What are the long term cons that are possible after tummy tuck?

Question

After having a tummy tuck what are some of the long term possibly life long issues that I may have to live with or are possible? I hear some ladies say 3 to 10 years after they never regained full feeling to their area between incision and belly button. Some say alot of swelling they still deal with and not just with their menstrual cycles. Also some say there still have the pins and needles sensation in the lower and upper abdomen. Any info and help is and will be so appreciated. Thank you very much.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Hello ShirleyB., 
  It’s a pleasure to answer your questions! One of the most common cosmetic surgeries patients are interested in when they come to my office is the abdominoplasty (tummy-tuck). When performed by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon, the abdominoplasty will result in flatter, firmer abdominal contour with narrower waistline that wouldn’t be achieved by liposuction procedures only. All in all, abdominoplasty is a very safe operation. Unfortunately, as with any other cosmetic surgeries, there are post-operative complications that should be addressed by a specialist in a time manner. The most likely possible complications after abdominoplasty are: swelling, infection, wound separation and fluid collections (seromas and hematomas). Long term complications after abdominoplasty might include 1) scarring (since the incision scar from a tummy tuck is permanent and some patients scar more than others), tissue necrosis (depending on the size of the area, tissue might heal on its own within weeks or require a surgical touch-up procedure), and changes in skin sensation. During a tummy tuck, the repositioning of your abdominal tissues can affect superficial sensory nerves in the abdominal area, and infrequently, in the upper thighs. You'll likely feel some reduced sensation or numbness. This usually diminishes in the months after the procedure, but it might be also permanent. A highly trained and skilled plastic surgeon will inform you about the potential complications before getting an abdominoplasty and he/she will help you diminish the risk of those complications. Good luck and may God bless you! Dr. De La Cruz.

Marc Klein, MD · Answer

Look at Realself ratings.    You will note that tummy tucks have one of the highest ratings.     While there can be some long term issues with tummy tucks, it is very rare to have a patient complain about such issue.   It is true that there is often some area of decreased sensation in the lower abdomen, but this rarely results in permanent pararthesias, or uncomfortable sensations.    Problems with the scar or a small or wide umbilicus can be bothersome.      You should be relatively sure you do not want more children, not because a tummy tuck with interfere with the pregnancy, but because it with undo much of the benefit and is not as easily redone.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There are risks to every surgery.  The most important step you can take to keep these to a minimum is to choose an experienced board certified plastic surgeon and follow instructions closely.  Long term risks vary in frequency but some include changes in sensation, contour irregularities, necrosis, and poor scarring.  I encourage you to speak with your surgeon about your concerns.

Kristin A. Boehm, MD · Answer

An abdominoplasty produces a firmer, flatter abdomen, but at the expense of a scar.  The scar is longer than a c section scar, extending typically from hip to hip.  In most instances the scar is placed low enough that in clothing and most bathing suits it is not visible.  The scar does fade and flatten with time, but it is permanent.  Sensory changes to the abdomen, particularly the lower abdomen and around the scar, are also a possibility.  Many patients have some diminished sensation to the abdomen immediately post op, but gradually it returns.  In some cases however, the decreased sensation can be permanent.  Despite these risks, most patients have high satisfaction with this procedure.

Leo McCafferty, MD · Answer

Long term problems following a tummy tuck are very rare.  Typically, any issues occur within the first several weeks after surgery.  Occasionally it does take some time for sensation to return between the belly button and the lower abdominal scar, but in my experience, most patients after several months are doing just fine.  Typically, the recurrent swelling and pin and needle sensation that you're describing is very short lived and gone within a year.  I hope this helps.

David Finkle, MD · Answer

The most common problem/complaint is the scar.  It is long and can be hard to hide, it does fade with time, but it is permanent in nature.Some patients also experience numbness around the incision/scars, this can also be permanent, but usually temporary.A feeling of tightness in the abdomen and feeling full with eating is common, but again temporary as the skin relaxes with time.  Here is a summary of a tummy tuck: A tummy tuck which is also referred to as an abdominoplasty is a procedure to enhance the appearance of the abdomen.  It consists of 3 basic steps:
Skin removal and tighteningSubcutaneous fat removalMuscle tighteningThere are many different types of tummy tucks which are customized to each individual.   
The recovery is very similar to a C-Section or Hysterectomy recovery.  The first week lifting is limited to 15 lbs maximum and the patients usually walk slowly and bend over.  The second week the weight limitation is increased to 30 pounds and more normal walking.  After the second week many patients return to work if it is more sedentary, active work jobs and heavy lifting, pulling or straining are still difficult for another 2 weeks.  Most women need help with small children for the first week.
There has been a breakthrough in the technology of post op pain relief for tummy tucks.  A new medication is now being used that will provide for 3-4 days of post op pain relief, speeding up the recovery process!  It is called Exparel.
Vigorous physical activity and contact sports are limited for 4-6 weeks.  Everyone's recovery is different, and everyone's tummy tuck is different, the recovery time will vary from individual to individual.
This is a wonderful operation that will make the tummy flat FOREVER, WITHOUT SIT-UPS!!  But, you have to be willing to trade the appearance for the scar, which is long, but well placed, and hidden in all clothing and bathing suits.  Your weight should be stable and finished with child bearing before undergoing this procedure
Please consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in body contouring procedures to assure the best possible result.  
Good Luck!

Mary Lee Peters, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for asking these common questions about tummy tuck surgery.  It is not common that we see the concerns you mention and our hope is that you have no such problems after your tummy tuck.  The goal is to give you a flatter appearing abdomen with a better waistline and abdominal contour.  It should last a lifetime as long as you maintain a stable and healthy body weight.  This new appearance of your abdomen will be the result of several surgical steps including the removal and then tightening of excess loose skin, removal of fat and finally by tightening the abdominal wall muscle separation that occurs with pregnancy or weight gain.  You will end up with a scar located in the pubic area from hip to hip.  You will see improvement in the appearance of your abdomen during the entire first year after your surgery.  It may take awhile for any numbness to resolve, and only very occasionally is this permanent.  Of course every surgery carries risk.  You can minimize these risks by reaching an healthy body weight and nutritional status before your operation. It is also very important to follow all of your surgeon's postoperative care instructions while you are recovering.  Be sure to discuss these issues with your board certified plastic surgeon during your consultation, so that you are as prepared as possible for your surgery.

What are the long term cons that are possible after tummy tuck?

Answers (7)

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