Abdominoplasty - Potential Risks

Men and women turn to abdominoplasty to enhance their bodies and create a more sculpted look. A person needs to meet all of the health requirements before undergoing the surgery, but even a healthy individual can run into some risks. Some can be handled at the follow up appointment but some are life threatening and serious. If something doesn't seem right, it is important to contact the plastic surgeon right away.

- Collection Of Fluid Under The Skin

Immediately following surgery, fluid often collects under the skin as a result of the trauma to the area. Surgeons insert one or two drains into the body after an abdominoplasty to ensure that the fluid is kept to a minimum. The situation becomes more of a risk after the drain is removed and the fluid continues to build up. A patient should immediately see his or her plastic surgeon to make sure that the fluid is drained properly.

- Infection

With a large incision required during the abdominoplasty, there is a risk of infection. While it occurs rarely, it can be serious. A doctor will need to set up a prescription for antibiotics, and the area may need additional draining. The area of the incision may become red and swollen (more-so than it was immediately following the surgery, that is). The patient may also have a fever. If any of these signs show up, contact the doctor right away. The longer the infection is allowed to exist, the more risk it poses to a person.

- Blood Clots

Ever wonder why a plastic surgeon encourages patients to move around as much as possible after surgery? The goal is to prevent blood clots from occurring. Patients should wear the compression garments recommended by the surgeon to avoid clots. Warning signs include swelling in the calves or any problems with breathing. If a patient has a history of blood clots or is a smoker, the risk of clotting is higher.

- Scarring

Scarring isn't just a risk after a liposuction procedure; it is a sure thing. For a full abdominoplasty, a patient will have a scar from one hipbone to the other along the bikini line. Ideally, the scarring should be hidden by a bathing suit or underwear; however, this is not guaranteed. Patients can minimize the risk of a more noticeable scar by talking to several different plastic surgeons before making a final decision. Look at the before and after photos of previous patients to see what type of results have been achieved. The goal is to find a body type similar to that of the patient and then see how the abdominoplasty affected the person in the picture.