What Are the Signs of a Bad Tummy Tuck Procedure?

Excess skin around the stomach can become a concern after pregnancy or rapid weight loss, and a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can be an excellent way to remedy this lax skin, removing it and tightening up both the remaining skin and abdominal muscles. But what happens if you’ve had a bad tummy tuck?

In this article, CREO Clinic explores the various signs that your tummy tuck may have yielded poor results and discusses what you can do to work towards a better outcome or avoid a bad tummy tuck altogether.

To ensure the best outcomes for your tummy tuck, book a consultation with Dr. Omar Tillo, the CREO Clinic’s experienced and highly respected body contouring surgeon in London. Many patients turn to Dr. Tillo’s expertise for tummy tuck revision surgery when a previous abdominoplasty performed elsewhere has yielded poor results. He can be relied on to help deliver the flatter, more aesthetically pleasing stomach you deserve.

The Signs of a Bad Tummy Tuck

There are a few tell-tale signs to look for that might suggest your tummy tuck has been unsuccessful.

Shape of Abdomen

A key element of a tummy tuck is the creation of an even and symmetrical silhouette. If you feel that the shape of your abdomen is lumpy or lopsided, this may be evidence of poor surgical technique.

Position of Navel

If you feel that your belly button sits too high or too low after your tummy tuck, this can be an indication that it has been poorly positioned, and may require further adjustment.

Excessive Scarring

A common sign that your tummy tuck procedure has not had the desired effect is the appearance of excess scarring. Some scarring is natural after a tummy tuck, but if yours is more extensive than you were led to expect, or you have seen the appearance of ‘dog ears’, this can be cause for concern.

Muscle Repair Failure

The repair of muscle separation can be an integral part of any abdominoplasty for patients experiencing diastasis recti. If you are experiencing abdominal bulging even after your recovery, this may mean that the stomach muscles have been brought together unsuccessfully, or there has been a failure of your sutures.

Poor Healing

Incisions that take a long time to heal may do so as a result of infection, separating sutures, or an impediment to the blood supply due to too much skin being removed. Poor healing can lead to delayed recovery and sometimes unsatisfactory results.

How to Avoid a Bad Tummy Tuck

Here are a few important tips to avoiding a bad tummy tuck:

• Follow the surgeon’s aftercare instructions – Following the postoperative instructions your surgeon gives you will help ensure the best outcomes by giving your body the ideal circumstances in which to heal.
• Keep a stable weight – After reaching your goal weight before surgery, try to avoid any major weight gain or weight loss as this can impact your tummy tuck results. 
• Find an experienced and qualified surgeon – Only choose a cosmetic surgeon with the necessary qualifications and a proven track record of successful tummy tucks. 
• Stay close to home – A tummy tuck is a major surgery that requires input from your surgeon, even after the surgery is complete. It is best to remain nearby while recovering so that your surgeon can administer checks and extra care where necessary.

Can You Get a Tummy Tuck Revision?

It is possible to get a tummy tuck revision if you are dissatisfied with the outcomes of a previous abdominoplasty. You may also have seen the results of your earlier surgery altered by a new pregnancy, or changes in your weight, and wish to see these issues corrected. 

A revision tummy tuck surgery should only be performed after at least one year has passed since the previous surgery.

Had a Bad Tummy Tuck, or Want to Avoid One? Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic

Whether you’re looking to correct a bad tummy tuck or ensure your first tummy tuck has a successful outcome, book a consultation with Dr. Omar Tillo, the CREO Clinic’s double board-certified tummy tuck surgeon in London. 

The depth of Dr. Tillo’s expertise allows him to create a bespoke treatment plan using cutting-edge body contouring techniques for abdominoplasty and revision surgery. He is a thorough and attentive surgeon, whose meticulous approach to treatments works to make sure you see dramatic, long-lasting improvements to your physique.