Botched Tummy Tuck (Signs of a bad tummy tuck)

How to Fix Botched Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck slims your waistline, flattens the tummy, and removes excess skin to create results you can’t get from diet and exercise alone.

But what happens if you’ve had a bad tummy tuck? Reconstructive surgery helps correct common tummy tuck complications, including nerve damage, excessive scarring, and uneven or asymmetrical results.

What To Do If You’ve Had a Bad Tummy Tuck
Being unsatisfied with plastic surgery results can be devastating. Many patients consider a tummy tuck after losing significant weight or giving birth to help achieve a smoother, tighter, and flatter stomach. When a patient is left with less than satisfactory results, or worse, a dangerous infection, it can feel hopeless.

Several patients who have undergone a botched tummy tuck at other practices have visited Ditesheim Cosmetic Surgery for revision surgery. Tummy tuck revisions are more complicated compared to initial tummy tuck procedures. Dr. Ditesheim combines a meticulous approach with a deep understanding of the unique challenges associated with tummy tuck revisions.

How Can a Botched Tummy Tuck Happen?
Botched plastic surgery can happen for several reasons, like lack of skills or experience, poor surgical technique, rushed procedures, miscommunication between the physician and patient, or unforeseen complications.

Signs of a Botched Tummy Tuck

Have you ever wondered how to tell if your tummy tuck was successful or not? If you’re worried that your tummy tuck hasn’t gone to plan, there are some obvious signs that something may be wrong. 

• The abdomen is misshapen, lumpy, or crooked.
• There is more scarring than expected.
• Extra flaps of skin, or “dog ears,” at the edges of the scar appear.
• Abdominal bulging after recovery.
• Cuts are taking longer than expected to heal.
• The scar is placed too high, making it difficult to hide.
• The position of the belly button is too high or low.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, consult Ditesheim Cosmetic Surgery for advice on the next steps.

What Happens During a Tummy Tuck Revision?|
During Surgery:

The surgery takes place at our state-of-the-art surgical center in Charlotte, NC. You’ll be put under general anesthesia to ensure you’re safe and comfortable during surgery. Dr. Ditesheim always attempts to use the same incision entry as your original procedure to avoid additional scarring. Sometimes, an additional smaller incision is needed to complete the revision. Depending on the case, the abdominal muscles may have to be tightened, and liposuction may be used to eliminate persistent fat from the abdominal area. Patients with “dog ears” usually require an excision of the loose skin to correct the issue.

After Surgery:
Swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the abdominal area following surgery are expected. Compression garments can help reduce these symptoms. Most patients can return to work within two weeks, but you should avoid strenuous activities like exercise for six weeks.

Dr. Ditesheim is always available and will closely monitor your recovery in the weeks and months following surgery.

When it comes to cosmetic surgery, things aren’t always as simple as they seem. Procedures like the tummy tuck might sound like a golden ticket for anyone interested in a flat and firm midsection, but unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. There are a few factors that may indicate you’d be better off skipping an abdominoplasty until later.

1. You’re Losing Weight

Wait—isn’t the point of the tummy tuck to get rid of fat?

Well, no. The benefits of a tummy tuck focus on reduction of loose skin around your tummy and tightening of your abdominal muscles. Abdominoplasty isn’t for weight loss, and surgeons recommend that you reach your goal weight before any plastic surgery.

2. Your Family Isn’t Complete

While post-pregnancy is one of the most common times to consider a tummy tuck, step back for a second and consider whether more kids are in your future. The results of a tummy tuck can be undone by future pregnancies. If you’re planning on having more children, you might want to save the tuck until your family is complete.

3. You Have Unrealistic Expectations

Keeping realistic expectations is good advice for any cosmetic surgery patient. Expecting perfection is the quickest way to get results that leave you unsatisfied. For example, while a tummy tuck can create a firm and defined midsection when standing up, it’s virtually impossible to prevent rolls from appearing when you scrunch your stomach and bend forward.

4. You’re in Poor Health

A tummy tuck may be cosmetic, but it’s still surgery. For your safety and the best possible results, make sure that you’re healthy and prepared to undergo your procedure. This may mean following pre-surgery instructions from your doctor, including getting more exercise and quitting smoking.

Tummy Tuck Revision in Charlotte

When a previous abdominoplasty yields poor results, many patients turn to Dr. Ditesheim, a North Carolina board-certified plastic surgeon, for tummy tuck revision surgery. You don’t have to live with a botched tummy tuck.

Book your initial consultation for tummy tuck revision surgery at our Charlotte office today.