Although all operations have some risk, the chance that something serious will go wrong in an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is small. Nevertheless there are a number of potentially serious complications. Always remember that even though a complication may be unusual it can still happen to you. Ask yourself, "How would I feel if this problem happened to me?". This is a list of some of the possible problems.
Pain and tenderness: pain after surgery is variable and for some people may be quite severe. Tenderness in the scar may last for several weeks.
Swelling: most patients have swelling for about a month to six weeks after surgery. In women the labia may be swollen and in men the scrotum may be bruised or swollen.
Bruising: bruising is common on the abdomen and in more severe cases it extends onto the surrounding skin. If there is bleeding it may be worse.
Bleeding or hematoma: drains are used after surgery but still some patients may collect blood. If bleeding is severe a transfusion may be needed
Seroma: sometimes serum is secreted beneath the skin and this leads to a collection of fluid called a seroma. If severe, surgery or aspiration of this fluid is needed.
Fat necrosis: when the abdominal wall is stretched the blood supply to the remaining fat and skin may be damaged. On rare occasions this may lead to necrosis of fat cells which become liquefied and hardened. Infection can sometimes develop in these areas.
Infection: this can be a serious problem. If bleeding occurs then infection may develop in a hematoma.
Thick scar formation: the scar is long and sometimes excess scar can form. This is more common in those genetically prone to heavy scar. Scar revision is sometimes helpful but some scars cannot be improved.
Umbilical retraction or necrosis: during an abdominoplasty the umbilicus must be repositioned sometimes the blood supply is damaged. When all scars have contracted the umbilicus may not be in the midline.
Numbness or change in feeling: unusual feeling or numbness in the abdomen may last for many months.
Abnormal reaction to the stitches: if permanent or slow to dissolve stitches are placed in the repair, the body may react against them and "spit" them out to the surface.
Skin loss: the abdominal wall is stretched during surgery and the blood supply to the skin may be damaged. This may lead to death of the skin. If this happens a skin graft may be needed. This much more common in people with diabetes and smokers.
Wound dehiscence or separation: it is not unusual for the scar to heal slowly and some separation to develop Although rarely a major problem it may lead to a heavier scar and slower recovery.
Serious and life threatening problems: an abdominoplasty is a major operation and has the risks of major surgery including blood clots in the legs, lung problems, pulmonary embolus and even death.