Tummy Tuck - Is It Safe? What Are the Risks and Side Effects?

A tummy tuck is an elective, cosmetic procedure that is done under a general anesthetic and it has a well recognized set of risks associated with it. The term 'safety' is relative to the individual patient's perspective. In general terms, it is a safe procedure. The risks of the procedure related to the surgical wound include infection, wound healing problems, fluid collecting underneath the wound (seroma). The cumulative risk of these problems is about 10-15% in a... more

Hello. Tummy tucks (abdominoplasties) are very commonly performed surgeries with a high satisfaction rate. I have performed over 1000 of these procedures and the patients are among my happiest. This surgery corrects the loose  skin, stretch marks, lax abdominal muscles and excess tummy fat often seen after pregnancy or weight gain/loss and that do not respond well to diet and exercise. Like any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with tummy tucks. These... more

A tummy tuck is a safe procedure IF it is performed on a healthy non-obese patient and is performed by an American Board of Plastic Surgery certified surgeon who performs the surgery frequently. The most significant complications that can occur from a tummy tuck are fluid collections in the wound after your drain is removed and blood clots in the veins. The first of these is a nuisance problem that resolves with drawing out the fluid with syringes. The second problem, namely blood clots... more

A tummy tuck is a very safe procedure. I will admit that most patients feel it is a painful procedure, especially if the muscles have to get repaired. The biggest risks, in my opinion, of the procedure are: bleeding infection wound healing problems post-op fluid collections blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)) clots being thrown to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) The risks of all these problems are usually less than 5-8%. When I perform a tummy tuck, I typically give my... more

A tummy tuck is a very common cosmetic procedure to improve the look and contour of the abdomen. When performed properly and on the appropriate patient, it is a very safe procedure. It is important that the procedure is performed by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has experience with the procedure. The risks of a tummy tuck include seromas, hematomas, wound healing difficulty, belly button loss, contour deformities, and DVT/PEs (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism). The most... more

"Tummy tuck" sounds cute but it's serious surgery.  It should be performed by a well-trained plastic surgeon who can handle the complications.  Wound healing is important as the operation creates a large flap with compromised blood supply (important for healing).  Attention to detail and post-operative course minimizes risk but significant wound issues can occur.  Do not take this operation lightly.

This is a very good question. There are always potential risks while having any type of surgery performed. Some of these potential risks are: unfavorable scarring, bleeding/hematoma, infection, fluid accumulation (seroma), poor wound healing, wound dehiscence, suture granuloma, numbness in skin sensation, contour irregularities, asymmetry in scar placement or contour, pain that persists, nerve damage, loss of umbilicus, residual deformity, need for revisional surgery, suboptimal... more

Tummy tucks are a very popular and safe way to contour the abdomen and trunk. Patients should keep in mind that this is a significant procedure that requires repositioning of the muscles tightening the tissues and removing excess fat and skin. For this reason, it is essential that you work with a board-certified plastic surgeon was a great deal of experience in abdominoplasty and body contouring. Such a surgeon will be able to evaluate you and determine what procedures need to be done... more

Tummy tucks like all other operations have its risks. In general it is a very safe operation.  The complication ratesare about the same as in other operations that we do. I would say the biggest issue for patients is the discomfort post-op. It is a bit more than some other procedures.

Any surgical procedure carries a certain amount of risk. We can decrease the risks by taking certain measures: 1. Who is doing the surgery? Should be a Board Certified PS. 2. Where? A certified Facility or Hospital. 3. Anesthesia should be administered by a board certified Anesthesiologist. 4. You will need to be in good health. We require a complete history and physical exam and blood work by your Family MD and clearance for surgery. You need to meet with the PS and discuss all your... more

SEE VIDEO BELOW: Tummy Tuck procedues are gnerally safe with a high degreee of patient satisfaction. There are risks to crossing the street or flying in an airplane and, of course, there are risks to any surgical procedure. These risks can occur regardless of surgeon or technique. These include but are not limited to: infection, hematoma/seroma, discomfort, wound breakdown, hypertrophic scar formation, asymmetry, unfavorable healing, palpable sutures, depressed scars, deep venous thrombosis... more