Possible Complications

Serious complications after an abdominoplasty are relatively uncommon. However, there will be a long scar (usually, but not always, within the bathing suit line) extending from hip to hip. The scar may remain itchy, painful, thick, or otherwise unsightly. It is unusual, but possible, for areas of fat to liquefy and drain through the incision for many months, or to cause a tender mass to develop beneath the skin, which may require excision at a later date. As with any abdominal procedure, it is also possible for a suture to become infected and to erode through the skin years later.

One of the most common problems after an abdominoplasty is a persistent collection of serous fluid under your skin after the drains have been removed. Should this occur, this fluid will be aspirated with a needle during your post-operative visits. Such drainage always stops eventually (but may persist for more than a month) and usually does not affect the final results. If wound problems develop, it may take several weeks or even months for healing to take place, and the patient will be required to wear dressings over the open wound. Because of the extensive skin and fat undermining, areas of skin may die and slough, or even require surgical debridement or a skin graft. Rarely, phlebitis may develop in leg veins and even more rarely, blood clots could travel to the lungs, potentially leading to a fatal complication.

Perfect symmetry does not exist before or after abdominoplasty surgery. Scars will never be identical from side to side and the umbilicus will not be exactly midline.

Secondary procedures may occasionally be desirable to revise scars, to excise more skin, or to thin the abdominal layer above the scar (usually with liposuction). The patient will be responsible for all costs associated with secondary surgical procedures.

It is not possible to list every conceivable complication. As with any operation, there could be potential complications, which could even be fatal. The foregoing is not intended to frighten or upset you but to enable you to make your decision with an understanding of some of the involved risks.