No operation is 100% safe and having a tummy tuck is no different. However if you take the time to choose a reputable surgeon then a lot of these risks can be reduced or eliminated completely.

Potential Risks
Possible complications of a undergoing a tummy tuck operation include poor healing, skin loss (necrosis), asymmetries and irregularities.

It is also very important this operation does produce a permanent scar, which can extend from hip to hip. However, the scar can be positioned so that it will not show under most clothing and even under swimwear so it won’t be noticed by everybody at the poolside or on the beach.

Everybody heals differently and because of this the scar could end up being quite thick, raised and irregular. Occasionally, a projection of bulging skin sometimes called a ‘dog ear’ can result. If it is too prominent the surgeon may want to revise this at a later date.

Any infections that you have after surgery can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, however the only drawback is that it will prolong the healing process.

There is a risk of blood clots so it is advisable that you start moving around as soon as possible after the procedure.

Recovery Time After The Procedure
This is quite a big operation, so after surgery you can expect extreme soreness and discomfort. Your surgeon will be aware of this and will no doubt control the pain with medication.

You may need to remain in hospital for two to three days, or alternatively you may want to hire some professional nursing care so that you can return home as soon as possible.

When you do leave hospital the dressing will be replaced with an abdominal supporter and your surgeon will instruct you to wear this for several weeks after the operation.

Bed rest is recommended. To ease the pain and keep you more comfortable you should lay with your legs bent at the hips to reduce the strain on the abdominal area.

It is highly likely that you will be up and about in a few days but you should avoid any straining for three to four weeks. Most people who have had this procedure done are normally back to work after two or three weeks.

Your doctor will encourage you to start walking as soon as possible, however, at first, you may not be able to stand up straight without feeling a lugging sensation. You need to persevere as you body needs to get used to your newly tightened abdomen soon after the operation.

It is unlikely that you will experience much bruising after the surgery but you will have some swelling which may take up to three months to subside. You may also lose some sensation in the abdominal skin, which could take several months to return.

Your surgeon will remove the surface stitches in 5 to 7 days, and the deeper, non-dissolving sutures (with ends that protrude the skin) will come out in two to three weeks.

Vigorous exercise should be avoided until you can do it comfortably, which will normally be about five to six weeks after the procedure. You need to be patient, as it will take nine months to a year before the scars will flatten, soften or fade away.

Tags: risk of having a tummy tuck, tummy tuck, cosmetic surgery