Risks of Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty Surgery

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck cosmetic plastic surgery risks for Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, & Washington DC

An individual?s choice to undergo a tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty surgery should be based on the assessment of the risk to potential benefit. Pain and swelling are consequences of any cosmetic surgery including tummy tuck surgery.Dr. Michael J. Brown, M.D. will prescribe pain medications and will instruct you on how to best handle the discomfort. Soreness can last for quite a few weeks; even months after tummy tuck plastic surgery. You may also have numbness for a similar period of time.

As with any surgery, there are risks to consider. Tummy tuck plastic surgery involves a very essential part of your body. Although the majority of patients do not experience the following complications, you should discuss each of them with Dr. Michael J. Brown, M.D. to make sure you understand all possible consequences of tummy tuck plastic surgery.

Bleeding ? It is possible, though unusual, to experience a bleeding episode during or after tummy tuck surgery. Should post-operative bleeding occur, it may require emergency treatment to drain accumulated blood or blood transfusion. Do not take any listed medications for 14 days before tummy tuck surgery, as this may increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery.

Infection ? Infection is unusual after tummy tuck surgery. Should an infection occur after tummy tuck, treatment including antibiotics or additional surgery may be necessary.

Change in skin sensation ? Diminished (or loss of) skin sensation in the lower abdominal area may not totally resolve after tummy tuck.

Skin contour irregularities ? Contour irregularities and depressions may occur after tummy tuck. Visible and palpable wrinkling of skin can occur.

Skin scarring ? Excessive scarring is uncommon after tummy tuck but in rare cases abnormal scars may occur. The scars may be unattractive and remain a different color than surrounding the skin. Dr. Brown will recommend certain creams or ointments to use after you have completely healed to help with the scars. Additional treatments, such as surgery may be necessary to treat abnormal scarring.
 
Surgical anesthesia? Both local and general anesthesia involve risks. There is the possibility of complications, injury, and even death from all forms of surgical anesthesia or sedation.

Asymmetry ? Symmetrical body appearance may not result from tummy tuck. Factors such as skin tone, fatty deposits, bony prominence, and muscle tone may contribute to normal asymmetry in body features. The belly button may be off the midline of the abdomen.

Delayed healing ? Wound disruption or delayed wound healing is possible after tummy tuck plastic surgery. Some areas of the abdomen may not heal normally and may take a long time to heal.  Some areas of skin may die. The belly button may not completely survive, especially with previous history of laparoscopic procedures. This may require frequent dressing changes or further surgery to remove the non-healed tissue.

Smokers ? have a greater risk of skin loss and wound healing complications.

Allergic reactions ? In rare cases, local allergies to tape, suture material, or topical preparations have been reported. Systemic reactions which are more serious may occur to drugs used during tummy tuck surgery and prescription medicines. Allergic reactions may require additional treatment.

Pulmonary complications ? Pulmonary complications may occur secondarily to both blood clots or fat particles (pulmonary emboli) or partial collapse of the lungs after tummy tuck surgery. Should either of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment. Pulmonary emboli can be life-threatening or fatal in some circumstances.

Seroma ? Fluid accumulations infrequently occur in between the skin and the abdominal wall after tummy tuck. Should this problem occur, it may require additional procedures for drainage of fluid.

Umbilicus (belly button) ? Malposition, scarring, unacceptable appearance or loss of the umbilicus (navel) may occur after tummy tuck.

Long term effects ? Subsequent alterations in body contour may occur as the result of aging, weight loss or gain, pregnancy, or other circumstances not related to tummy tuck.

Pain ? Chronic pain may occur very infrequently from nerves becoming trapped in scar tissue after abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).

Other ? You may be disappointed with the results of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery. Infrequently, it is necessary to perform additional surgery to improve your results.

Fortunately, major complications from tummy tuck surgery are uncommon. Every year, thousands of people undergo tummy tuck surgery and experience no significant problems.

Carefully consider all tummy tuck risks and complications and discuss them with Dr. Michael J. Brown before making the decision to have the tummy tuck plastic surgery procedure.  It is also really important for you to look into the recovery time of tummy tuck surgery.

To best help our patients make well-informed decisions we have provided additional information in our tummy tuck section.  Read more about how to prepare for tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Brown provides his patients with extensive post op instructions, a few key examples are provided for you online.  You can also learn more about insurance coverage; visit the tummy tuck and insurance page.

As with any surgery,prior to any surgical procedure, it is best that you have read and understand the consent forms required for a plastic surgical procedure. Top.