Are there any Risks to getting a Tummy Tuck?

Are you looking to regain the tight, flat midsection from your younger days? Are you not seeing the definition you want in your abdominal area no matter how much you diet and exercise? Has your body changed in ways you don’t want following pregnancy? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, then a tummy tuck might be right for you. Clinically known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin, while also repairing and tightening the abdomen muscles. You might be thinking about a tummy tuck but are apprehensive about the surgery. In this article, your board-certified plastic surgeon in Manhattan, Dr. B. Aviva Preminger explores the possible risks of getting a tummy tuck.

What should you expect after a tummy tuck?

When you undergo a tummy tuck, it is important to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions after the procedure is complete. That’s likely to include wearing a compression garment for four to six weeks. This will improve the results of your surgery and also help reduce the swelling you experience. Patients who undergo a tummy tuck in Manhattan typically report bruising, a feeling of tightness in their abdomen, and some pain. All of these are normal in the days following surgery.

What risks are involved with a tummy tuck?

Although scientific advances have made a tummy tuck more convenient and comfortable than ever, a tummy tuck is still surgery, and any surgery carries with it some element of risk.

The specific risks with this procedure may include any of the following:

An adverse reaction to anesthesia – This is the most serious potential risk with a tummy tuck but also rather rare.

Scarring – Surgical incisions always result in a scare. How noticeable the scar is directly related to your plastic surgeon’s surgical expertise and your healing ability. You also may experience a change of sensation in the abdomen, such as lingering numbness. Normal sensation should return in subsequent weeks. You also might note some lumps and bumps form in the area of the tummy tuck, but these should dissipate as the internal sutures dissolve and swelling reduces.

Other rare but potentially serious complications include heavy bleeding, difficulty breathing, or necrosis of the skin. You also face a higher risk of complications if you combine a tummy tuck with other surgeries in the same procedure, such as pairing a tummy tuck with liposuction or scheduling a tummy tuck as part of a mommy makeover. However, these risks are rare when choosing one of the best plastic surgeons in Manhattan.

How can I reduce risks or complications from a tummy tuck?

Every surgery carries some level of risk, although there are steps you can take to reduce these risks.

Always choose a board-certified plastic surgeon near you with the training and experience in the area you wish to have surgery. You should also research the plastic surgeon’s background and education to ensure they are qualified. Scan patient reviews as well, to see what others are saying about the surgeon you’re considering.

Additionally, you should schedule a consultation to discuss potential risks before undergoing surgery. During your consultation, the surgeon can assess your health history to determine if you may be at a higher risk of complications. Therefore, be sure to share your complete health history, medications, or supplements that you take, and list any past medical complications, surgeries, or procedures that you’ve had.

Another way to help reduce complications or risks associated with a tummy tuck is to commit to recovery. Your body needs to rest and heal, and it’s also vital to drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet. You also should adhere to the weight lifting or exercise limitations to avoid pushing yourself too soon. It’s essential to follow the doctor’s orders during recovery and avoid pushing your limits to get past the healing phase.

Tummy Tucks in Manhattan

Nearly 100,000 people underwent a tummy tuck in 2020, according to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. That’s a 56% increase in the popularity of the procedure since 2000. A tummy tuck also is one of the specialties of Dr. B. Aviva Preminger. She’s proud to offer this surgery to her patients throughout the New York City area. Before a tummy tuck, however, a prospective patient needs to meet with the surgeon for a full examination and consultation to identify any potential risk factors. To schedule your consultation at our boutique-style office on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, call (212) 706-1900 today.