Side Effects

Temporary discomfort, post-operative swelling, numbness of abdominal skin and bruising are common consequences of the surgery.

Risks (These complications occur rarely)

Infection, bleeding under the abdominal skin flap or at the incision site, delayed wound healing or abnormal scarring (keloids), loss of skin around the umbilicus or along the wound margins, leg clots (DVT / deep vein thrombosis) and pulmonary embolism (a blood clot that travels to the lung). These may necessitate a second - reversionary operation.

Note: Abdominoplasties should not be performed in patients who smoke or who are obese. The risk of major complications is significantly higher.

Recovery

The patient may return to work within two to four weeks. Postoperative evaluation will determine whether the patient may return to more strenuous activity, usually after four to six weeks.

Scars should fade and flatten anywhere from three months to one year after surgery