Tummy Tuck - Risks

Generally, there is a small risk for the life and the health of the patient in an abdominoplasty.²⁰

Despite this, an abdominoplasty is a large-scale operative procedure which represents an enormous load for the body to bear. Substantial blood loss may occur in the process; however, this can be quickly recognized and compensated for thanks to drainages.

The much larger danger lies in a possible infection of the wound. Further possible complications are blood circulation and wound healing problems in the area of the stitches, which may cause wide, conspicuous scars in rare cases. There is also a risk that tissue may die off (tissue necrosis).²¹

In some circumstances, the skin may have no feeling but should regain normal sensitivity within a year.²²
From an aesthetic standpoint, there is the additional risk of unsatisfactory results.²³ You should clarify the above-named risks as well as any others along with your personal risk situation in a private conversation with your doctor.

Sources:
^{1, 5, 7, 10, 11, 15, 16, 20, 22} German Society for Aesthetic-Plastic Surgery
^{2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 17, 19, 21, 23} Society for Aesthetic Surgery of Germany e.V.
^{14, 18} German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons (DGPRÄC)
³ The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
¹³ International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery