Tummy tuck surgery tends to be one of the most satisfying procedures in all of cosmetic surgery, because it has such a transformative effect. However, there are some cases in which patients are not satisfied with their outcomes. I often treat patients who have gotten a tummy tuck elsewhere, who come to my practice in Fort Lauderdale to find out whether they need a revision procedure. If you are thinking about a tummy tuck revision, below are a few guidelines I provide my patients with to help consider whether surgical correction for a tummy tuck is necessary or not.

First, Wait It Out

The day-to-day recovery process from any surgical procedure can sometimes feel like a series of two steps forward, one step back. In other words, progress can seem slow, as tummy tuck swelling and redness subside and the scars begin to fade. In many cases, what seems like a negative result from surgery may simply be the body going through its natural healing process. I suggest patients wait at least one year before making any final judgments of your tummy tuck surgery.

However, in the event of a major postoperative deformity, you can shorten the wait time to a minimum of six months. Giving the body enough time to recuperate before a second surgical procedure.

What’s Left Over: Fat or Skin?

If you remain dissatisfied with your results after waiting and fully healing, it’s time to examine why. Some common reasons for tummy tuck revision include inadequate skin or tissue removal, residual fat deposits, or fatty bulges that develop in the midsection. As a licensed and qualified plastic surgeon in Fort Lauderdale, I can excise remaining skin, and I can perform liposuction during your tummy tuck revision to safeguard against the recurrence of unwanted fat. Some patients may just need liposuction alone. You can schedule a free consultation to determine what is causing the contour issues so we can find the right solution for your surgical procedure.

Tummy Tuck Before and After Photos

Our Fort Lauderdale patients typically undergo liposuction in conjunction with a tummy tuck to properly shape the flanks and upper abdomen. This process leads to a smoother, more even distribution of fat. In the case of a more extensive, circumferential abdominoplasty, liposuction in the torso, flanks, and upper back are essential for a beautiful result. Here you can find results and tummy tuck before and after photos.

Belly Button Distortion

Patients often consider tummy tuck revision when the umbilicus, or belly button, heals in an unnatural looking way. In some cases, it becomes very small after surgery; other patients report an elongated slit or a stretched-out look.

The belly button can be reshaped through tummy tuck revision; however, sometimes it can be addressed on its own through umbilicoplasty, or belly button revision surgery. If the look of the belly button is the only aspect of your results that you’re unhappy with, you may want to consider umbilicoplasty instead, as it’s a much simpler procedure than a full tummy tuck, with a much quicker recovery time.

To learn more about tummy tuck revision, I invite you to check out Zoran Potparic, MD on RealSelf. I have answered many questions about tummy tuck surgery on this popular plastic surgery forum.

Article updated on November 12, 2019.

Infographic added to the page in February 2021.

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