Despite all the hard work involved to reach your ideal target weight, there are some things that diet and exercise won’t affect, such as separated abdominal muscles or loose skin. As frustrating as this may be, at least abdominoplasty and other body contouring procedures offer a solution for these concerns.
But if your tummy tuck results don’t live up to your expectations, what can you do? Here are three signs that you might be a good candidate for tummy tuck revision surgery.
1. You Notice Irregular Contours
Muscle laxity following pregnancy and loose skin left behind after significant weight loss are the two primary reasons men and women pursue tummy tucks. During surgery, your surgeon can repair and tighten those muscles and then remove excess skin and tissue to reveal smoother, slimmer contours throughout the lower abdomen.
In some cases, though, your post-surgical silhouette may look uneven or may have too much fullness in the upper abdomen, typically due to an imbalance in skin tension after surgery. Choosing a highly skilled plastic surgeon with experience performing tummy tucks will minimize the chances of contour irregularity. Additionally, opting for a combination tummy tuck plus liposuction allows for more finesse during surgery, with the additional benefits of a drain-free tummy tuck.
2. Your Incision Looks Too High
When looking through before and after patient photos, you’re likely to see incision placements ranging from below the bikini line to about halfway between the navel and pubic area. Regardless of how well an incision may heal up after recovery, a more discreet initial placement is definitely preferable for most patients.
The primary abdominoplasty incision should run from hip to hip across the lowest part of the belly where it will be fully hidden by everyday clothing. More ideally, the incision should be placed well enough that the scar is not visible even if wearing underwear or a swim suit… including a bikini. If you feel your incision is placed too high or you’re unhappy with the appearance of your scar after healing, a tummy tuck revision may be able to help.
3. You’re Unhappy with Your New Navel
A poorly re-created belly button can be one of the telltale signs of having had a tummy tuck. A too-shallow navel may look odd and obviously surgical, while a misshapen one is often the result of too much tension in the skin, which pulls and distorts the new belly button. Placement of the navel can appear either too high or too low on the belly as well.
Belly button revision (the technical term is umbilicoplasty) may be performed without the need for a secondary abdominoplasty. This relatively minor surgery can make a very positive aesthetic impact on the overall results of an otherwise satisfactory tummy tuck, or can also serve as the finishing touch in combination with a full tummy revision.
Choose the Right Surgeon
As important as it is to find a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon for your initial tummy tuck, it’s even more critical for a revision surgery. Examine photos of prospective surgeons’ work to ensure that the results reflect the natural contours of the abdomen rather than looking unnaturally flat, and take note of incision placement and how the belly button looks. With careful consideration and the right surgeon, you can enjoy beautiful, natural results even if it’s the second time around.
Dr. Francesco Campanile is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is also fellowship trained in hand and microsurgery. Dr. Campanile knows that making a lasting change to your appearance is a big decision. His calm, professional approach and deep caring for his patients set a tone that will help you feel confident and relaxed while reviewing your options and learning all about the procedures that can benefit you. Request a consultation today to meet with Dr. Campanile in person.
