Tummy Tuck Risks
Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is typically performed using general anesthesia. Depending on the individual circumstances, some patients are able to return home the same day after surgery while others may be required to remain in a hospital overnight. After surgery it’s common for patients to experience swelling, soreness, redness, and bruising in the abdomen. These side effects usually dissipate within three weeks, during which time it is important to follow your surgeon’s recovery instructions carefully to avoid complications.
While it is rare for serious complications to arise, this procedure is not without risk. As would be the case with any surgical procedure, patients undergoing tummy tuck surgery are susceptible to a range of possible complications such as adverse reactions to the anesthesia, internal bleeding, and the collection of fluid. Other undesirable complications include scarring at the site of the incision.
While skilled surgeons will take every precaution necessary to prevent the onset of an infection following surgery, infections exist as a possible complication. The vast majority of post-abdominoplasty infections occur as a result of improper care on the part of the patient during the tummy tuck recovery period. It is absolutely imperative that you follow your doctor’s directions properly during the recovery. Some of the early warning signs of an infection are fever, excessive perspiration, and the chills. More prominent and obvious tummy tuck scars can result if healing takes longer than expected due to infections or other complications.
Blood clots are a remote possibility, but should be taken into consideration when assessing the risks associated with tummy tucks. Internal blood clots are possible in any surgery involving the use of general anesthesia. The greatest period of risk of developing blood clots is during the first few days after the surgery is performed. Interference with blood circulation is one of the health risks that blood clots can pose. In rare cases, blood clots may break off from the affected area and travel through to other parts of the body such as the heart, brain, or the lungs. Medical testing may be conducted before the tummy tuck is scheduled in order to assess your potential risk for developing blood clots in the recovery phase.
It’s important to understand that no two patients recovering from a tummy tuck will heal at the same pace. Younger patients who are in good overall health are more likely to heal quickly and without complication than older patients with one or more health problems. Smoking is also associated with an increased risk of complications. Aside from the increased discomfort, patients who experience any of these complications after undergoing a tummy tuck are at a greater risk of developing prominent tummy tuck scars.
While it is important to recognize that these risks do exist, it is rare to experience serious complications after undergoing a tummy tuck. As long as you choose a board certified plastic surgeon and there is good communication between the patient and the surgeon, most patients are able to enjoy a smooth recovery process and positive results from the procedure.