Tummy Tuck Complications | Abdominoplasty Risks and Considerations
The tummy tuck is by far one of the most popular, and safest plastic surgery procedures. But plastic surgery is still surgery, and all surgeries carry risks. It’s important to weigh these risks when you consider your tummy tuck and mommy makeover, because you want to be certain that the risks associated with abdominoplasty are worth the perceived reward.
Tummy Tuck Risks and Complications
Dr. Agha has performed hundreds of tummy tucks and related procedures with excellent outcomes. But there is always a risk to surgery. Some of the complications associated with a tummy tuck include:
- Significant Scarring – Most patients that go through a tummy tuck are willing to trade scars for a flatter, healthier looking abdomen. But significant, less aesthetically pleasing scarring is a risk, especially if you are a smoker, prone to scarring or experience any complications. Pressure on the wound can affect scarring as well. Scarring is not always predictable, which means that even a perfect suture may result in abnormal or asymmetrical scarring in a way the patient finds unattractive. Know your body, and be prepared for any scars.
- Poor Wound Healing and Bleeding – Bleeding is also a risk, as is the develop-ment of a hematoma (coagulated blood that forms under the skin and is sensitive to the touch). High blood pressure, smoking, overuse of aspirin and similar medications (especially before the procedure), poor health or clotting inability, and excessive physical activity can all lead to bleeding and healing risks. It’s very important that you discuss your habits with your doctor, and follow post-operative advice to reduce this risk.
- Risks of Anesthesia – Both general and local anesthesia carry risks as well. It’s important that you speak with your anesthesiologist about the risks of anesthesia, as well as your health, your history with surgery, and other issues that can affect the safety of being put to sleep during surgery.
- Excess Fluid – You may also be at risk for fluid accumulation. Though rare, body fluids may accumulate underneath the skin after a major operation, like a tummy tuck. Dr. Agha uses a drainage system after surgery to reduce fluid accumulation, but if you notice that the swelling appears greater than you expected, or there are signs of fluid accumulation in the body, it may be necessary to contact Dr. Agha for drainage.
- Infection – Dr. Agha has years of experience and was trained at prestigious medical universities on safe wound closure, so risk of infection is very low. However, the tummy tuck also involves significant incisions, and if bacteria does get in the wound or the wound opens, infection is a risk. Minor infections can usually be controlled with a oral antibiotic and basic care. You can reduce the risk of infection with proper wound care. Make sure you talk to Dr. Agha, Orange County tummy tuck surgeon, about how you can fight the risk of infections.
- Nerve/Pain Issues – A very rare tummy tuck complication is damage to the nerves or pain sensors. In some cases, a nerve can get stuck under the healing skin and cause chronic pain. Nerves may also experience damage, especially if the wound doesn’t heal properly, and that may cause issues with tingling, sensitivity, or numbness.
- Blood Clots – Every invasive surgery carries the very rare risk of developing blood clots, including pulmonary and deep vein thrombosis. Numerous steps are taken to reduce this risk, and surgical techniques have improved dramatically to ensure that DVT and other blood clot issues do not occur, but all surgeries carry the risk of DVT and pulmonary emboli, which may be life threatening. If you believe you may be suffering from any of these issues, call 911 immediately.
- Final Appearance –Every body is different, and everyone responds differently to surgery depending on expectations, health, healing ability, and more. Even if you love your results, age, problems with skin laxity, pregnancy, weight gain or loss, and more can all continue to alter the results. Dr. Agha takes great care to ensure perfection, but there is always the risk that you will not find the results ideal.
Potential tummy tuck patients in Orange County are advised to consider these risks and complications before they elect for surgery. For many, the tummy tuck still represents a substantial improvement to self esteem and body image, and is the right choice for your aesthetic goals. If you’d like to learn more, call Tummy Tuck Orange County today at .
