All surgery inevitably carries some uncertainty and risk.
Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed successfully each year. When done by a qualified plastic surgeon trained in body contouring, and in a safe environment, the results are generally positive. That said, there are risks associated with any kind of surgery and there are specific complications associated with this procedure.
Post-operative complications are rare, but can occur. Infection, if it occurs, can be treated with antibiotics, and usually resolves quickly. Wearing compression stockings after the operation is essential and should minimise the risk of blood clots in the leg veins. It is also advisable to get up and move around as soon after the surgery as possible.
Smokers are advised to stop 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after the operation, as smoking increases the risk of infections by 30% and delay healing.
You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following our instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to stopping smoking, taking certain medicines and when and how you should resume physical activity.
Poor healing may result in conspicuous scars. Certain skin types may also cause in conspicuous scars. I use a special type of barbed stitch which supports the tissues for much longer which helps to minimise would healing problems.
Removing “dog ears” or little bits of protruding skin from the hips may be needed as a secondary procedure, to improve the final result. This is not considered to be a complication. This is usually done under local anaesthesia as an outpatient procedure.
