What are the risks associated with a Mini Tummy Tuck?

Fortunately, significant complications from mini tummy tuck are extremely rare. Every year, this surgery has produced satisfying results for an increasing amount of men and women.

Patients should be aware that risks may more often occur among persons who smoke, are overweight, have diabetes or other health problems, or have scarring from previous abdominal surgery.

The complications associated with the procedure include:

• Bleeding and haematoma - Blood may accumulate under the skin and the tubes may not drain all the blood. Sometimes, a blood clot (haematoma) is formed. If this occurs the patient has to undergo another operation in order to have the haematoma drained and the bleeding stopped.
• Wound infection - This type of complication may occur after any surgery, although it is quite infrequent. Prior to the operation, the patient can be given antibiotics.
• Skin or fat necrosis (death) - Tissue loss along portions of the horizontal incision is a rare complication. This risk, which delays healing, is more common in patients who smoke.
• Serum collection - Removal of this serum is a painless process but may require several visits to the plastic surgeon's office.
• Pulmonary embolism - This means that a blood clot travels to the lungs. Various prophylactic techniques are used to prevent this uncommon risk and cessation of hormone treatment may be necessary. Additionally, the surgeon recommends early mobility and anti-coagulant medication.