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 most common problems I see after a previous tummy tuck or mini-tummy tuck surgery are irregular abdominal wall tightening, umbilical float where the belly button is pulled too low, scar too high, too wide, or irregular, dog ears, unsightly belly button, mons pubis hanging, or excess skin above the belly button. The most common problems I see after liposuction are overaggressive techniques resulting in irregularities, and excess skin. These problems are complex and revision tummy tuck surgery is an extremely challenging surgery that requires detailed pre-operative planning, meticulous technical skill, and experience. So many times I wish I had a time machine so I could have been the one to perform my patient’s initial surgery and give them the results they hoped for and deserve. Unfortunately with revision surgery, sometimes the damage is so great, not all errors can be repaired. Although these have been some of the most difficult cases I have performed, they are also the most rewarding and I feel grateful that I have been able to help so many patients look and feel better.
Prior to your revision tummy tuck, you will need to schedule a consultation appointment. During this consultation, I will review the operative note from your previous tummy tuck and assess any abnormalities, errors, or irregularities. We will discuss your desired outcome and whether the outcome of your previous surgery can be corrected. I will do a detailed consultation from our Beverly Hills office, take a complete medical history and conduct a careful examination and develop a customized plan based on your anatomy as well as your aesthetic goals. I consider age, overall health, emotional well being, as well as expectations for surgery when evaluating a candidate for this procedure. Being honest and upfront with my patients is one of my highest priorities. If I do not believe that a revision tummy tuck is possible or that it will not benefit you, I will advise you on any alternative options at this time. If you are a good candidate for a revision tummy tuck, we will begin developing your customized surgical plan and schedule a surgical date.
Before your procedure begins, we will once again discuss your desired outcome in the pre-operative area. I may mark the skin on your abdomen to show you where your incisions will be. After this, we will begin the procedure.
A revision tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia to provide optimal comfort and safety.
Once you are under anesthesia, the revision tummy tuck procedure will begin. I perform my surgeries under a 3.5X microscopic examination to allow for the most precise and accurate visuals while working. Using this detailed view, I will begin to make discreet incisions to address the errors made by your prior surgery. For most patients, I will make a low curved incision that aligns with the one from their initial procedure. This technique minimizes the amount of potential scarring. I will then lift the skin and fat off the abdominal wall to work on the underlying muscles. Any muscles stretched, damaged, or loosened will be repaired. I will also correct any abdominal wall irregularities. Next, I’ll remove the remaining excess skin in this region. Once this step is complete, I will lay the remaining skin back in place to create a flattering, more toned appearance in the midsection. If necessary, I will alter your belly button to create a new shape that fits well with the rest of your abdomen.
The entire revision tummy tuck procedure can last anywhere from four to seven hours to complete. The length of your surgery will depend on the complexity and severity of the errors that must be corrected.
When your revision tummy tuck is complete, you will need to remain in our plastic surgical aftercare center for 24 hours. You will then be discharged to return home to begin recovery. You will not be able to drive or perform many common tasks, so you must arrange for someone to assist you at this time.
I have developed a gentle revision tummy tuck technique that has minimal pain and a quick recovery. After surgery, your abdomen will feel tight but should not be painful. If you do have discomfort, tylenol is usually all that’s needed. You will be given prescription pain medication to have in case you need it, but it is usually not necessary. I encourage patients to stick to Tylenol instead of the prescription pain medication since those pills often create constipation and bloating. You will need to walk bent over for the first two weeks after your revision tummy tuck. You will notice swelling of the tissues during this time. I have patients wear a binder around the abdomen to promote optimal healing and support for these tissues. You should wear this compression garment for about six to eight weeks. Some patients have surgical drains still in place for the first one to two weeks of their surgery, but this can vary according to your needs. Wait at least two weeks before returning to work or normal everyday activities. You will want to keep physical exertion to a minimum at this time. You can begin resuming normal activity without anything strenuous around one month after your procedure. Six weeks after your procedure, you can resume exercise and more vigorous activity, but you must still be careful and avoid direct impact to the abdominal area. Once I remove your abdominal binder, you will be able to see the results of your surgery. With scar treatment, it will take about one year to see no scarring or evidence of surgery around your midsection.
I also have several other technical details that I perform to create a natural-looking contoured abdomen and a thin, nearly invisible low scar. I believe it is important to create the best possible result and incision without any bunching, irregularities, or step-offs. I take extreme pride in my attention to detail with every single step of this surgery. Revision tummy tuck scars take about 12 months to fade. You will start scar treatments at around 2 weeks after surgery. I will discuss scar care in detail with you and also provide you with scar medications and products.
Revision Tummy Tuck Specialist in Los Angeles
Dr. Cat Begovic is a Revision Tummy Tuck specialist in Los Angeles, who specializes in correcting undesirable results from a previous tummy tuck surgery. Not only is Dr. Cat skilled in revising cosmetic concerns from a previous tummy tuck surgery, but she also revises various errors from the previous procedure that may be causing a patient pain or discomfort. Dr. Cat is highly regarded as a top plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. Over the years, Dr. Cat has developed a unique and gentle Revision Tummy Tuck technique that results in a quick recovery with minimal pain. Revision Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills features Dr. Cat’s signature natural-looking “innie” belly button, abdominal contouring techniques, and her thin and low, nearly invisible scar. Dr. Cat takes her time with every detail and step in a Revision Tummy Tuck to create a natural-looking, beautifully contoured abdomen, free from irregularities and errors.
This young patient previously had liposuction, and CoolSculpting performed by another surgeon. As a result, she had uneven contouring and irregularities of her abdomen. Dramatic results after a Revision Tummy Tuck with Pubic Lift performed by Dr. Cat Begovic in Beverly Hills.
This patient previously had over aggressive liposuction performed resulting in excess skin and irregularities and scar. A revision abdominoplasty created a smooth, flat, and tight abdomen.
This healthy mom previously had a Tummy tuck and Liposuction performed by another surgeon which resulted in uneven contouring of her abdomen as well as a lot of irregularities.
This patient had liposuction of the abdomen and flanks by another surgeon which resulted in irregularity and asymmetry of the upper and lower abdomen with several deep indentations. She first underwent revision liposuction with fat grafting to the abs and flanks to smooth the indentations and then at a second surgery, a tummy tuck resulting in a smooth and nicely contoured shape.
This young patient previously had liposuction, and CoolSculpting performed by another surgeon. As a result, she had uneven contouring and irregularities of her abdomen. Dramatic results after a Revision Tummy Tuck with Pubic Lift performed by Dr. Cat Begovic in Beverly Hills.
This patient previously had over aggressive liposuction performed resulting in excess skin and irregularities and scar. A revision abdominoplasty created a smooth, flat, and tight abdomen.
This healthy mom previously had a Tummy tuck and Liposuction performed by another surgeon which resulted in uneven contouring of her abdomen as well as a lot of irregularities.
This patient had liposuction of the abdomen and flanks by another surgeon which resulted in irregularity and asymmetry of the upper and lower abdomen with several deep indentations. She first underwent revision liposuction with fat grafting to the abs and flanks to smooth the indentations and then at a second surgery, a tummy tuck resulting in a smooth and nicely contoured shape.
Cosmetic concerns are the most common reason patients seek a revision tummy tuck. These concerns typically include prominent scarring, damage to the abdominal wall, an unsightly belly button, and remaining excess skin. In rare cases, these errors may cause pain or discomfort, leading patients to seek a revision.
A revision tummy tuck in Beverly Hills can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $50,000, depending on the case's complexity.
Some tummy tuck revisions are incredibly complicated and require more extensive work, resulting in higher costs. We will discuss the extent of your particular procedure and an estimate of cost during your consultation appointment.
It depends on the insurance coverage but from what I have seen most consider this to be an elective cosmetic procedure. My office does not accept insurance, but they can provide you with the paperwork you will need to submit a claim to your insurance after your surgery has taken place.
Your revision tummy tuck in Beverly Hills will produce significant results, but they will not be permanent. Your skin will still shift and change with the natural aging process.
Loss of collagen over time can cause the skin to loosen and sag again. Your tummy tuck results will also change if you do not work to maintain your outcome. Weight gain and unhealthy habits can alter the results of your surgery.
In order to maintain your revision tummy tuck results, you should follow a healthy diet and get regular exercise. Poor eating and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain, which will change the outcome of your procedure. The skin will become stretched, and the newly repaired abdominal muscles will lose strength and definition.
Weight fluctuations during pregnancy will also change the results of your tummy tuck. If your outcome changes due to weight gain or pregnancy, you may be able to seek further revision surgeries in the future, but they will become more complex with each additional procedure.
