Are there side effects with an abdominoplasty?​​​​​​​

An abdominoplasty is a popular form of cosmetic surgery that is used to improve the appearance of the abdominal region. This is done through the removal of excess skin and fat, and the restoration of weakened or separated abdominal muscles.

Most patients who choose to undergo an abdominoplasty have previously lost a large amount of weight. Whilst this is great for their overall health and wellbeing, many people find that their bodies do not ‘snap back’ into their previous figure. Skin that has been overstretched may never return to how it was before, and the only option is to remove it. Failure to can lead to sores and other skin problems. If you have previously been pregnant, or if you have had an abdomen that has grown particularly large, your stomach muscles may have been adversely affected. These cannot heal themselves, and so abdominoplasty is used to stitch them together to strengthen them and restore a smoother, tighter appearance to the abdominal area.

An abdominoplasty is a major surgery and as such, there are a variety of side effects and complications that can arise. It is important that patients are aware of these before they go ahead with the procedure. Here is what you need to know about the side effects associated with an abdominoplasty, which your surgeon should explain to you in more detail.

The risks associated with a general anesthetic

One of the biggest considerations that your surgeon will make ahead of approving you for this procedure is how well you will be able to tolerate a general anesthetic. All abdominoplasty surgeries are performed under general anesthetic, meaning that you are asleep and not able to feel anything for the duration of your procedure. However, the use of anesthesia comes with risks of its own, and this is something that your surgeon will take into account before you can go ahead with the procedure. If the risks associated with giving you a general anesthesia are too significant, you may not be able to undergo the surgery.

Pain and swelling

Immediately after your surgery, you should expect to experience some pain and swelling in the abdomen area. You may be given prescription pain relief to help you manage your discomfort, and you can expect to wear a compression garment which will help to control the swelling and keep your wounds still to reduce pressure on your sutures. In addition to pain and swelling, it is not unusual to experience some numbness and bruising.

Other risks and complications

There are a variety of other risks and complications, and your surgeon should be able to tell you exactly how at-risk you are based on your individual health and lifestyle. Those patients who have unhealthy habits generally have a greater risk of developing post-surgical issues. These include patients who smoke, drink excessive amounts of alcohol, take recreational drugs, have poor circulation or other health problems including high blood pressure, heart or lung disease.

Some of the complications you will be made aware of will include:

• Excessive bleeding

• Infection

• Seroma (an accumulation of fluid)

• Blood clots

• Fat necrosis

• Scarring

• Poor wound healing

• Neurological changes, such as unusual sensations in the skin

• Changes in skin color

• Wound separation

If you have any specific concerns about any of the risks or side effects associated with abdominoplasty, it is important that you bring these to the attention of your cosmetic surgeon ahead of your procedure.