What are the risks of a partial abdominoplasty?

Cosmetic surgery is safe but no surgery is 100% free from complications and you do need to be aware of this.

Complications are rare but they do happen. If you are overweight, a smoker, have diabetes or have had abdominal surgery before then you are at a higher risk.

The main complications are:

• Wound infection
• Bleeding
• Haematoma (blood clot)
• Skin or fat necrosis (skin/fat ‘death’)
• Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)

Other risks include scarring, swelling and numbness.

There is the risk that a scar will burst open which means revision surgery would be needed. Swelling is a normal part of the healing process but it can remain for a long period of time.

The abdomen and thighs can become numb as a result of nerve damage during surgery. This tends to ease after a few months but there is the chance that a small area will remain permanently without sensation.

If this happens then further surgery may be needed to correct this.

If you notice anything untoward when you return home after your surgery, such as a rapid or unusual heartbeat, shortness of breath, bleeding or infection then contact your surgeon instantly.

Partial Abdominoplasty Surgery Guide Index:

• What is a ‘partial abdominoplasty’?
• Who should consider a partial abdominoplasty?
• How much does a partial abdominoplasty cost?

• What is the partial abdominoplasty procedure?
• What are the benefits of a partial abdominoplasty?
• What are the risks of a partial abdominoplasty?