OpenHealth Q&A

Evaluating the Actions of My Plastic Surgeon: A Year Later

As a 30-year-old woman, I underwent a tummy tuck and liposuction for my arms and lower back over a year ago, and I've been reflecting on the experience. During my initial consultations, I met with two surgeons regarding the tummy tuck. One suggested a traditional approach suitable for my circumstances—specifically, I had gained 24 kilograms during my pregnancy after having one child. The second surgeon recommended a full abdominoplasty with the technique known as FDL, but I opted for the latter due to a significant price difference of $10,000. We discussed my preferences for scarring, and I expressed that I wanted to avoid vertical scars, which ultimately led me to choose this surgeon. I also specified that I preferred my scar to align with my cesarean section scar. As for the liposuction in my arms, I was eager to achieve slimmer arms and voiced concerns about the potential for an uneven appearance. The surgeon assured me that he would create a fit look and marked the incision points accordingly. However, one week post-operative, I noticed my scar was positioned too high. The surgeon casually suggested that engaging in ‘superman exercises’ might help the scar settle lower. I found this advice quite disconcerting, especially considering this was merely two weeks post-surgery. Additionally, I was disappointed to discover that my hairline had also shifted higher, causing issues with my underwear coverage, which I had not been pre-warned about. When I brought up the swelling in my mons pubis area, the surgeon's responses were dismissive, with vague ‘hmmm’ replies. Upon conducting my own research, I learned that this issue was quite common and pressed him for clarity, to which he finally acknowledged that some of his patients have faced similar concerns. I felt he should have been more forthright about this matter rather than being evasive. He proposed addressing the swelling with liposuction two months after my surgery, but I expected him to suggest a wait-and-see approach instead. I also had concerns about my belly button appearance; he had previously promised an attractive result but instead provided a slit-like shape. I sought a revision, hoping to fix the scar placement around my belly button, but he cited increased infection risk as a rationale for his refusal to make the incision within the belly button's hole. Following the revision, the belly button still appeared odd, prompting me to consult another surgeon who noted that the stalk was excessively long. The results for my arms were even worse; the surgeon's superior referred to it as a deformity attributable to oversuction. The results on my back were equally disappointing, lacking the desired blending. Following these issues, I filed a formal complaint with the hospital. However, the surgeon claimed my rejection of the FDL technique was to blame for my elevated pubic hairline and the belly button’s unusual shape. I’m left questioning whether this truly relates. Regarding my arms, I was informed that what I experienced was merely an undesirable outcome and not a case of negligence. Is there any way to substantiate this? Despite assurances that liposuction scars would be discreet, the scars appeared prominently on the outer arms. Since the tummy tightness remains uncomfortable when stretching, another surgeon suggested he could redo the tummy tuck for me. Should I pursue that, or would it be wiser to only address the arms through fat grafting, along with correcting the belly button and the lower back? Ultimately, I am left questioning the competence of this surgeon or if perhaps I am just the victim of unfortunate luck. His superior posed inquiries regarding the techniques he employed, skin and fat removal quantities, yet the surgeon was uncooperative and defensive. This further muddies my faith in his expertise.

Answers (1)

2/13/2026, 7:30:50 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you've been through a very challenging experience following your tummy tuck and liposuction, leading to significant frustration and disappointment. Your concerns about the techniques used, the outcomes you've experienced, and the surgeon's communication are valid and worth examining carefully.

Main Points:

1. Outcomes vs. Expectations: It's crucial to align surgical outcomes with your expectations from the procedures.
2. Surgeon Communication: Effective communication from your surgeon about potential risks and realistic outcomes is essential.
3. Next Steps for Consideration: Weigh your options about further procedures, and consider seeking a second opinion.

Explanation:

After extensive procedures like a tummy tuck and liposuction, it’s understandable to have high hopes for the results. However, outcomes can vary due to many factors, including surgical technique and individual anatomy. Your feelings regarding scarring, the appearance of the belly button, and the high hairline are all legitimate concerns that should have been addressed clearly by your initial surgeon.

1. Scarring and Techniques: While you preferred not to have vertical scars and opted for a specific technique based on cost, it’s important that any surgical approach aligns with your individual anatomy and desired outcomes. It's not uncommon for results to require touch-ups or revisions.

2. Surgeon Dismissiveness: A surgeon's response to concerns can heavily impact a patient's healing and trust in their care. Feeling dismissed regarding swelling or other post-surgical issues is a red flag in patient-surgeon relationships. This type of communication can indicate a lack of thorough patient care.

3. Assurance of Results: It’s concerning if a surgeon makes promises regarding outcomes that are not met. This may affect their credibility and could warrant further investigation into their practices.

Next Steps:

1. Seek a Second Opinion: Consider consulting with another qualified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your concerns about the tummy tuck, liposuction results, and any proposed revisions. They may provide insights into whether the outcomes align with standard practices and discuss the potential for revisions. Bring prior images and documentation for reference.

2. Document Your Experiences: Keep detailed records of your surgeries, results, communications with your original surgeon, and any subsequent evaluations. This information can be vital if you decide to escalate your complaint.

3. Consider Revision Options: If you are unhappy with the results, discuss the option of revision surgery with your new surgeon. They can guide you on whether it’s more effective to redo the tummy tuck, undertake fat grafting for your arms, or correct the belly button issue independently.

4. Patient Advocacy: Utilizing the formal complaint route to express your concerns is a good step. You may wish to follow up with relevant boards or associations to see if further actions can strengthen your case.

Ultimately, it's important to prioritize your well-being and choose a path that restores your confidence in your appearance and in the surgical process. If you have more questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask!