8 Tummy Tuck Health Risks Everyone Should Know

Choosing to undergo tummy tuck is a significant decision that can provide transformative results for individuals seeking to improve their abdominal contour and boost their self-confidence. However, like any surgical procedure, tummy tucks carry inherent risks and potential complications that patients should be aware of before proceeding.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various health risks associated with tummy tuck surgery to help patients make informed decisions about their treatment options. Talk to your surgeon about possible health effects that may occur after your abdominoplasty surgery in NYC to make an appropriate recovery plan. 

Common Health Risks

1. Bleeding

• During tummy tuck surgery, incisions are made to remove excess skin and fat, which can lead to bleeding. While surgeons take precautions to minimize bleeding during the procedure, some degree of bleeding is expected. Excessive bleeding during or after surgery may require additional interventions to control and may increase the risk of complications such as hematoma formation. 

2. Infection

• Infection is a potential risk following any surgical procedure, including tummy tucks. Despite strict sterile techniques in the operating room and the use of antibiotics prophylactically, infections can still occur. Symptoms of infection may include redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, or discharge from the incision site. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is necessary to prevent the spread of infection and minimize complications.

3. Seroma Formation

• A seroma is a collection of fluid that can accumulate under the skin following surgery, including tummy tucks. While seromas are relatively common and often resolve on their own, larger or persistent seromas may require drainage by your surgeon to prevent complications such as infection or delayed wound healing.

4. Poor Wound Healing

• Factors such as smoking, diabetes, obesity, and poor circulation can impair wound healing after tummy tuck surgery. Patients with these risk factors may be more susceptible to complications such as delayed wound healing, wound dehiscence (opening of the wound), or wound infections. It's essential to address these risk factors before surgery and follow your surgeon's instructions for optimal wound care post-operatively.

5. Numbness or Changes in Sensation

• Following tummy tuck surgery, patients may experience temporary numbness or changes in sensation around the incision site. This is due to disruption of sensory nerves during the procedure and typically resolves over time as nerves regenerate. However, in some cases, these changes may be permanent, especially if nerve damage occurs during surgery.

Less Common Health Risks

6. Blood Clots

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are rare but serious complications that can occur after surgery, including tummy tucks. Factors such as immobility, obesity, smoking, and a history of blood clots increase the risk of developing blood clots. Patients may be advised to wear compression stockings, undergo leg exercises, or take blood-thinning medications to reduce the risk of blood clots post-operatively.

7. Scarring

• While scarring is inevitable with any surgical procedure, the extent of scarring can vary depending on factors such as incision placement, skin type, and individual healing response. Tummy tuck incisions are typically placed low on the abdomen to conceal scars beneath clothing. However, some patients may develop hypertrophic scars or keloids, especially those with a predisposition to abnormal scarring.

8. Umbilical Abnormalities

• Changes to the position or appearance of the belly button (umbilicus) may occur after tummy tuck surgery. While surgeons take care to preserve the natural aesthetics of the belly button during the procedure, minor irregularities or asymmetries may still occur. In rare cases, patients may experience umbilical stenosis (narrowing of the umbilical opening) or umbilical hernia formation post-operatively.

While tummy tuck surgery offers numerous benefits, it's essential for patients to understand and acknowledge the potential health risks associated with the procedure. By working closely with a board-certified plastic surgeon and following pre-operative and post-operative instructions diligently, patients can minimize these risks and achieve safe, satisfying outcomes from their tummy tuck surgery. Remember to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your surgeon before proceeding with surgery to ensure informed decision-making and optimal results.