Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Risks & Possible complications of Abdominoplasty

The decision to undergo a surgical procedure is based upon the risks of surgery versus the benefits of the procedure.
Abdominoplasty is conducted under general anaesthesia. Whilst it is possible to minimise the risk of anaesthesia through the use of fully trained specialist anaesthetists, state of the art hospitals and equipment, there are important risks of which you must be aware.

Allergic reactions to anaesthetics

Allergic reactions to anaesthetic are extremely rare, especially in patients who have had an anaesthetic before. However, they can occur, and can be life threatening. If you have a history of allergy, it is important that you discuss this with your anaesthetist and with Dr Georgina Konrat

Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

There is a small risk that blood may accumulate in the large veins in the lower legs and may clot once the patient starts to move and walk post surgery. These clots may then move from the calf into the lungs where they may cause severe problems with breathing or occasionally death. The oral contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy can increase the risk of deep venous thrombosis. If you are taking such medication, you should discuss this with Dr Konrat and your anaesthetist prior to surgery.

Poor wound healing

Occasionally, despite an uneventful operation and normal postoperative course, you may experience problems with the healing of your abdominal wound. We know that patients who are diabetic and patients who continue to smoke are more likely to experience wound healing problems. We also know that people who do not adequately rest also are more likely to have delayed healing. It is most important therefore that you don't smoke and allow sufficient rest after your operation. In most instances the areas of delayed wound healing are treated with simple dressings, which we change here in the rooms. If the wounds are more severely affected, or if there is tissue damage, we may need to take you back to the operating theatre for further surgical repair.

Smoking

Because cigarette smoke constricts the small blood vessels within the tissue, smokers have a higher incidence of wound healing problems. In particular, smokers are much more likely to develop wound breakdown. For this reason, it is extremely important to stop smoking before the operation and for 6 weeks postoperatively.

Bleeding and haematoma (bleeding into the tissues)

Sometimes despite using drains, fluid and blood may collect in your wound. Rarely this may require a return to the operating theatre or even a blood transfusion. Aspirin, as well as other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents taken up to 2 weeks prior to surgery, even as a single small dose can increase the risk of bleeding. Multivitamins can also alter your bleeding profile. It is important therefore not to take asprin or multivitamins in the 2 weeks prior to surgery.

Other risks

There are other rare risks of abdominoplasty that you and Dr Konrat will discuss during your consultation