Complications - Sepsis from Tummy Tuck?

Sepsis,  an infection which has spread into the blood is very rare after tummy tuck.  Some patients do develop small areas of infection along the incision line which are minor and easily treated.  The prevention of infection with tummy tuck should start the morning of surgery, with the patient showering and avoiding putting anything on the skin until seen by the surgeon.  The patients skin is then prepped at surgery and draped sterily.  A dose of IV antibiotics is given and the surgery is done with sterile technique.  Some doctors will give post operative antibiotics and some not.  These basic steps make infections with tummy tucks a rare occurrence.

Never heard of sepsis from a TT, but anything is possible.  We use antibiotics prophylactically and your plastic surgeon probably will as well.  Good luck.

Sepsis is a rare and vary serious progression of the more common infections that can occur. The risk of this is extremely low Reducing the risk of infections with surgery is a goal for all Plastic Surgeons and requires a pro-active approach by the Surgeon and the patient. The use of antibiotics in the operating room is common practice and each Surgeon will have their own approach to antibiotic use after surgery. Patients that are in optimal health prior to surgery will have a lower risk of complications as well. For example, excess body weight, smoking, diabetes, prolonged anesthetic times and multiple procedures being done at once have all been associated with a higher risk of infection. A comprehensive approach is needed and you should feel free to ask your Surgeon about what steps are taken to reduce your risk of an infection.

Dr. Mosher