ABDOMINOPLASTY (TUMMY TUCK)

Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed successfully each year. When done by a qualified plastic surgeon that is trained in body contouring, the results are generally quite positive. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.

Temporary pain

Pain after surgery is variable and for some people may be quite severe. Tenderness in the scar may last for several weeks.

Swelling

Most patients have swelling for about a month to six weeks after surgery. In women the labia may be swollen and in men the scrotum may be bruised or swollen.

Bruising

Bruising is common on the abdomen and in more severe cases it extends onto the surrounding skin. If there is bleeding it may be worse.

Bleeding or hematoma

Drains are used after surgery but still some patients may collect blood. If bleeding is severe a transfusion may be needed.

Seroma

Sometimes serum is secreted beneath the skin and this leads to a collection of fluid called a seroma. If severe, surgery or aspiration of this fluid is needed.

Fat necrosis

When the abdominal wall is stretched the blood supply to the remaining fat and skin may be damaged. On rare occasions this may lead to necrosis of fat cells which become liquefied and hardened. Infection can sometimes develop in these areas.

Infection

This can be a serious problem. If bleeding occurs then infection may develop in a hematoma.

Thick scar formation

The scar is long and sometimes excess scar can form. This is more common in those patients that are genetically prone to heavy scar. Scar revision is sometimes helpful but some scars cannot be improved.

Umbilical retraction or necrosis

During an abdominoplasty the umbilicus must be repositioned, and sometimes the blood supply is damaged. When all scars have contracted the umbilicus may not be in the midline.

Numbness or change in feeling

Unusual feeling or numbness in the abdomen may last for many months.

Skin loss

The abdominal wall is stretched during surgery and the blood supply to the skin may be damaged. This may lead to death of the skin. If this happens a skin graft may be needed. This is much more common in people with diabetes and smokers.

Wound dehiscence or separation

It is not unusual for the scar to heal slowly and some separation to develop. Although rarely a major problem, it may lead to a heavier scar and slower recovery. Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation. Smokers should be advised to stop, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing.

Serious and life threatening problems

An abdominoplasty is a major operation and has the risks of major surgery including blood clots in the legs, lung problems, pulmonary embolus and even death. Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but will prolong the hospital stay. Patients can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible.

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