dint have a good super system. With that being said, you need to stand up for yourself. That was your hard earned money. You sacrificed to have the procedure done and to have it done right? Was an ultrasound ever done? Maybe start there. If something is wrong, there's more for your case. I would think that a good doctor would want to look out for a patient's best interest and take a closer look, versus cutting costs (I can only assume why local anesthetic was used unless full anesthesia was deemed unnecessary and that that was why an ultrasound was not performed?). That's what I would do anyway, and I believe medical malpractice suits typically have a 2 year statute of limitations in most states. Taking action teaches people and people in positions of power that they can't take advantage of people that aren't familiar with the law or likely to stand up for themselves. I could be jumping the gun here not having all of the information, but it doesn't sound or look right. An attorney might take your case on a contingency basis only... if the case is won, they get a percentage of what's awarded to you. Of course, that's if they think you have a case. You can get free consultations over the phone, or in person, usually for 30 min. If you're unhappy, it's with a shot. I would Also see if this surgeon has any pending legal judgements against him. You can usually find out looking around online. I hope some of this helps! Agsin, I'm so very sorry this happened to you and thank you for your service. You're so very brave! You deserve better than this kind of treatment in my opinion!
V
July 1, 2016
*Sorry for all the typos, lol
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O
December 15, 2016
How's it going now? Did you require another surgery?
M
December 15, 2016
I will require another surgery; however, I haven't had it yet. I have to go back to my PS when I can fit it in and he will determine what type of procedure it will be. So I still have the bulge but don't have the time available to be out of work.
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O
December 16, 2016
Did the ps determine what caused it? I have a similar issue and go back to my ps next month. Had a sono and is scar tissue from a seroma.
M
December 16, 2016
No they still aren't sure what it is. I don't really scar badly so thinking that's not it. I guess we will find out for sure once I go back under the knife.
G
January 7, 2018
Hi my friend, I’m so sorry that happened to you. I just had my tt done 2 weeks ago and I think I have the same problem with my belly bottom. I feel probably exactly the way you felt. I’m going to try to see other doctors to see if I can get this fix. I hope you the best and just keep looking forward. Blessings :).
UPDATED FROM mbrid010
5 months post

5 month post op

M
mbrid010
Well it has been about 5 months since my initial surgery and 1 month since having additional lipo with added sutures. Sadly I still have a bulge above my belly button and not flat at all. The bulge is somewhat smaller than it was prior to getting additional work done but it's still there. Needless to say I'm unhappy with my results and regret spending 8500 on it. My PS says he thinks it's just swelling and will go down. Unfortunately I am not as optimistic as him. I really feel like I will have to get a revision and it's not something I'm looking forward to.

Replies (0)

UPDATED FROM mbrid010
4 months post

Revision with lipo and additional sutures

M
mbrid010

Replies (1)

N
April 26, 2016
Yeah--I definitely see it and why you are unhappy. Did he say what he thinks it is? Fat? skin? muscle? Humph.
M
April 26, 2016
I am unhappy b/c the bulge is still there, and I will probably be going for revision #2. He thought it was fat which is why he did the touch up lipo and added a couple of internal sutures. Unfortunately that did not work and I'm concerned now. It is a hard bump that isn't directly under the skin and that makes me think it will require major surgery again.
N
April 26, 2016
Ugh, I hear you, I would feel the same way. He does seem to be a very good surgeon so hopefully he can fix the bulge and you will end up with a beautiful result, like you expected. Remember, it is just a bump in the road and not the end of the road. Best of luck!! (I do understand how you feel though, it sucks having to think about a revision).