Dr. Saber’s Blog

Avoid a Tummy Tuck Revision: Get Great Results the First Time


According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 97,000 tummy tucks were performed in 2020. Tummy tuck plastic surgery can greatly enhance a patient’s comfort, appearance, and self-confidence. But there are abdominoplasty risks, and a botched tummy tuck can cause not only emotional distress but physical problems.

When a surgical procedure doesn’t work out, there is always revision plastic surgery to fix any resulting problems. However, the ideal outcome is for your first surgery to produce the desired outcome.

To make sure you don’t end up needing corrective surgery, we’re going to discuss why tummy tucks go wrong and how to choose the right plastic surgeon.

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck (medically known as abdominoplasty) is a plastic surgery procedure. This particular surgery is designed to remove excess skin and tissue from the abdomen, tighten the abdominal muscles, and (if necessary) remove excess fat deposits with liposuction (“lipo”). 

There are a few cosmetic procedures people use under the blanket term “tummy tuck”:

Revision Tummy Tuck

Full Tummy Tuck

This cosmetic surgery removes excess skin and tissue, tightens the abdominal muscles, and does any necessary body contouring. The belly button is sometimes repositioned during a full tummy tuck to create a natural-appearing belly.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck may be recommended for those who have less excess tissue and skin to be removed. This particular procedure only removes skin from below the belly button and doesn’t require the belly button to be repositioned.

Panniculectomy

This particular plastic surgery procedure is generally for patients who’ve lost a large amount of weight, leaving them with an “apron” of excess skin. This abdominoplasty procedure is more complex due to the large amount of tissue being removed. It does not involve contouring or adjusting the abdominal muscles.

Tummy Tuck Gone Wrong

Of course, no surgery is totally devoid of potential problems, so you need to be aware that there are tummy tuck risks. 

So, is a tummy tuck dangerous? I can say with absolute confidence: when done by a qualified board-certified and very experienced surgeon, it is a procedure with a great safety record.

The best way to avoid complications and the need for a revision tummy tuck is to make sure you’re working with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Unfortunately, there are too many “cosmetic surgeons” out there who aren’t fully qualified for the surgeries they’re performing. I’ve seen some very unfortunate results of these surgeries as these patients come to me for revision surgery.

On RealSelf.com, a site for researching and reviewing cosmetic surgeries and surgeons, one unfortunate patient shared her experience of a tummy tuck gone wrong. Her first tummy tuck fail resulted in cosmetic issues, so she had a second surgery. Her second surgery left her uncomfortable and with functional concerns.

A (slightly sensationalized) article from the UK tells the story of a woman who got a tummy tuck in 2013 and was left with an unpleasant flap of excess skin below her waist.

In more extreme cases, a botched tummy tuck can result in medical complications. Infection, seroma (fluid buildup), and clotting are just a few potential risks.

The Importance of a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

The best way to avoid complications and the need for a revision tummy tuck is to make sure you’re working with a board-certified plastic surgeon. These are medical professionals with at least 14 years of higher education, including special training in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

Furthermore, by being board-certified, a plastic surgeon has admitting privileges at local hospitals. So, in the rare chance a complication occurs during surgery, your surgeon can handle it quickly and efficiently. As opposed to a non-board-certified surgeon, who would have to call you an ambulance and couldn’t provide care for you at the hospital.

A Surgeon You Can Trust

Dr. Saber Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Sepideh Saber

What we can learn from the unfortunate anecdotes of patients with botched tummy tucks is: don’t blindly trust what a cosmetic surgeon tells you. During your consultation, you should feel comfortable with your surgeon, they should thoroughly explain all potential risks, and you should be on the same page about your goals and expected results.

If you have concerns about what your surgeon tells you, seek a second (or even third!) opinion. The best time to get good results is in your first surgery. While revision surgery can improve bad results, it does come with extra difficulty. A second surgery has to work around the scar tissue and changes from the first surgery in addition to improving upon it.

Before agreeing to surgery, make sure you and your surgeon are on the same page about why you want a tummy tuck. A patient who’s self-conscious about stretch marks will have different needs than someone wanting to look the way they did before pregnancy. A patient with extra folds of skin from massive weight loss may need a different tummy tuck procedure than someone worried about their muffin top.

When looking for a plastic surgeon, look for patient testimonials. Look at what former patients say about their results, post-op care, and overall experience. You have the ability to mitigate many potential tummy tuck risks and complications by doing your due diligence when picking a surgeon.

I’ve never had to do a revision for one of my own patients. However, I have done revisions for patients of other surgeons.

Dr. Saber

Revision Tummy Tuck

The specific surgical procedure you’ll need depends on what part of your tummy tuck needs revision.

However, if you’re unhappy with your tummy tuck surgery results, the first step is waiting. You’ll have to avoid most physical activity for the first two weeks and wait about six weeks before fully resuming normal activity. But it can take up to six months for final results to be visible, depending on your procedure. 

If you’re fully recovered from your primary tummy tuck and dealing with cosmetic or medical problems, it may be time to explore a revision.

Common problems that need revision are:

Inadequate Skin and/or Tissue Removal

An improperly performed tummy tuck can leave a patient with residual loose skin or fat deposits around the midsection. Liposuction can be helpful to remove remaining fat, and a revision tummy tuck can excise remaining skin or tissue.

Distorted Belly Button

Because the belly button is relocated during a full tummy tuck, it can sometimes end up looking unnaturally too big or too small. If a tummy tuck revision is required, we can also adjust the belly button. Otherwise, umbilicoplasty (belly button revision surgery) can be used to fix the appearance of the belly button. Luckily, umbilicoplasty has less recovery time than a tummy tuck.

Unpleasant Scar

My goal during surgery is to decrease the future visibility of any scarring. A poorly planned surgery may leave the scar a bit too high on the abdomen, making it easily visible in swimsuits or crop tops. Poor incision closure can also leave a more visible scar. There are a few techniques we can discuss depending on the specifics of your scarring.

Is a tummy tuck even worth it?

Smiling shirtless man

Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and confident in their body. For many, cosmetic surgery is the path to that confidence. The risks may seem daunting, but that is why I promise to always be 100% honest with my patients. 

During your initial consultation, I’ll go over all possible risks as well as your expected outcome. It’s important to me that my patients make fully informed decisions and that we’re both on the same page about your results.

In the hands of a board-certified plastic surgeon you trust, you can enjoy a lifetime of benefits from a properly performed tummy tuck.

Why choose Dr. Saber for Revision Tummy Tuck Surgery in the Los Angeles area?

If you have had a tummy tuck gone wrong, a tummy tuck complication, or wish to explore revision plastic surgery (plastic surgery correction), you are welcome to consult with us.

Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS offers a more sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. Patients of all ages and from all walks of life have praised not only their outcomes but her caring, thoughtful approach.

Dr. Saber graduated from Stanford University’s world-renowned medical school and did her reconstruction and plastic surgery residency at the University of Southern California (USC). She then completed a fellowship at New York University (NYU) in the extremely challenging and delicate area of hand surgery, as well as microsurgery.

To get in touch, call (877) 205-4100 or schedule a consultation online.

Our practice takes our patients’ safety very seriously. Our facility’s Covid-19 patient safety procedures exceed all CDC and World Health Organization recommendations. Masks are required in our office at all times during the coronavirus pandemic.

The practice of Dr. Saber is located in Encino, CA for patients throughout the Los Angeles area. We are also convenient to Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Malibu, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, Silverlake, and Echo Park.

Dr. Saber graduated from Stanford University’s world-renowned medical school and did her plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at the equally lauded University of Southern California. She then completed a fellowship at New York University in the extremely challenging and delicate disciplines of hand surgery and microsurgery.

Dr. Saber offers a more sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. Former patients from all walks of life have praised not only their treatment outcomes but her caring, thoughtful approach to a wide array of appearance and health-related matters.
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    Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS

    👩🏻‍⚕️ Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
    🏫 Stanford/USC/NYU Trained
    🏥 Encino, CA | Book a Free Consult
    ☎️ (833) 215-0500
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Give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation with #DrSaber who will create a customized plan for you!

____________________________
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    4 weeks post tummy tuck + breast reduction⭐️

At this early stage she is looking incredible 🙌🏼
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    ✨ Our beautiful patient came in for a Tummy Tuvk, Lipo of Abdomen and Flanos, and Fat Transfer to the hips . ✨

Our Tummy Tuck procedure reduces excess skin, tissue, and fat around the abdomen as well as tightening abdominal muscles, while Liposuction uses a suction technique to remove the fat from specific areas of the body that holds onto fat deposits.

Liposuction is not a substitute for our Tummy Tuck. However, depending on our patient both can go great together and gives amazing results!

Her after photo is 6 weeks post op. 

Give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation with #DrSaber who will create a customized plan for you!

____________________________
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⭐️To set up a consultation:⁠
🔸 Call : (833) 215-0500⁠
🔸 info@saberplasticsurgery.com ⁠
🔸 saberplasticsurgery.com

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    Considering a tummy tuck? Learn how to avoid the risks of a botched surgery and ensure you choose the right surgeon for the best results. Don't leave your health to chance—get informed before your procedure. Follow the link in bio to learn more!

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  • What patients say about Dr. Saber

    4.8
    Over 16 Reviews

    I was fortunate to find Dr. Saber after researching board-certified surgeons who specialize in breast cancer reconstruction revision surgery. I knew I was in good hands from the moment I spoke with the lovely and efficient Marlene, Dr Saber's office manager. Dr Saber patiently listened to my concerns and, after examining me, explained what I could realistically expect the outcome to be from another surgery. She also explained to me that she would need to review my previous surgery notes before we could discuss a possible further surgery, which I found comforting and highly ethical. I also discussed a couple of other procedures that I would like done, including fat removal from my large upper arms that had caused me great embarrassment for several years. Dr. Saber is an excellent surgeon who is incredibly kind and genuine. She truly understands the female body and the emotional aspect of body insecurities yet, she is transparent about what can and cannot be done and takes time to discuss realistic expectations and outcomes. My breast reconstruction revision surgery will take place in the New Year, but in the meantime, I have the most fabulous upper arms that I recently flaunted in a strapless dress (something I have not done in years). Dr Saber is truly one of a kind, and I still cannot believe how fortunate I am to have found her. I highly recommend Dr Saber.

    Linda DeCarlo November 29, 2023

    I don’t have enough wonderful words to describe Dr Saber and Marlene! I had a tummy tuck done this year and from start to finish the entire experience was amazing. Marlene is always so helpful and works so hard to make every detail a breeze for you. When I had my consultation with Dr Saber I was at a point of complete agony with my body. She instantly took that stress and frustration off my shoulders! As a woman not being heard by doctors for years I left that consultation with happy tears knowing I had finally found my Dr. It was a major surgery and I felt completely zen and at peace going in because she really does make you feel that safe. I didn’t think I would ever look the way I do now! She gave me the gift of having the body I kept fighting for. I will never stop recommending her.

    Monica Prusa October 9, 2023

    I saw Dr. Saber when I broke my wrist. I ended up having to have surgery. She did an excellent job and I am healing nicely. She was very professional, but was also very kind and compassionate. I would highly recommend her!!

    Sandy Schaupp September 13, 2022

    I LOVED DR SABER!!! There are a few reasons why I chose her. One was because she’s a female Doctor that was my goal who also did a good job (which I was able to confirm with all her before and after photos) and what sold me was my safety in mind. She made me feel like I was in the best hands ever along with Marlene who coordinated everything THANK YOU LADIES! Dr Saber helped me get back the body I have always desired. I had a lot of stomach fat from weight gain and I lost weight so a lot of my weight was in my front lower and upper abdomen. Now I have a super beautiful curvy body like an hourglass after a tummy tuck and lipo she did. She understood the assignment hahaha . I’m 32 years old no kids just wanted to enjoy my younger body looking and feeling beautiful and she really took good care of me. Even after hours I had an emergency due to my fault but she was there and got back to me very quickly and I’m very grateful. I also think her work says a lot because I stopped taking pain medication on the 3rd day after surgery and was fine with very minimal pain I was able to tolerate the healing process. Highly recommend going with her I just had a wonderful experience and would do it all over again if I had too. Maybe after I have kids. Thanks Dr Saber and team <3

    STEPHANIE d July 15, 2022

    Dr.Saber is by far one of the best plastic surgeons. I love how she takes her time to explain any procedure to the patients understanding. She always makes sure to answers any and all questions.From fillers to body contours she’s the one you want.

    Katherine Melara February 15, 2022

    Dr Saber is amazing! She is caring and very informative. I went in for fillers and she explained procedure step by step. I highly recommend her and look forward to future visits.

    Amanda Vazquez December 18, 2020

    Dr. Saber was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. She took time to listen, answer all my questions and was forthright in her recommendations. Her staff was friendly and helpful. I was very happy with the results and plan on going back. If you are looking for a first rate professional experience look no further she is the doctor for you!

    T R December 18, 2020

    Dr. Saber is one of a kind plastic surgeon with a heart of gold. She is a well verse plastic surgeon that puts her patient's needs before anything else. She genuinely cares about every single patient, and her work speaks for itself. I notice every post-operative result on her Instagram (@saberplasticsurgery) the patients have this glow that radiates through. I have been going to Dr. Saber for my Botox for the past 3 years, and love the results every time. I know who I will be going to for any future plastic surgery needs, and will confidently refer family and friends to Dr. Saber for any Botox, fillers, and plastic surgery consultations.

    Rudy Garcia December 16, 2020

    I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Saber! I am so pleased with my results from a breast augmentation she performed on me back in late June! She answered all my questions and concerns before and after my surgery. She’s very easy to get in contact with and she’s so nice. She made feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. 100/10 Lover her work!!

    Amanda Villegas October 15, 2020

    Dr Saber is hands down the best surgeon! She took her time answering my questions and explained procedure in detail. After doing liposuction six months ago, I am extremely happy with my results and I appreciate her so much.

    Marlene Cosentino October 15, 2020

    Dr. Saber is so kind and thorough with her patients! She is an amazing doctor and genuinely cars about everyone she comes in contact with. I would recommend her to anyone for any hand surgery or cosmetic procedure.

    Rachel Meach October 15, 2020