The decision to undergo abdominoplasty surgery is a highly personal one. It's a decision you should make strictly for yourself and not to please someone else in your life. Although undergoing the procedure can have its rewards, there are also some risks associated with this cosmetic surgery/tummy tuck.

Potential Risks of Abdominoplasty

Discussing the potential benefits, outcomes, risks and complications of abdominoplasty surgery with your plastic surgeon is the best way to obtain the information you need to decide whether or not the procedure is right for you. You shouldn't make your decision without a thorough understanding of all that's involved. The following are some of the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure:

• Infection

• Accumulation of fluid

• Excess bleeding (hematoma or hemorrhaging)

• Blood clots

• Loss of skin and/or other vital tissues

• Numbness and/or changes in skin sensation

• Risks associated with anesthesia

• Fat necrosis (death of fatty tissue deep within the skin)

• Separation of the incision site

• Persistent pain

• Leg swelling that persists

• Damage to nerves

• Unsightly scarring

• Poor wound healing

• Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling

• Unresolved or recurrent looseness of the abdominal skin

• Lack of symmetry

• Potential for secondary revisional surgery

• Less than desired results

• Cardiac and pulmonary complications

Safety Tip for Selecting an Abdominoplasty Surgeon

Undergoing a cosmetic surgery/tummy tuck involves many decisions. One of the most important decisions is selecting a qualified plastic surgeon. When it comes to selecting a plastic surgeon, it is highly recommended that you look into surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Choosing such a surgeon ensures that he or she:

• is a board-certified plastic surgeon.

• has completed at least five years of surgical training and a minimum of two years of training in plastic surgery.

• is trained and experienced in all plastic surgical procedures (including abdominoplasty surgery).

• performs surgeries in accredited medical facilities only.

• continues to fulfill the continuing education requirements established by the ABPS, including patient safety standards and innovations.

• Adheres to a strict code of medical and surgical ethics.

In deciding whether or not you should have abdominoplasty surgery, be sure to do thorough research and discuss the surgery with an experienced plastic surgeon. Gathering all of the necessary information will not only help you keep your expectations realistic, it will help you to know whether or not abdominoplasty surgery is right for you.