Tummy tuck surgery: Side effects and potential risks

Fortunately, most people undergo their tummy tuck / abdominoplasty surgery without any complications, and are very pleased with the results. Thousands of people have tummy tuck liposuction every year, don’t experience any side effects and are completely satisfied. However, before undertaking this kind of procedure you should be come acquainted with both the risks and the benefits. Reading our tummy tuck information sheet can help you identify potential complications and negative aspects as well as the benefits abdominoplasty can bring.

As with any type of surgery involving a general anaesthetic, tummy tuck surgery may involve potential problems involving adverse reaction to the medication, including heart trouble, breathing difficulties, and bleeding (haematoma). Any time you go into hospital and receive a wound, infection is always a possibility although most people manage to avoid this complication. If an infection gets into the site of the tummy tuck operation it can cause a great deal of discomfort and prevent proper healing. Sometimes a revision or second operation may be needed. If the tummy tuck surgery has been fairly extensive there is a slight risk of tissue loss along the incision site, which can delay healing and prolong recovery, but is more common among patients who smoke or have pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes. Occasionally fluid becomes stuck under the skin along the site of the incision and needs to be repeatedly drained off. Although this is usually quite painless it requires frequent visits to the hospital.

After tummy tuck surgery it may feel uncomfortable for you to stand upright for a few days, and your stomach may feel tight as if it’s being tugged, but this sensation will fade over time. You may have a numb patch for a few weeks or months after the operation.

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