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Serious complications after an abdominoplasty are relatively uncommon.
All surgical procedures leave a scar and with today's techniques
most scars (especially for the mini) will heal leaving barely visible
signs. The mini abdominoplasty scar is smaller similar to a c-section
scar just about the pubic area. With the full abdominoplasty there
will be a long scar (usually within bathing suit line) extending
from hip to hip.
The scar may remain painful, thick and someimes irritating for
the first 3 to six months. Occasionally a scar may need revision,
although this is unusual.
One of the most common problem after an abdominoplasty is a persistent
collection of serous fluids under your skin after the drains have
been removed. This fluid will be aspirated by your surgeon with
a needle during your postoperative visits. Such drainage always
stops eventually (usually within a month) and does not affect the
final results.
If wound problems develop, it may require several weeks or even
months for healing and the patient will be required to wear dressings
over the draining wound. Because of the extensive skin and fat undermining,
areas of skin may die and slough off. This will result in delayed
healing and may even require a skin graft. Rarely, phlebitis may
develop in leg veins and even more rarely, a blood clot could travel
to the lungs.
Secondary procedures are occasionally necessary to revise scars
or to thin the abdominal layer just above the scar (usually with
liposuction).
It is not possible to list every conceivable complication. As with
any operation, there could be potential serious complications. The
foregoing is intended to enable you to make your decision with an
understanding of some of the involved risks.
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