Today, as long as you choose the right plastic surgeon for your primary tummy tuck, there’s typically little need to even think about tummy tuck revision or tummy tuck scar revision. The majority of surgeries go off without a hitch and patients are very happy with their results.
If you are concerned about wanting a revision after your tummy tuck procedure, however, or if you already know you want a second surgery and are simply looking into the surgery, read on. Below, we’ve outlined the main reasons someone might get one and how to go about it.
Why Might Someone Consider a Tummy Tuck Revision?
Poor Scarring
Some patients who get a tummy tuck may consider a revision afterward if they experience poor scarring after the initial surgery. This could happen due to factors like slow healing, infection, or individual differences in how scars form. Take a look at tummy tuck scar revision before and after photos for examples of how this may look.
Visible Scar
While tummy tucks usually result in a lower abdominal scar that can be hidden by clothing, some patients may find their scar more visible than expected. This can be due to the scar being placed higher than anticipated or healing unfavorably. A revision surgery can potentially lower or improve the scar appearance in this case.
Excess Skin or Fat Left Over
In some cases, a tummy tuck may leave behind excess skin or fat, which can be frustrating for patients who expected a completely flat abdomen. This issue can occur due to poor surgical technique or simply because of poor healing complications.
Uneven Plastic Surgery Results
Patients may be disappointed with uneven results after a tummy tuck. This might include complete asymmetry or uneven contours. This issue can happen if one side heals differently than the other or if fat or skin is not removed evenly. A revision can correct these irregularities to achieve more symmetrical results.
Distorted Belly Button
Sometimes, a previous body contouring procedure can lead to a distorted or unnatural-looking belly button. The belly button is repositioned during the procedure, and occasionally, the final appearance may not meet the patient’s expectations. An umbilical scar revision with a second tummy tuck can reshape or reposition the belly button for a more natural look.
Unhappy with New Contours
Even if the surgery is technically successful, some patients may find that the new contours of their abdomen are not what they envisioned. Whether the abdomen looks too flat, too tight, or not as toned as expected, a tummy tuck revision can help adjust the contours for a better outcome.
What to Do if You Know You Want Revision Surgery
If you’re unhappy with the results of your initial tummy tuck, it’s important to first give your body time to fully heal. It can take up to a year for swelling to completely subside and for you to see the final results of your surgery.
Contact Your Original Surgeon
Once this time has passed and you’re still unsatisfied, consider contacting your original surgeon. They may offer solutions or be willing to perform a revision surgery at a reduced tummy tuck revision cost.
Or, Contact a New Surgeon
However, if you’ve lost confidence in your original surgeon, it’s critical to do your research before choosing someone new for your revision tummy tuck procedure. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in revision tummy tuck surgeries. Board certification ensures that the surgeon has passed rigorous oral and written exams and meets high safety and ethical standards.
Check for Experience
Make sure the surgeon you choose also has experience specifically with tummy tuck revisions. Once you’ve chosen a surgeon, clearly communicate your renewed goals and expectations to ensure both you and your surgeon are aligned on your desired outcome.
Understanding and Treating Tummy Tuck Scars
Why Tummy Tuck Scars Happen
Tummy tuck scar concerns are common after abdominoplasty. Whether you’re dealing with a full tummy tuck scar or a mini tummy tuck scar, understanding how tummy tuck scars form and how tummy tuck incisions heal is key to improving scar visibility and long-term satisfaction.
When Scar Revision Surgery Is Needed
The healing process varies from patient to patient, but most tummy tuck scars follow a predictable pattern. In cases where the scar does not fade as expected, scar revision surgery may be recommended. This surgical intervention can significantly improve the appearance of a tuck scar by removing scar tissue and correcting issues caused by previous surgery.
Non-Surgical Scar Treatments
Scar revision is not always necessary, but for some patients, a scar revision procedure may provide the best outcome. Surgical scar revision is a more intensive form of treatment, while less invasive options like laser skin resurfacing treatments, silicone gel sheets, and topical treatments can also help minimize scarring. In particular, laaser skin resurfacing and steroid injections are often used to address early signs of hypertrophic scarring or keloids.
Combination Approaches to Improve Tuck Scars
If you’ve had a mini tummy tuck or full tummy tuck and are unhappy with your tuck scar, a combination of treatments may be ideal. Topical treatments and scar massage can improve skin texture and reduce discoloration. Steroid injections are especially effective when there is raised scar tissue. If you’re considering more extensive correction, scar revision surgery treat deep or wide scars that topical methods cannot fix.
Cost and Candidacy for Scar Revision
For many patients, scar revision cost is a consideration. However, it’s important to weigh that against the potential benefits of improving the results of your previous abdominoplasty. In some cases, scar revision can be performed using the original tummy tuck incisions, reducing the need for new scarring.
Final Thoughts on Healing and Results
A tummy tuck scar that is wide, raised, or discolored can be emotionally distressing, especially after the investment of a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and tighten abdominal muscle. Fortunately, options like skin resurfacing treatments, steroid injections, and even surgical scar revision are available. For patients wondering, “Can scar revision surgery help me?” The answer depends on the nature of the scar and the treatments previously tried.
If the healing process from your original tuck scar didn’t go as planned, consulting with a specialist is the next step. Whether you’re dealing with a full tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck scar, scar revision surgery may restore your confidence and refine the results of your original procedure.
Tummy Tuck Scar Revision FAQ
Is tummy tuck revision painful?
During your tummy tuck revision recovery, you will likely experience some pain and discomfort. This is typical with all plastic surgery procedures. However, during the actual tummy tuck revision procedures, no, you should not feel any pain.
Can a tummy tuck revision use the same incision sites?
In many cases, a tummy tuck revision can use the same incision sites as the previous tummy tuck. This allows the surgeon to minimize additional scarring. However, depending on the nature of the revision, new incisions may be necessary to achieve the desired tummy tuck revision results, especially if there’s significant excess skin or other structural issues.
Can I undergo a second tummy tuck surgery after several years?
Yes, many patients can safely undergo a second tummy tuck surgery, even after several years. Changes in weight, pregnancy, or the natural aging process can alter the results of the original procedure, making a revision or second tummy tuck necessary. Your surgeon will assess your health and skin condition to determine if you’re a good candidate.
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Yes, it’s possible to get pregnant after a tummy tuck, but it’s generally recommended to complete your family before undergoing this surgery. Pregnancy can stretch the abdominal muscles and skin, potentially reversing some of the benefits of the tummy tuck. If you do become pregnant, a revision may be needed to restore your results.
Request a Consultation with Dr. Mason
Planning on getting a tummy tuck in Las Vegas? If you are unhappy with the tummy tuck results or tummy tuck scars from your initial procedure, abdominoplasty revision may be the best solution for you. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rachel Mason performs tummy tuck revision surgery (and initial tummy tuck procedures) at her Las Vegas practice.
Contact us today to schedule a tummy tuck revision consultation with Dr. Mason and find out if you’re a good candidate for this surgery.