When performed by a qualified surgeon, a tummy tuck is a generally safe procedure, as surgeries go. It must be understood that all invasive surgeries come with some risk. However risk and complications can be minimized with a little forethought and planning upfront.
Statistically speaking, less than 5% of all patients who undergo a tummy tuck, suffer from complications, after the fact. Some of the risk comes from the procedure itself, while some of it is associated with the recovery and healing process. Doctors have found that some complications stem from the individual patient's characteristics prior to surgery. A person who is in good shape, obviously would have less trouble in recuperation. While a person with heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes, may develop serious problems.
It is very important for the surgeon to have a complete medical history prior to beginning the tuck. This discussion should also include all the types of medication that the patients is taking at the time, as well. Patients who smoke can cut down their risk of complications by cutting back on their smoking habit at least four weeks before surgery and for at least three weeks after surgery.
Doctors also recommend staying out of the sun while recovering from surgery. While it may seem like a good thing, extreme weight loss prior to surgery is not good. It affects the body's healing process. So no starvation diets before or after the surgery, for that matter. The healthier the diet the better the body can heal itself.
During the tummy tuck procedure, some patients may experience reactions to anesthesia. It is very rare, but it does happen. There are also the possibilities of blood clots in the legs and lungs, so it is important to get up and to start moving around as soon as possible after surgery. This will keep the blood flowing instead of clotting. Even though it almost never happens, respiratory, heart disorders or even death, are possible.
Most who suffer complications get them during the healing process. Pain, swelling, soreness and bruising can last up to six weeks following the tummy tuck procedure. This is considered normal. Serious discomfort is considered a complication when it last longer than six weeks and becomes infected or continues to bleed. These problems can usually be controlled with medications. More serious complications include, fluid buildup, skin loss or the formation of a large amount of scar tissue requiring a second surgery. It is very important to make the doctor aware of these situations as soon as possible.
The way to reduces the risk is to talk honestly and openly with your doctor, follow his instructions prior to surgery and especially after the tummy tuck has been completed. Complications are rare and not common and can be prevented or minimized with a little thought and planning between doctor and patient.
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