Tummy Tuck: What are the risks?
Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed successfully each year. When done by a qualified plastic surgeon who 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.
- “I did situps and crunches everyday and my stomach would not go away.”
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 your hospital stay. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible. If you have had blood clots in the past or a pulmonary embolus, discuss this directly with Dr. Grado at your initial consultation.
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.
You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your given instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.