Tummy Tuck RevisionServing Seattle & Tacoma

Tummy Tuck Revision Seattle & Tacoma

Abdominoplasty surgery—also known as a tummy tuck—is one of the most popular plastic surgeries in the United States. While the vast majority of patients see great results, there is a small subset that will end up with botched or less-than-ideal results. Occasionally, this is simply a fluke or due to a complication. Also, patients who go outside of the U.S. are also more likely to have complications or a bad result when they return. Thankfully, in many cases, an unsatisfactory result can be resolved by an experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Craig Jonov at Seattle Plastic Surgery offers the best tummy tuck revision Seattle and Tacoma provide.

Overview: Tummy Tuck Surgery

An initial tummy tuck procedure tends to have two main goals. First, remove extra skin on the abdomen. Second, repair separated abdominal muscles, a condition known as diastasis recti. To facilitate these two goals, a plastic surgeon makes a hip-to-hip incision. The surgeon tightens the muscles, removes extra skin, and pulls the skin tight. Not every patient will have diastasis recti, but it is quite common in tummy tuck patients.

Reasons For Revision

There are many possible reasons that a patient may seek a tummy tuck revision. Some of the common reasons that tummy tucks fail or need revising include:

• Not enough skin removed
• Inadequate fat removed
• Failure of muscle plication
• Scarring incorrectly placed (usually too high)
• Weight gain after surgery
• Significant weight loss after surgery
• Pregnancy after a tummy tuck
• Belly button distortion
• Bulging of the upper abdomen
• Uneven body proportions (usually above or below the surgical area)
• Fluid collection that requires surgical repair

Many of these factors can be avoided by thorough patient screening at a consultation. For example, a patient should not be actively trying to get pregnant or plan on having any children. If they are, it is best to wait until the patient is done having kids. This is because pregnancy will likely reverse tummy tuck results.

Also, if a patient is losing weight, they should be within about twenty pounds of their goal or ideal weight. While future weight loss can help the results of a tummy tuck, it can also cause more flabby skin to appear. Thus, you should be close to reaching your goal before undergoing tummy tuck surgery.

However, even under the best circumstances, botched tummy tucks still happen. In many cases, Dr. Jonov will recommend going back to the surgeon who originally performed your surgery. If you feel uncomfortable, they are no longer in practice, or it is simply not practical, Dr. Jonov and Seattle Plastic Surgery will gladly evaluate you for a revision tummy tuck.

Benefits

Considering having to undergo a revision surgery can be distressing, the benefits of the surgery are often exceptionally fulfilling after surgery. Some of the possible benefits include:

• Address additional loose skin
• Reposition the tummy tuck incision
• Remove stubborn, excess fat deposits
• Reshape or resize the belly button
• Fix failed muscle plication
• Less recovery than initial procedure (common, but not always the case)
• Improved aesthetics
• Reduce the appearance of the scar

These are only some of the possible benefits of a tummy tuck revision. Patients will likely see other benefits based on their specific procedure.

Other Procedures Sometimes Part Of Tummy Tuck Revision Surgery

A tummy tuck revision is not a straightforward procedure and may look different for every patient. For some, it may involve redoing the entire abdominoplasty. However, for others, it may involve only a tiny incision for an optimal aesthetic result. Therefore, several possible surgical procedures could be part of your abdominoplasty revision surgery.

Liposuction

Not all surgeons perform liposuction with a tummy tuck, or simply not enough fat was removed. In many of these cases, liposuction will resolve the problem. Liposuction can also help address uneven results. It may also supplement other procedures part of your tummy tuck revision surgery.

Scar Revision

Sometimes it is not the overall results of the abdominoplasty that is not ideal, but the incision. Inexperienced surgeons may place the incision too high or an incision may heal poorly for several reasons. Certain people are more predisposed to poor healing such as smokers. Thus, these patients are often told not to undergo tummy tucks for this reason.

If a tummy tuck scar revision is necessary, Dr. Jonov may remove the original scar. This involves moving it further down the abdomen so that it is below the panty line. Other times, they may address a poorly healed scar by removing scar tissue and restitching the incision. They use specialized techniques to promote less external scarring.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck—or a tummy tuck with a smaller incision—can sometimes resolve issues after a traditional tummy tuck. For example, if a small amount of skin was left behind, a mini tummy tuck can remove it without adding too much scarring or having to redo the entire procedure.

Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck

Conversely, there are times when a plastic surgeon may perform the wrong procedure. If a patient needs a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck and undergoes a traditional tummy tuck, the results will not be ideal. This is because not enough excess skin is removed. If the patient is not adequately prepped, it can lead to the patient ultimately being unhappy with the result. In these cases, Dr. Jonov may recommend performing a more extensive tummy tuck such as fleur-de-lis or extended tummy tuck.

Belly Button Reshaping

Creating a natural-looking belly button and positioning it correctly on the abdomen takes practice and skill. Like with the main incision, a belly button may also not heal adequately. Regardless, occasionally, the belly button needs reshaped, resized, or repositioned. This is sometimes part of a tummy tuck revision, or the entire procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long After A Tummy Tuck Can You Get A Revision?

Patients should wait at least one year before undergoing a plastic surgery revision. This is because healing can take several months the fully settle and heal. While you may see amazing results after three months, results are not considered final until a year after surgery. Sometimes it may be even longer for certain patients with conditions that cause slower healing.

Thus, you should not consider undergoing a revision tummy tuck until one year after surgery. Though, if you have concerns about your results, it is always prudent to seek the advice of your surgeon. Then, seek out other opinions if you believe it necessary.

Can Tummy Tuck Revision Be Performed Under Local Anesthesia?

It depends on the extent of the surgery. For smaller scar revisions or belly button revisions, it may be possible to perform them under local anesthesia. Anything that involves larger incisions or extensive liposuction will likely require general anesthesia. Dr. Jonov can discuss this with you during your consultation.

Will Insurance Cover A Botched Tummy Tuck?

No, even if your insurance covered your original surgery—which is rare for tummy tucks—it is unlikely they will cover a revision surgery. At Seattle Plastic Surgery, we do not accept insurance for most procedures. However, we do work with outside financing companies that can work with your budget. You can find more information on our financing page.

What Can I Expect From A Recovery?

Unless undergoing a procedure such as a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck or having muscle plication redone, recovery from a revision is often easier. However, this will differ for each patient based on their needs. 

You will need time off work and likely will have similar restrictions to the original surgery. This may include:

• Avoiding strenuous exercise
• Limit tension on the abdomen and incisions
• Stay bent at a 90-degree angle
• Avoid moist environments
• Wear loose clothing
• Eat well and stay hydrated
• Take prescriptions as prescribed
• Only take prescription pain medications if needed
• Do not return to activities before cleared by Dr. Jonov
• Use caution when bathing and do not bathe until cleared to do so
• Limit sun exposure

How Much Does A Tummy Tuck Revision Cost?

The exact cost of a tummy tuck revision surgery is difficult to calculate because it varies widely based on the patient’s needs. If a larger revision is needed, you can expect it to be similar in cost to your original surgery. For smaller scale revisions, it may be significantly less. Also, if you can return to your original surgeon, they are most likely going to give you the best deal.

If that is not possible though, Seattle Plastic Surgery can accommodate. Upon consultation with Dr. Jonov, you will receive a customized price quote. You can also use Price Simulator to help estimate the potential cost.

The Best Tummy Tuck Revision In Seattle By Dr. Craig Jonov

Dr. Craig Jonov is a talented and accomplished plastic surgeon who serves the Seattle and Tacoma areas. He specializes in plastic surgery of the breast, body, and face. Having performed hundreds of tummy tuck surgeries and being frequently recognized in the media, Dr. Jonov is one of the leading plastic surgeons in Seattle. Dr. Jonov provides the best tummy tuck revision Seattle and Tacoma offer.

Seattle Plastic Surgery is an elite plastic surgery practice in Seattle, WA. Located in the First Hill neighborhood, Seattle Plastic Surgery has been a staple in the city for over two decades. Treating all patients like celebrities, Seattle Plastic Surgery is the top destination for tummy tuck revision in the Seattle area.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call Seattle Plastic Surgery at 206-324-1120. You can also reach out to us online using our Price Simulator app, chat, and contact form.