Abdominoplasty, frequently referred to as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to tighten weakened abdominal muscles and reduce excess skin and fat, often caused by aging or considerable weight fluctuations. While most patients are delighted with the outcome of this transformative body contouring procedure, unfortunately, in some instances, patients may be disappointed with their results.
Although it can be very discouraging due to the time and money invested in the procedure, if you are unhappy with the outcome of your tummy tuck, it is important to assess your expectations, be patient, and discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.
First of all, in order to prevent disappointment, it is crucial to ensure that you have realistic expectations before undergoing a tummy tuck. While this procedure can improve skin tightness and repair separated abdominal muscles, as with any procedure, there are certain limitations. Stretch marks may still be visible after surgery and intra-abdominal or visceral fat is not removed with a tummy tuck.During your consultation, you may realize that your goals for the procedure are unrealistic. Before proceeding, it is important that you feel you will be satisfied with the anticipated outcome described by your surgeon and you understand the limitations of your skin and anatomy.
If, however, after undergoing the procedure, you are dissatisfied with the results, it is necessary to reassess and potentially adjust your expectations. Although revision surgery may be an option, to avoid further disappointment, be sure that your goals can reasonably be met and understand that the goal of the surgery is improvement, not perfection.
Although waiting to see your exciting, new shape is hard, it is necessary to be patient following a tummy tuck. For the first several months, residual swelling will make it difficult to gauge the final result. Similarly, any resulting scars will be quite visible in the first few months and may not initially heal symmetrically.
Thus, it is important not to judge the results too quickly – over time the swelling will subside, and the scars will fade and even out. Unless complications occur, it is important to allow your body time to heal before considering revision surgery. If after six months to a year you do not see a visible improvement, you may wish to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.
If you are disappointed with your abdominoplasty results but still have confidence in your surgeon, it is important to express your concerns during your follow up appointments. Your surgeon will be familiar with your case and will want to work with you to ensure you are satisfied, provided that your objective is attainable.
If you no longer feel that you can trust the surgeon who performed your primary tummy tuck, you may wish to consult with a second board-certified surgeon who is experienced with revision abdominoplasty. Either way, it is crucial to openly discuss your concerns, goals for the next procedure, and potential risks of a second surgery.
If you are unhappy with the results of your primary procedure, please contact our clinic to schedule a consultation with one of our board certified plastic surgeons who will listen to your concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan in order to help you achieve the outcome you were looking for the first time.
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