How risky is a tummy tuck? (Photo)

A tummy tuck, like any surgical procedure, comes with potential risks and complications. It’s crucial to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can provide a thorough assessment of your individual case, discuss potential risks, and address your specific concerns.

Your husband’s concern is understandable, and open communication with him about your motivations, the benefits you hope to achieve, and the safety measures in place during surgery might help alleviate his worries. You can find reputable resources on plastic surgery organizations’ websites, medical journals, or by consulting with healthcare professionals who can provide evidence-based information.


Best of luck !

Tummy tucks are one of the most common procedures performed in plastic surgery. They are one of my most favorite given the changes that can be made to a person's body. It rejuvenates the abdomen and makes people feel confident.

However, all procedures have some risks. It is the job of your surgeon and the surgical team to inform you of those risks, to help minimize those risks from occurring, and to be there for you to help manage those risks if they do. I think that last point is one that everybody considering surgery should think about very carefully when choosing their surgeon.

I would break risks down a few ways:

1. Systemic risks from anesthesia are very rare. They can include heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and death. Although they sound terrible, they are exceptionally rare events. Everything has risks. Consider the risk of driving a car. Your surgeon, anesthetist, and nursing team will ensure that you are a good candidate for surgery and take all the necessary steps to minimize any of those complications.

2. Local issues. This could include scarring, asymmetry, wound healing issues, sutures which come to the surface rather than melting away. There can be bleeding, collection of swelling fluid, a temporary or permanent decreased sensation to the skin, and even skin necrosis, amongst others. Most of these are more nuisance type concerns that can be addressed in the office. Generally they would not have a lasting impact.

3. Cosmetic concerns. Cosmetic concerns could include poor scarring, poor position of scar, dogears at the end of the scar, fullness above the scar, unattractive bellybutton, need for some contouring liposuction, or others. Choosing surgeon that can give you a low position scar and a natural looking bellybutton is important. Make sure you understand in advance what the situation is for minor corrections, including when and what costs are associated.

This is obviously just an overview. Make sure that you feel your surgeon has been thorough in going over all the risks and benefits (as well as alternative options), of surgery so you can make an informed choice.

Dr. Rodger Shortt, Oakville, Ontario.

My biggest piece of advice is to go to a plastic surgeon who completed a dedicated plastic (not cosmetic) surgery residency, instead of a residency in a different field. This operation is made safer with good training. An orientation is a great step to learn the ins and outs. Many surgeons' websites also have information

Hello and thank you for your questions. I completely understand your husband's concern and am happy to provide some answers. I have operated on many patients from all age ranges including in their 30's to patients in their 70's. They have all done very well. The main factor is your overall health. It is important to optimize any medical problems you might have such as diabetes, anemia, high blood pressure, etc... prior to undergoing any surgery. We obtain standard lab testing to verify and confirm any areas that need to be addressed before surgery. A healthy person should have very minimal risks of any adverse outcome with a drainless tummy tuck. The benefits of repairing your muscle separation and removing the extra loose skin from the belly are amazing. I hope this helps.

Best wishes!

Abdominoplasty is a very safe procedure. When done in an appropriate setting, by a board certified plastic surgeon the risk profile is relatively low. The most severe risks would be: Risk of death is 0.03%, risk of DVT 0.2%. Most of these complications are going to occur in patients who have other risk factors or other medical conditions. There is no such thing as no risk surgery, but in a healthy patient risks are very low!