Even though a tummy tuck is a standard operation, it can still be associated with complications. In principle, complications are rarer with a mini tummy tuck than with the major variants.
It is important to avoid these if possible, or at least to recognize them in good time. This is the only way to initiate countermeasures in good time. Proper aftercare following a tummy tuck is also important for prevention.
The most important complications that can occur during a tummy tuck are briefly described below:
Postoperative swelling
After a tummy tuck, a certain amount of post-operative swelling and hardening is normal. It may be more pronounced due to minor bruising or wound effusions. These changes improve noticeably within the first few weeks.
Compression garments are strongly recommended during this phase. It must be worn for approx. 6 weeks. However, slight to moderate swelling may still be visible afterwards. Occasionally, swelling can be seen directly above the scar, which can be explained by lymph congestion.
This lymphatic swelling is also observed after caesarean sections and disappears (sometimes only after months).
Bruising
The operation results in larger wound areas. We therefore carry out accurate hemostasis. With subsequent compression and the insertion of drains, larger haematomas are rather rare in patients without coagulation disorders.
Smaller hematomas can be broken down by the body itself, larger ones may require surgical removal.
Bleeding
These can usually be avoided by careful hemostasis and final compression. The same things apply as described under bruising.
Scarring disorders after a tummy tuck
Supratumescent, bulging scars or benign growths can occasionally occur in people with this disorder.
Injury
neighboring structures (very rare):
If abdominal wall or umbilical hernias are present, bowel can be injured.
Infections
At Yuveo, we can significantly reduce the risk of infection by working in a highly sterile environment and, if necessary, using antibiotic prophylaxis.
Dog ears, dog ears
Excess skin is created at both ends of the horizontal incisions. The more extreme the findings are, the more extensive the tummy tuck will be and the greater the excess skin will be. As this resembles small dog ears, they are called dog ears.
During abdominoplasty, the scars are initially cut away with restraint to prevent them from expanding excessively. We can reduce them using certain suturing techniques.
We aim to shrink them within 3-6 months so that they are no longer visible. If the desired shrinkage effect is not sufficient, we perform a small correction under local anesthesia.
Skin sensation in the area of the scar
We will inform you about any deterioration in sensation or numbness in the central scar area before a tummy tuck. Complete numbness is rather rare. However, permanent numbness may persist above the midline scar. This is often present prior to a caesarean section.
Mourning corner
The so-called “pubic corner” is located above the pubic mound incision during a tummy tuck. This is where there is the greatest tension and therefore a higher risk of a wound healing disorder. A minor wound healing disorder means a slight gaping of the wound edges in this area.
Antiseptic dressings can quickly solve this problem. Major wound healing disorders occur less frequently. Smokers or diabetics are usually affected.
Tearing open the wound / suture
If there is too much tension and too much movement of the torso, the suture can be overstretched and tear. You should therefore take it easy and remain in a slightly bent position, especially in the first week after the tummy tuck.
In connection with infections, the wound edge can swell due to the associated swelling. Such tissue is unstable and more likely to tear. Even with the smallest wound edge infections after a tummy tuck, you should therefore not overstress the suture and take it easy.
Tissue death
Particularly in the case of heavy smokers, it is possible that the blood supply to the skin is no longer guaranteed in the area of greatest tension (middle of the suture) due to the effect of nicotine. Parts of the skin may die off here.
Depending on the size of the defect, this may mean the need to apply antiseptic dressings for a longer period of time or even another corrective operation. It is therefore important to refrain from smoking before and after the tummy tuck.
Wound effusions = seroma
A tummy tuck results in relatively large wound areas. Depending on the individual tendency, these can produce wound water. In most cases, there are no significant changes.
Sometimes small and medium-sized seromas develop, which resolve themselves over time. Sometimes we have to puncture the larger effusions with a cannula.
Cosmetically unsatisfactory result
During a personal consultation at the Yuveo Clinic Düsseldorf, we will harmonize your expectations and the possible surgical result to avoid disappointment. Asymmetries, suboptimal scar healing, etc. can be remedied by corrective surgery.
Thrombosis
… and embolism after abdominoplasty:
Thrombosis prophylaxis with heparin and support stockings is recommended.
Sources:
- Plastic Surgery – Grabb & Smith – Lippinkott Williams & Wilkins – Philadelphia USA – 2007
- Aesthetic surgery – Lemperle, von Heimburg – Ecomed – 2008 – (ring binder)
- Plastic surgery – Krupp – Ecomed – 2008 – (ring binder)
- Plastic Surgery – Berger, Hierner – Springer – Volume 3: Mamma, Stamm – Berlin 2006
