- As with any surgical procedure, it is possible for complications to occur after a tummy tuck, although this is uncommon. Blood clots can result in the legs, but the chance of these occurring can be lessened by walking as soon as possible after surgery. There is also a risk of a postoperative infection.
- Scarring on the stomach will occur after surgery, but this should fade over time. If the scars do not lighten or the patient is not happy with the results, a second surgery may need to be performed which in some cases could mean a skin graft procedure. Younger patients tend to experience less scarring than older people.
- For smokers, risk of complications increases due to the presence of nicotine in the body. This can delay healing due to the decreasing in size of the blood vessels, which can lead to a reduced supply of oxygen to the skin. Patients should refrain from smoking for several weeks before and after the surgery to cleanse nicotine from the body.
- It is possible for patients to lose feeling in the abdominal region. This is caused by the division and stretching of nerve cells in the abdomen. In most cases, this is only temporary and patients should regain complete sensation after a period of time once the tissue has readjusted.
- Some patients can experience pain, bruising and swelling even after a period of six weeks. Certain portions of the area may heal faster than others, which can result in skin loss and more permanent scarring.