Revision Tummy Tuck
Tummy Tuck Revision (abdominoplasty revision) is a very gratifying procedure for patients treated by Dr. James Long, MD, a Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon. When a patient has undergone a Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) elsewhere and hasn’t achieved the results they desire, it can be a very disappointing and frustrating situation. For these patients, Tummy Tuck Revision (abdominoplasty revision) has been very effective.
Tummy Tuck Revision FAQ:
How is Tummy Tuck Revision performed by Dr. James Long?
Dr. James Long performs Tummy Tuck Revision (abdominoplasty revision) using the principles of the Brazilian Tummy Tuck (lipo-abdominoplasty). By performing thorough liposuction, very strong muscle tightening, and addressing the asymmetries and other issues, a Tummy Tuck revision (abdominoplasty revision) by Dr. Long delivers outstanding results that are reflected in Dr. Long’s impressive level of patient satisfaction.
Who is a candidate for Tummy Tuck Revision (abdominoplasty revision) with Dr. Long?
Patients are usually candidates for Tummy Tuck revision (abdominoplasty revision) if they have:
Belly button (umbilicus) distortion: There are many ways in which the umbilicus can be distorted with a Tummy Tuck. Some of the changes that can occur after surgery are the following:
Belly button shrinkage (stenosis). This occurs when the umbilicus gets very small after surgery.
Enlarged belly button: When the size of the belly button is too large causing an cosmetically unpleasant enlarged appearance.
Elongated belly button look. This results when the vertical pull of the skin causes the shape of the belly button to change from a round to an elliptical and elongated shape.
Conspicuous scar around the belly button.
Scar revision: when the appearance of the Tummy Tuck scar is unpleasant. There are certain surgical scar revision maneuvers that Dr. James Long, MD can do to make the scar look much better. Some of the common causes of Tummy Tuck Revision (abdominoplasty revision) regarding scar revision are:
Scar thickening and malposition
Scar lies high in the abdomen (thus, preventing you of being able to wear clothes as low as you might want.
Asymmetric scar (one side can be higher than the other side, which can also compromise the look and the clothes that you might want to wear.)
Residual deformities. Some of the most common residual deformities after a Tummy Tuck are the following:
Dog-ears: Dog-ears can be common if the amount of tissue removal is inadequate at the time of closing the scar on the sides. A dog-ear is the result of a significant lack of soft tissue excision, which allows the tissue to bunch on the sides.
Residual fat deposits: The most common areas that require revision after surgery is the mons pubis and the flanks. This is usually evident in patients that undergo traditional Tummy Tuck (classic abdominoplasty) when a Brazilian Tummy Tuck (lipo-abdominoplasty) was indicated. If liposuction is not performed in these areas, you will have a flat abdomen but an unsightly bulginess that will be aesthetically unpleasant. In addition, the flanks require extensive liposuction to diminish the waistline and avoid excessive fat bulginess.
Inadequate tissue removal
Epigastric bulging: Insufficient suturing of the abdominal wall muscles above the belly button (diastasis of the recti repair) can give you bulginess in this area that affects your abdomen negatively.
Unsatisfactory overall Tummy Tuck appearance
What is to expect during a Tummy Tuck Revision?
You will undergo surgery under general anesthesia. The procedure takes 2 to 5 hours to complete depending on the patient. Dr. Long closes the incisions with dissolving stitches and places you in a supportive binder for your comfort during the recovery. Generally, Tummy Tuck surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. However, Dr. Long may admit the patient overnight in a nursing facility to encourage an smooth and uneventful immediate post-operative course depending on the extend of the surgery. If you are admitted to the nursing facility for overnight stay, you are usually discharged home the next day after breakfast or lunchtime.
What is the recovery after a revision Tummy Tuck?
Each patient is unique. Your recovery time will depend upon the total treatment plan. You will have some swelling and bruising, and may experience some discomfort and tightness for the first two weeks. We will prescribe medication to ease your discomfort. Dr. James Long, MD uses dissolving stitches, so they do not need to be removed. You will wear an abdominal binder during the first week post surgery until most of the swelling resolves, Then you are placed on a compression garment that is wore for 6 to 8 weeks to support your tissues as they heal. You will also have drains for several days
When can I return to normal activities after a revision Tummy Tuck?
Most of our patients are able to return to work in 2 to 3 weeks. If you were exercising before surgery, you will be in the best condition to recover most rapidly. It will take about 6-8 weeks to return to all normal activities and exercise.
How long will the results from a revision Tummy Tuck last?
Unless you gain weight or become pregnant, you should enjoy your taut shapely figure for years to come. Your clothes will fit better and you’ll find increased confidence in your appearance. Dr. Long believes it is important to begin an exercise program to maintain your new look and to increase your health and fitness.
Why choose Dr. James Long, a Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon for Tummy Tuck Revision?
Dr. James Long is a Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon that specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery of the face, neck breast, and body. He offers a premium experience to all of its cosmetic patients. His residency and fellowships training at prestigious institutions are strong credentials that give him a unique set of skills to perform cosmetic plastic surgery. Dr. James Long helps its customers look their best and achieve their personal, social, and professional goals by providing premium natural looking cosmetic plastic surgery
Why not go to an Obstetrician, Gynecologists, Internists, Primary Care Physician Dentists and “cosmetologists” for a Tummy Tuck Revision?
Practitioners like Obstetricians or Gynecologist and other doctors who are not formally residency-trained and Board Certified to perform Tummy Tuck Revision plastic surgery have been found to suffer a much higher rate of complications, as it’s a side interest to them, and not a treatment they’re certified to do all day long. One of the most common complaints is minimal improvement, asymmetries, “operated look”, etc.