About Tummy Tuck Revision
In the majority of cases, patients are thrilled with their results from a tummy tuck procedure. Unfortunately, however, this is not always the case, and we see patients coming in from other providers with unsatisfactory results from a previous tummy tuck or even a liposuction procedure. In other cases, major life changes such as a pregnancy or significant weight gain can interfere with the results of a previous tummy tuck.
Revision abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck revision, can help to address poor or changed tummy tuck results such as irregular abdominal wall tightening, issues with the belly button, excess skin and other irregularities.
Tummy tuck revision is a complex surgical procedure that requires extensive pre-operative planning and advanced skill and expertise. Specializing in body contouring and breast enhancement procedures since 1997, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Francesco Campanile has the training and expertise to create a customized, precision tummy tuck revision that addresses all of your previous tummy tuck concerns and delivers the body contouring results you were looking for from the start.
Top 3 Reasons to Choose Us
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Dr. Francesco Campanile is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience helping men and women achieve their body contouring goals. He has an in-depth understanding of abdominal anatomy and can help you achieve what you wanted from your tummy tuck.
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In addition to performing many tummy tuck redo’s, Dr. Campanile is a pioneer in the plastic surgery field, staying current on the latest surgical techniques and advances.
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Our fly-in program makes it easy to have revision abdominoplasty even if you don’t live close to Denver. Don’t let distance stand in the way of the results you want!
Request a Consultation
The first step in achieving your ideal figure is scheduling your consultation with Dr. Campanile. Contact us today to get started! We look forward to helping you feel great about your body.
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Common Reasons for Tummy Tuck Revision
There are several reasons why patients seek tummy tuck revision surgery:
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic results from a previous procedure, such as uneven contours, residual bulges, dips, “dog ears” at the incision line or asymmetry.
- Poor belly button shape or positioning, such as placement that is too high or too low or an overall unnatural-looking appearance.
- Visible or raised scarring that didn’t heal as expected.
- Separation of abdominal muscles that wasn’t properly corrected.
- Complications from the first surgery, such as infection, seroma or issues with healing.
- Changes in the body over time that have affected the original results, such as pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations.
Am I a Candidate for Tummy Tuck Revision Surgery?
Candidates for tummy tuck revision surgery are typically in good overall health, non-smokers and have realistic expectations about what revision surgery can achieve. Most importantly, they are unhappy with the outcome of a previous tummy tuck and seek improvements in appearance, comfort or both.
Dr. Campanile typically recommends waiting at least 12 months after your previous tummy tuck to get revision surgery. This allows your body enough time to fully heal before another surgery and for you to see your final result to ensure you still want a revision.
Meet
board-certified plastic surgeon
Dr. Francesco Campanile
Choosing the right practice makes all the difference in your results. Learn why Dr. Campanile’s patients consider him to be the best plastic surgeon in Denver.
- At Your Consultation
At Your Consultation
A revision tummy tuck consultation is not only a time for the surgeon to evaluate your specific concerns and develop a comprehensive and unique treatment strategy, but it is also a time for you to meet and get to know Dr. Campanile. Choosing the right surgeon for you is essential. You should feel comfortable talking with the surgeon and feel free to ask some tough questions. This is your body after all. Some common questions you may consider include:- What are your board certifications and what specialized training makes you the best surgeon for my revision tummy tuck?
- Do you have before and after photos of similar cases to mine?
- Can you include liposuction with my revision tummy tuck?
- Am I a candidate for the C.L.A.S.S. tummy tuck for my revision?
- Preparing for
Preparing for Revision Abdominoplasty
Similar to a traditional tummy tuck, a revision tummy tuck is a complex surgical procedure and it is essential that you take time to plan for your procedure and take the necessary steps to ensure you have everything in place for a relaxing recovery. - Personal Considerations
Personal Considerations
- Clear your schedule of work and any other personal obligations during your procedure and recovery time. Arrange with friends and family to take care of any obligations for you, such as childcare.
- Secure transportation to your procedure and someone who will pick you up after surgery. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home.
- Plan a menu for your recovery period. This can be cooked meals in advance that are easy to reheat or friends and family that can provide meals on certain days during your recovery.
- Ask to have your post-tummy tuck medications called in before your procedure so you can pick them up before tummy tuck revision day and have them ready to start your recovery.
- Create a recovery spot in your home. This can be in your bedroom or your favorite recliner. Prepare everything you want and need during recovery, such as medications, books, puzzles, and the television remote. Place all these items in areas where they are easy for you to access.
- Physical Considerations
Physical Considerations
- Stop smoking at least two weeks before your scheduled procedure and, if you must, do not resume smoking until at least two weeks after your procedure as it can affect your healing.
- Provide Dr. Campanile with a list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements during your consultation as some may need to be stopped before your procedure.
- Follow your pre-surgical instructions. This can include when to stop eating the night before, what medications you can take before the procedure, and how to wash your body the day of the procedure.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing on the day of your procedure. Your clothing should be able to get on and off with ease, making it easier to get dressed to go home after your procedure.
Your Personal Consultation:
Your consultation for tummy tuck revision is your opportunity to get clear, expert answers about your concerns and goals. During this appointment, Dr. Campanile will perform a detailed physical exam, review your surgical history and discuss what you’re hoping to improve. From there, he’ll recommend a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and cosmetic goals.
This is also an opportunity to determine whether Dr. Campanile is the right surgeon for your revision. Revision surgery is more complex than a first-time tummy tuck, so it’s important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring, as well someone with whom you feel confident and comfortable.
Some questions you might ask during your consultation with Dr. Campanile include:
- What are your board certifications and what specialized training makes you the best surgeon for my revision tummy tuck?
- Do you have before and after photos of similar cases to mine?
- Can you include liposuction with my revision tummy tuck?
- Am I a candidate for the C.L.A.S.S. tummy tuck for my revision?
Preparing for Tummy Tuck Revision:
Similar to a traditional tummy tuck, a revision tummy tuck is a complex surgical procedure, so it is essential that you take time to plan for your procedure and take the necessary steps to ensure you have everything in place for a relaxing recovery. We’ve compiled checklists of important items and tasks to complete before your procedure to ensure a smooth, streamlined experience from start to finish.
Personal Considerations:
- Clear your schedule of work and any other personal obligations during your procedure and recovery time. Arrange with friends and family to take care of any obligations for you, such as childcare.
- Secure transportation to your procedure and someone who will pick you up after surgery. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home.
- Plan a menu for your recovery period. This can be cooked meals in advance that are easy to reheat or friends and family that can provide meals on certain days during your recovery.
- Ask to have your post-tummy tuck medications called in before your procedure so you can pick them up before tummy tuck revision day and have them ready to start your recovery.
- Create a recovery spot in your home. This can be in your bedroom or your favorite recliner. Prepare everything you want and need during recovery, such as medications, books, puzzles, and the television remote. Place all these items in areas where they are easy for you to access.
Physical Considerations:
- Stop smoking at least two weeks before your scheduled procedure and, if you must, do not resume smoking until at least two weeks after your procedure as it can affect your healing.
- Provide Dr. Campanile with a list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements during your consultation as some may need to be stopped before your procedure.
- Follow your pre-surgical instructions. This can include when to stop eating the night before, what medications you can take before the procedure, and how to wash your body the day of the procedure.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing on the day of your procedure. Your clothing should be able to get on and off with ease, making it easier to get dressed to go home after your procedure.
Your Tummy Tuck Revision Procedure
Tummy tuck revision surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia and will begin with an incision. Dr. Campanile will either reuse the initial tummy tuck incision location or, in the case of excess remaining excess skin, may place the new incision directly below your previous incision line. If necessary, an incision may also be made around the belly button.
In many cases, tummy tuck revision patients are good candidates for Dr. Campanile’s exclusive C.L.A.S.S. drainless tummy tuck technique, which eliminates the need for surgical and post-surgical drains, making recovery a bit smoother. During your consultation, Dr. Campanile will discuss the specific techniques and surgical plan with you in detail.
A tummy tuck revision typically takes between 2 and 4 hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the necessary revisions. After your procedure, you will be moved to a recovery room while you wake up from anesthesia.
Tummy Tuck Revision Recovery
A revision tummy tuck is a complex surgery, and it is likely you will feel tired and sore when you get into recovery and for at least the first few days you are home and recovering. Follow Dr. Campanile’s post-surgical instructions and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure you are healing as you should.
While everyone will heal at their own pace, most people are able to return to work and resume routine activities around the 2-week mark. However, you will still need to limit more strenuous activities for at least 4 weeks, and avoid abdominal exercises for 6 to 12 weeks or until Dr. Campanile clears you to resume your regular exercise routine.
If you have any questions about preparing for your revision tummy tuck, please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at 303-345-7476.
Tummy Tuck Revision Results
Your results after a tummy tuck revision will develop gradually over time, so do not expect to see visible results right away. Much of the swelling should go down within a few weeks, at which time you should be able to start seeing a noticeable improvement in your body shape and contours. Final results can take 6 months or more to fully appear, so be patient as your body continues to heal and your results continue to develop and improve, revealing the body contouring results you were hoping for.
Request a consultation today to get started on the road to the results you really want. If you have a chance, visit our before and after photos to see the amazing results Dr. Campanile has delivered for previous patients.
Tummy Tuck Revision FAQs
How much does tummy tuck revision cost in Denver?
The exact cost of your tummy tuck revision surgery in Denver will depend on the complexity and extent of revisions needed. Generally speaking, tummy tuck revision surgery can cost as much as or slightly more than the initial tummy tuck, as it is a very intricate procedure. At the time of your consultation, Dr. Campanile and his team can provide you with a more accurate cost estimate for your tummy tuck revision. Please also ask us about financing options to help make your procedure as affordable and stress-free as possible.
Will insurance cover tummy tuck revision surgery?
Most insurance companies do not cover tummy tucks or tummy tuck revisions, as they are considered elective procedures. In rare cases where a tummy tuck revision may be deemed medically necessary due to complications from the first procedure, insurance may cover some of the costs. If you have specific questions about your insurance coverage, call the number listed on the back of your insurance card.
How soon after a tummy tuck can I have a revision?
Patients should wait at least a full year before considering a tummy tuck revision. This allows time for all the skin and tissue to settle and heal completely, and, in some cases, this complete healing can allow for natural correction of the tummy tuck results you were not happy with. If, at the one-year mark, you are still not happy with your results, you can explore a tummy tuck revision.
How is a revision procedure different from my first tummy tuck?
In terms of prep, surgery day, and post-op recovery, the procedure will likely feel very much the same as the first abdominoplasty you had. The difference is in the corrective plastic surgery Dr. Campanile needs to perform while you are under general anesthesia. The exact techniques will depend on what went wrong with your initial procedure. For instance, he may need to do muscle repair, remove additional excess fat, repair scar tissue, etc.
Is a tummy tuck revision painful?
A tummy tuck revision is typically no more painful than your initial tummy tuck, and in some cases, patients report that it feels less intense, especially if the revision is less extensive. Most discomfort occurs in the first few days after surgery and is typically well-managed with prescribed pain medication. If your revision does not involve significant muscle tightening, as many don’t, it may be easier to recover from than your original procedure.
Can I combine a tummy tuck redo with other procedures?
Generally speaking, yes, you can combine other procedures with a tummy tuck redo or revision surgery. Common pairings include liposuction and breast enhancement procedures, such as a breast lift or augmentation. However, if your tummy tuck revision is particularly complex, Dr. Campanile may recommend splitting these out into separate procedures.
Hot Topics in Tummy Tuck Revision
- Signs You Could Need a Tummy Tuck Revision: Dr. Campanile breaks down some of the telltale signs that a tummy tuck revision may be necessary.
- How a C.L.A.S.S. Tummy Tuck Can Deliver Better Results: Dr. Campanile explains the ins and outs of his proprietary C.L.A.S.S. drainless tummy tuck technique and why it can be so beneficial compared to a traditional tummy tuck with drains.
- 5 Tips to Maintain Your Tummy Tuck Results: Once you get the tummy tuck results you wanted from the start, follow these tips to maintain them.
- How Long Can You Expect Tummy Tuck Results to Last? Dr. Campanile helps patients set realistic expectations for the results of their tummy tuck revision procedures.
- Going Cheap on Your Tummy Tuck Now Can Have Long-Reaching Effects: Dr. Campanile helps to steer patients away from choosing a “cheap” initial tummy tuck to hopefully avoid the need for a revision surgery down the road.
Cited Sources
- Dean, R. A., Dean, J. A., & Matarasso, A. (2019). Secondary abdominoplasty: Management of the umbilicus after prior stalk transection. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 143(4), 729e-733e. https://www.doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000005415
- Dutot, M. C., Serror, K., Al Ameri, O., Chaouat, M., Mimoun, M., & Boccara, D. (2018). Improving safety after abdominoplasty: a retrospective review of 1128 cases. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 142(2), 355-362. https://www.doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000004572
- Matarasso, A., Schneider, L. F., & Barr, J. (2014). The incidence and management of secondary abdominoplasty and secondary abdominal contour surgery. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 133(1), 40-50. https://www.doi.org/10.1097/01.prs.0000436525.56422.4d
- Seung-Jun, O., & Thaller, S. R. (2002). Refinements in abdominoplasty. Clinics in plastic surgery, 29(1), 95-109. 10.1016/S0094-1298(03)00088-9
- Trussler, A. P., Kurkjian, T. J., Hatef, D. A., Farkas, J. P., & Rohrich, R. J. (2010). Refinements in abdominoplasty: a critical outcomes analysis over a 20-year period. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 126(3), 1063-1074. https://www.doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181e60537
Written By: Dr. Francesco Campanile
Dr. Francesco Campanile is a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing plastic surgery since 1997. He specializes exclusively in body contouring and breast enhancement procedures, including the innovative C.L.A.S.S. tummy tuck™ technique developed at his Denver clinic.
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Last Reviewed: October 6th, 2025
