A tummy tuck is also known as an abdominoplasty. A plastic surgeon performs this procedure to remove excess fat and skin from the waistline. This creates a smoother and more firm abdomen for the patient. As with any medical procedure, you should learn as much as you can beforehand. Choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery is not a decision you should make lightly. Learning more about tummy tuck risks, the procedure itself, and what to expect from recovery is a good first step. With this information, you will be able to have an informed conversation with your doctor. He or she should be able to address all of your concerns and answer any lingering questions you have before your procedure. Read on to learn a little more about the possible complications of an abdominoplasty.
Tummy tuck procedure overview
On the day of your procedure, you will be put under anesthesia. Your doctor will administer the anesthesia either through intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your doctor will discuss this with you before the procedure and choose the best option for you. Anesthesia is necessary to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Next, your doctor will make the necessary incisions to access the target treatment area.
Your plastic surgeon determines the shape and length of the incision by the amount of excess skin that needs to be removed. Once your surgeon lifts abdominal skin, he or she then repairs the underlying weakened abdominal muscles. A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen. Next, he or she pulls the upper abdominal skin down. Finally, your surgeon trims the excess skin and sutures together the remaining skin. This creates a new opening for the belly button. The belly button is popped through to the surface and sutured into position.
Your plastic surgeon will then close the incision using stitches or sutures. You will be monitored post-op by your medical team to ensure you are recovering well and that all your vitals remain stable.
What are the possible risks and complications of a tummy tuck?
We understand that the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is extremely personal. Ultimately, you need to decide if the benefits of a tummy tuck will achieve your goals. Additionally, you will need to assess if the tummy tuck risks and potential complications are worth it. If you choose to proceed with the procedure, your surgeon will ask you to sign consent forms that confirm your acknowledgment of these risks.
It is important to note that many of these risks are very rare.
Tummy tuck risks include the following.
- Asymmetry
- Persistent pain
- Poor wound healing leading to bleeding or infection
- Skin loss
- Numbness or changes in skin sensation
- Skin discoloration
- Prolonged swelling or scarring
- Anesthesia risks
- Fluid accumulation (also known as a seroma)
- Recurrent looseness of skin
- Death of fatty tissue found in the skin (also known as fat necrosis)
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
You should know that it is possible that the results of the surgery are suboptimal. In these rare cases, revisional or secondary surgery may be necessary to improve the appearance.
If you have any concerns or questions about the possible tummy tuck risks, it is very important that you discuss them with your doctor. You should feel completely comfortable and at ease about your procedure beforehand. Make sure to choose a plastic surgeon in New Jersey who communicates well and can understand your desired results for the tummy tuck.
What does tummy tuck recovery look like?
The recovery timeline for a tummy tuck varies from patient to patient. It depends entirely on the severity of the changes made during the procedure, as well as the patient’s individual health condition.
You will be given specific instructions by your surgeon that you should follow. They may include the following.
- How to care for the surgical site and drains
- Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
- Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
- When to follow up with your plastic surgeon
Dr. Anthony Berlet Can Help You
Dr. Berlet has been serving men and women in the northern New Jersey and New York City areas for over 20 years. Along with this caring and attentive staff, Dr. Berlet aims to help patients achieve the best outcomes possible from their cosmetic procedures. If you are interested in a tummy tuck, reach out to the team at Dr. Berlet’s office today to learn more! In the consultation, we will have a detailed conversation about the procedure and your desired outcome. We can help you attain the look you’ve always wanted.