A tummy tuck revision surgery is a procedure to correct and improve the contour of the abdomen following complications and unwanted side effects from a past tummy tuck surgery (Abdominoplasty). If you are considering a tummy tuck revision, here are some guidelines for you to help consider whether it is necessary or not. It can be necessary in the following cases:
Tummy tuck revision or second Post Pregnancy Procedures makeover (abdominoplasty and breast augmentation) is a procedure to make the abdomen thinner and firm. The surgical procedure involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the muscles and fascia of the abdominal wall as necessary. This procedure can provide a solution for patients with loose or sagging tissues following pregnancy or major weight loss.
This surgery can also provide an improvement in core strength, skin laxity, abdominal contour, as well as correct separated abdominal muscles, diastasis recti surgery. Learn more about the benefits of tummy tuck surgery.
The common reasons patient opt for a revision are:
A revision surgery is more difficult to perform than the original procedure. It is important to book a consultation with an experienced specialist plastic surgeon who performs this surgery regularly.
Tummy tuck dog ears are a fairly common side effect of tummy tuck surgery. As the name suggests, they are a fold of skin that develops on the scar. They are normal, and the “puckering” will lessen as swelling reduces, usually within six to nine months. Occasionally, the dog ears may not go away and require excision.
Dog ears is an unfavourable side effect, but you can avoid them by addressing the problem at the source: excess fat. If you undergo surgery when you are overweight, your chance of getting dog ear scars is increased. Being close to your ideal weight is a good way of avoiding them. In cases where you have excess fat, tightening the skin to close the incision can cause the sides to become full. The result is a “dog ear” scar that appears puffy on the ends. Revision surgery for a small adjustment like dog ears can perform under local anaesthesia at the clinic. You will need to wait a few months before you can have this corrective procedure. This is usually 3 months after your initial procedure, once swelling has gone down. Afterwards, you will not need to deal with drains.
The outcome of revision can be seen once bruising, swelling and scars have settled. A Dog Ear Revision recovery time depends on several factors, including the deformity, extent of skin laxity, and the amount of excess tissue. The average dog ear revision takes about an hour to complete. A full recovery is typically only one to two weeks. It is important to remember that the scar will remain for about six months, but this can be reduced over time with scar creams. Typically, the incision line is close to perfect after the revision procedure.
For more information on Tummy Tuck Surgery with Dr Doyle, download our free procedure guide. Learn about the procedure, recovery, see real patient photos and get answers to commonly asked questions.
You should postpone your surgery if you are:
If you choose to proceed with the surgery, a blood test, ECG and X-ray may need to evaluate your fitness for the surgery. If you are on certain medications that may interfere with the surgery process and in particular blood thinners, Dr may ask you to stop them a few days or weeks before surgery.
As with any surgical procedure, tummy tuck recovery period is dependent upon multiple factors including the following:
Some routine things you need to care of as you heal after surgery:
Drug allergy and hypersensitivity are common side effects following anesthetic drug administration.
Bleeding during and after surgery may occur. If there is soakage of dressings or an abnormally large collection of blood in the drain, then you should immediately consult with Dr Doyle.
During the procedure, surrounding structures such as blood vessels, and nerves may get injured.
You should discuss the side effects with Dr Doyle in detail to avoid any serious complications. It is necessary to note that almost all the complications and side effects of an abdominoplasty can be avoided by selecting a highly skilled specialist surgeon to perform the procedure. Book a consultation with our specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Mark Doyle today.
There is no limit on the number of surgery you can undergo if you meet all the requirements and are surgically fit for the procedure. Ideally, abdominoplasty is only performed once on a patient. Abdominoplasty benefits can be lost following weight gain or pregnancy. Revision can re-establish those benefits by removing excess skin, fats and retightening the abdominal muscle. It is best to discuss your concerns with Dr Doyle.
Abdominoplasty performs to get a flatter and firmer midsection but it is not a procedure for weight loss. A healthy diet and consistent exercise will ensure you maintain your current transformed tummy. The procedure has a good outcome, but the result can be compromised if the patient gains weight or has children following the procedure.
There are several reasons for a big stomach after surgery. It can be due to visceral fat (fat in internal organs). If you just had surgery, it certainly can be from swelling, which could occur unevenly in the earlier phase of healing. It can also be a seroma (collection of fluid under the skin), most often at the surgical incision site. An examination and some investigations may be needed for further evaluation.
Results can last forever as removed skin and fat cells can not grow back and the muscle tightened should not need further surgical correction. However, significant weight gain and loss, and pregnancy can cause the skin to lose elasticity and become lax again. Weight gain also causes fat cells to grow larger which will affect the final result of the surgery. To ensure long-lasting aesthetic results, it is essential to maintain a stable weight, follow a healthy diet and exercise consistently.
Dr Mark Doyle is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over thirty years of experience performing Breast, Body, Face and Nose surgery. Dr Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with 30+ years of experience. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are absolutely NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons in our clinic.
As a highly esteemed plastic surgeon, Dr Mark is committed to achieving the best possible results for all his breast, body, face and nose patients, both men and women.