Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Dangerous?

Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Dangerous?

Tummy tuck surgery carries the risks inherent in any surgical procedure. However, severe complications after abdominoplasty are generally uncommon.

What are the Risks of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

When a tummy tuck is performed by an experienced aesthetic surgeon specializing in this field, patients achieve highly satisfying results. As with any surgical procedure, this operation also carries certain risks. These risks must always be explained to the patient before the operation.

So, is a tummy tuck a risky procedure?

The potential risks associated with tummy tuck surgery are as follows:

• Hematoma

• Infection

• Skin Necrosis

• Embolism

• Scarring

• Numbness

• Abdominal Irregularities

Hematoma

Hematoma is the collection of blood beneath the skin or in the subcutaneous tissues. Bleeding that occurs after surgery can collect and clot beneath the skin. Careful surgical technique and bleeding control are used to try and prevent hematoma formation.

Infection

Strict adherence to sterility during the operation will help prevent infection. Neglecting dressing changes after surgery can also lead to infection. Smoking and diabetes increase the risk of infection.

Skin Necrosis

Necrosis means the death of living tissue due to insufficient blood supply. If the skin over the abdomen does not receive adequate blood flow, the tissue will begin to die over time. The most effective way to prevent post-operative skin necrosis is to quit smoking.

Embolism

Blood clotting that occurs in the legs due to slow return of blood flow to the heart after Tummy Tuck Surgery can lead to an embolism. If the resulting clot travels to the lungs, it causes pulmonary embolism, which can result in fatal consequences.

To prevent embolism, patients are given compression stockings (varis çorapları) to wear after the operation. Discomfort can arise when taking a deep breath or coughing after surgery due to muscle contraction, causing the patient to avoid these necessary actions. However, taking deep breaths is crucial for the return of blood to the heart. If blood return slows down, clotting can occur in the vessels. The arrival of these clots in the lungs can lead to fatal outcomes.

To help prevent this condition, efforts are made during surgery to dress the patient in pneumatic stockings, apply compression devices, and keep the body warm and moist. These measures are aimed at preventing blood clotting.

Scarring

After the operation, surgical scars that extend from one hip bone to the other and remain within the bikini line will form. Scars may fade over time but will not completely disappear.

Insufficient blood flow and smoking are reasons why post-operative incision scars may become more prominent. Although rare, inadequate nourishment and oxygenation in the tissues due to either of these situations can prolong and worsen wound healing. Complications such as skin loss and delayed wound healing are slightly more common in smokers.

Numbness

Numbness can be expected whether the Tummy Tuck Surgery is performed alone or combined with liposuction. Although the numbness often begins to subside after a few weeks, it is a complication that can continue for six months to a year.

Abdominal Irregularities

Swelling and lumps may be seen in the abdominal area after surgery. This is a condition that may last for several weeks until the internal sutures dissolve, but it can sometimes continue for a longer period.

What Should Be Done to Reduce the Risks of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

• Your diabetes must be under control.

• Smoking must be stopped both before and after the surgery.

• If you are pregnant, your surgery must be postponed until after childbirth.

• Surgery is not a substitute for exercise and weight loss. Your weight must be kept under control both before and after the operation.

• You must inform your doctor of any medications or herbal supplements you are taking. Some medications and herbal supplements may need to be discontinued due to the risk of bleeding.

We recommend reading our detailed article on abdominoplasty for more comprehensive information about Tummy Tuck Surgery.