As with all surgical procedures, a tummy tuck is associated with certain risks. Some of these risks are common to all major surgeries, while others are more specific to a tummy tuck. It is important to understand that these risks are rare. When performed by a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, tummy tucks are very safe and consistently achieve excellent results.
At your initial tummy tuck consultation, Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim will explain all of these risks to you in great detail so that you can make a fully informed decision about your procedure.
Tummy tuck risks include:
- Anesthesia risks – Most tummy tucks are performed using general anesthesia, which carries greater risks than those associated with local anesthesia.
- Infection – Infection is always a risk with any surgical procedure. However, infections after a tummy tuck are rare, and can usually be cleared up with antibiotics.
- Hematoma – Hematoma develops when blood collects underneath the skin. Most hematomas appear as bruising which will subside as you heal. However, more serious hematomas may require surgery to correct.
- Seroma – On rare occasion, a tummy tuck may result in a pooling of your blood’s serum just underneath the skin. This can be easily treated by draining the affected region.
- Pulmonary embolism – This rare complication occurs when a blood clot forms in a blood vessel in your lungs, causing breathing issues. This serious condition must be addressed immediately.
- Loss of sensitivity – Some tummy tuck patients may temporarily lose sensitivity in the abdominal region immediately following their procedure. However, sensation generally returns as you heal.
- Excessive scarring – On rare occasions, you may experience excessive scarring from your tummy tuck.
Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.
