Tummy Tuck Complications / Risks

Question

When would be the highest risk for complications to occur such as seroma's, hematoma's, infections and necrosis after a tummy tuck? Would it usually be in the first 2 weeks? Wouldn't it be better to use motrin 400 mg daily say at day 10 post op. to decrease swelling? Thanks for your opinion.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Abdominoplasty has increased in popularity more than any other cosmetic plastic surgery operation over the past decade, and there are improvements in technique and patient selection that help to keep complications at a minimum. Most important is to not have an abdominoplasty if you are a smoker or significantly overweight. Infections are rare, and seromas can all but be eliminated with the use of progressive tension sutures (PTS technique.) It is still a significant operation though so you should see an experienced plastic surgeon and make sure it will be done in an accredited surgical facility.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Generally, this is during the first 2 weeks following your surgery. To control swelling, please ask your surgeon for their advice, as it's better to not take any medications without the prior approval of your surgeon. You can help by wearing your compression garment as advised, cutting back on salt intake and moving around at a leisurely pace to keep your circulation going. Also, drink plenty of water and go to the washroom regularly.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

The majority of complications that may occur with tummy tuck surgery occur within the first 2 weeks.  These may include deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, infection, bleeding, and even death.    Other types of complications such as superficial incision line healing problems ( wound healing problems) may occur during the first 2 months after the procedure is performed. There is no evidence to support the use of nonsteroidal medications to help prevent complications.  Best wishes.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

You ask very good questions about complications.

The complications of a tummy tuck will usually declare itself within the first two weeks.  Swelling is a natural part of surgery and healing.  It will resolve.  Motrin will thin the blood and possibly cause bleeding.  Your surgeon will prepare you well.  Prevention is important especiahly to prevent blood clots.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

The risk of complications generally are greatest in the first 2 weeks but you are not entirely clear after that. I would avoid Motrin for a minimum of 2 weeks but that recommendation may vary from one surgeon to another.

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

The main /risks complications after tummy tuck happens during the first 2 weeks after the surgery. These risk and complications are not very common and can be treated. Follow your plastic surgeon's recommendations. Do not take Motrin 10 days post surgery.

Tummy Tuck Complications / Risks

Answers (12)

Answer: Motrin can cause bleeding

Answer: Motrin can cause bleeding

Answer: Risk of complications is greatest in first 2 weeks after cosmetic surgery.

Answer: Risk of complications is greatest in first 2 weeks after cosmetic surgery.

Answer: Tummy Tuck risks/complications

Answer: Tummy Tuck risks/complications

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Tummy Tuck Complications / Risks

Answers (12)

Answer: Motrin can cause bleeding

Answer: Motrin can cause bleeding

Answer: Risk of complications is greatest in first 2 weeks after cosmetic surgery.

Answer: Risk of complications is greatest in first 2 weeks after cosmetic surgery.

Answer: Tummy Tuck risks/complications

Answer: Tummy Tuck risks/complications

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.