A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is an incredibly popular cosmetic surgery treatment that targets one of the areas of the body that causes us to feel most self-conscious – the abdomen. Tummy tuck surgery can be carried out for many reasons, but it is most commonly seen following significant weight loss or after a patient has had a baby when they want to see excess skin and fat removed and be rewarded with a smoother, tighter, and flatter stomach.
There are countless surgeons that offer tummy tuck procedures. However, not all surgeons have the same level of competency and experience, and in rare cases, this can lead to a bad tummy tuck.
What are the signs of a bad tummy tuck?
The following are some of the most common signs of a bad tummy tuck:
You are unhappy with the shape of your abdomen
A great tummy tuck should leave you with smoother, slimmer abdominal contours. However, in a bad tummy tuck, patients may find that their post-surgical silhouette is not what they desired. Uneven shapes and lopsided contours are common complaints. Some patients experience unnatural fullness in the upper abdomen, which typically occurs as the result of an imbalance in skin tension following surgery. In such cases, you may need revision surgery to correct the issues and help you to achieve the smooth, tight contours that you hoped for.
You are unhappy with the position or look of your navel
In most instances, a surgeon will need to reposition your navel following your tummy tuck procedure. If this is done poorly, it can have an impact on the overall appearance of your new abdomen. Some of the issues that a patient may experience with their navel include:
- It being positioned too high
- It is positioned too low
- It is lopsided
- The navel is too shallow or misshapen
Fortunately, navel revision can usually be carried out without the need for a secondary abdominoplasty.
The scar is too high
Discretion is everything when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Ideally, tummy tuck incisions should be low enough to be able to be hidden by underwear. Whilst most surgeons will do everything that they can to minimize scarring, a less skilled one may leave you with an incision that is too high and therefore very obvious. If you are unhappy with the placement or appearance of your scar, a tummy tuck revision may be able to address this issue.
What can I do if I have had a bad tummy tuck?
If you believe you have had a bad tummy tuck and you are unhappy with the appearance of your new abdomen, you may wish to consider tummy tuck revision surgery. As its name suggests, it is a secondary procedure carried out with the aim of addressing any concerns that you have with your post-surgical appearance and helping you to realize your true goals.
There are many cosmetic surgeons who specialize in revision surgeries. They understand what can go wrong in a bad tummy tuck and know how to make the necessary changes to eliminate the unsatisfactory effects and enable you to achieve the look you desire.
How can I avoid a bad tummy tuck?
Patients should be keen to avoid any bad experiences irrespective of the type of surgery that they choose. You can avoid a bad tummy tuck by taking extra special care when selecting the surgeon that you wish to carry out the procedure. Research them thoroughly, checking their credentials and experience. Look at their reviews and when you visit them, ask to see examples of their work and real client testimonials. Any good cosmetic surgeon will be happy to show off their skills in this way.
Another way to avoid a bad tummy tuck is to take responsibility for the preparation for and recovery after your procedure. Your surgeon will give you some very specific instructions to follow, and it is imperative that you do exactly what is asked of you. This is because adhering to the instructions will minimize your risk of complications and make a positive outcome more likely. They could include guidance on giving up smoking, stopping specific medications, abstaining from alcohol, and advice on how long you will need to take off from work following your procedure.
For more information on tummy tuck revision surgery, don’t hesitate to speak to our discreet and knowledgeable cosmetic surgery team.
