The potential risks of abdominoplasty surgery should be carefully considered before proceeding. Our abdominoplasty patient leaflet has more information and Miss Tadiparthi will go through these in more detail at your consultation. The main risks of abdominoplasty include:
Permanent scars: the scars resulting from the operation are permanent and pattern of scarring depends on the type of abdominoplasty performed.
Poor scars: the quality of the scarring depends on the healing ability of each individual. The scars may be stretched in appearance, or they may be painful, itchy and lumpy (hypertrophic or keloid scars).
Bleeding/haematoma: you will be observed closely after surgery and if there is a significant collection of blood within the wound (called a ‘haematoma’), you will need to return to theatre to drain the blood and stop any points of bleeding.
Infection / abscess: simple infections can be treated with antibiotics in most cases. Rarely, a deeper infection (called an ‘abscess’), may require a further operation for drainage of the infection and washout of the wound in theatre.
Seroma: clear or straw like fluid can accumulate within the wound and may require drainage in clinic with a needle and syringe. Seromas often settle down over time.
Delayed wound healing: the wounds may take longer to heal and may require continued dressings. If you are a smoker, it is important that you do not smoke for 2 to 3 months before and after your surgery to minimise these risks.
Asymmetry or residual excess tissue: there may be minor differences in the scars, the amount of tissue removed from each side, or there may still be some slight overhang of excess tissue. Further procedures can be performed to correct any significant differences or overhang.
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