A revision tummy tuck is a complex surgical procedure used to resolve any mistakes or errors made during an initial tummy tuck. Patients also opt for this procedure to correct irregularities after a liposuction procedure. The surgeon re-operates on the patient’s abdomen and tightens everything up again to give you that flat stomach of your dreams.

Every tummy tuck patient is unique, and often times complications can occur. Some patients may not be a good candidate for an abdominoplasty due to scarring, compromised or infected skin in the area, or other health-related issues. These complications are usually easily addressed by Dr. Smiley before surgery to ensure the best possible results following your procedure. This list provides a brief description of some of the possible unwanted effects following a tummy tuck

Excess fat – One of the most common areas of excess fat after a tummy tuck is in the lower abdomen. Often, this is due to insufficient or no liposuction during your procedure. Liposuction of the lower abdomen is easily performed and the excess fat can be redistributed back into your abdominal area and contoured in order to give you a more refined look.

Bad Scaring – A poor quality scar can occur when a previous surgeon did not use proper techniques in closing the scar. Depending on the scar and the surrounding laxity of the skin surrounding the closed incision, a variety of methods can be employed to correct this unwanted blemish.

A scar located too high – When a previous procedure was poorly planned, it often results in over-excision of abdominal skin. This, in turn, creates a scar that is visible above the waistband of pants or a bathing suit. Too much residual skin – Conversely, a surgeon may be too conservative and leave an excess of abdominal skin. While the result is likely an improvement upon the original contours, this will leave a patient dissatisfied with his or her abdominal appearance.

An unattractive belly button – A belly button that has a poor shape or a visible scar or is otherwise unattractive should be corrected. While the rest of a patient’s stomach may appear lean and fit, this is virtually nullified if the belly button is disfigured in some way.

Pseudobursa – This occurs when two layers of scar tissue become separated by fluid and is often noticeable as a bulge or fullness above the horizontal incision of the tummy tuck.

The length of your tummy tuck procedure depends on the complexity and severity of the errors that must be corrected. On average, a complete tummy tuck surgery can last anywhere from four to seven hours to complete.

Your recovery period will depend on several factors. Your surgeon will be able to provide you with a more specific timetable after your surgery. However, you can expect to spend a few days in the hospital and about six weeks at home before returning to work. The majority of our tummy tuck patients experience relatively little pain during their recovery period.