Tummy Tuck Complications and Risks

asked 2 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Johan E. Brahme, MD
Question viewed 405 times
Tags: complication, risk

With tummy tuck, what kind of risks and complications can occur? Do your patients usually find the risks are worth the rewards?

10 answers to Tummy Tuck Complications and Risks

Tummy tuck risks

The risks associated with a tummy tock are usually small, in a young healthy nonsmoking patient. The main risks are bleeding, infection and wound healing problems, as with any operation. These complications are rare. Many patients have small nuisance problems such as spitting stitches or postoperative fluid collections, but these do not usually affect the outcome. The most dreaded complication is blood clots in the legs (DVT) and in the lungs (Pulmonary Embolism) which can be potentially... more

Johan E. Brahme, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck Risk vs. Reward

Bleeding and infection are possible complications- as with any type of surgery. They are rare, however, with careful attention to surgical and sterile technique. Tissue loss due to poor blood supply is a problem more specific to this procedure. It most commonly occurs just above the incision over the pubic area. Fortunately, this complication is quite infrequent also. You are at much greater risk for this problem if you are a smoker. Some surgeons will not offer an abdominoplasty to a... more

Robert C. Bledsoe, Jr., MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Understanding the risks of tummy tuck

The benefits of tummy tuck today almost go without saying, improved abdominal contour and tone, firm abdominal skin without hanging or laxity, and reduced stretch marks from pregnancy. Understanding the risks is an important part of prevention. Besides, no one should face unexpected disappointments or thoughts of "I didn't know that could happen", especially after the fact. The 'common' risks do include infection, poor healing or scaring, bleeding, fluid collection or seroma, and... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck complications and risks

This is a very nebulous question. I do over 100 tummy tucks a year, and have seen my share of complications, or unforeseen events. The patient must weigh the risk/benefit ratios to determine if they can accept this operation. A listing of the complications can be found on the ASPS website. Here are the major ones: Death, Pulmonary emboli, Infection, Hematoma, Dehisence of the wound, Skin/Fat necrosis. Go see 3 board certified plastic surgeons in your area. Regards

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Well done tummy tuck produces happy patients.

Hi. Unfortunately you cannot generalize. How good the surgeon is determines everything. With good technique, and meticulous precautions, the benefits of a tummy tuck far outweigh the risks.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Risk vs. Reward for Tummy Tuck

As your question implies, the decision for elective surgery is a balance of reward and risk. If the risk of a tummy tuck were too high, no one would be able to rationalize the decision so it would not be as popular as it is. In fact, no cosmetic surgery operation increased more over tha past 10 years. On the benefit side, tummy tucks do what you can't do with exercise and diet alone: tighten skin, remove localized fat, and repair muscles that have been pushed apart by pregnancy or weight... more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Risks of Tummy Tuck

Tummy tucks are probably the most risky standard cosmetic procedure. Only large procedures on patients with massive weight loss have more risks. The scar can become thick or wide. Rarely the wound, especially just above the pubis, will not heal immediately. You can also have infections, pneumonia, asymmetry, poor umbilical position, loss of the umbilicus, unusual or decreased sensation or small projections of skin at the end of the scar. The greatest risk, however, is development of... more

Robert T. Buchanan, MD
Highlands Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck Risks

Abdominal contouring operations can make dramatic differences in a persons appearance and their physical health. I have had people tell me they could not exercise because of the excess skin on their abdomen or from back pain which improved after correcting the position of the rectus muscles. Reestablishing a waistline allows greater flexibility with wardrobe and bathing suits, I have woman who have not worn a bikini for years because of the appearance of their abdomen who are wearing them... more

Robert W. Kessler, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.drrobkessler.com

Benefits of Tummy Tuck are way greater than risks

Hello, The benefits of tummy tuck in my practice and in my patient's experiences outweigh the risks/complications. Some of the general risks/complications that I inform patient about are outlined below. It is best to have several consultations with plastic surgeons in your area to outline the risk/complications that are general and that are specific to you. Good Luck! Risks/Complications: 1. Infection 2. Bleeding 3. Fluid accumulations (seroma, hematoma) 4. Scarring 5. Soft tissue loss... more

Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck Risks

All surgery carries risks. The risks with tummy tucks include the risk of anesthesia, bleeding, infection, loss of sensation, poor wound healing, poor scarring, and seroma formation. Cigarette smoking definitely increases risks, especially poor healing. You should have a candid conversation with a Board-certified plastic surgeon. Following this you must weigh the benefits and risks as well as the cost.