Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery is a type of plastic surgery used to remove excess fat and tissue from the abdominal area. The result is a flatter, firmer abdomen. If you have a sagging belly or multiple pregnancies have left your stomach with loosened skin, you can opt for this type of surgery to regain the aesthetic appeal of your body.
There are different types of tummy tuck surgeries, such as liposuction, extended abdominoplasty and floating abdominoplasty. Although these have a high success rate, they involve certain risks. Here’s a look.
MOST COMMON RISKS OF ABDOMINOPLASTY
1. INFECTIONS
Infections are among the most common complications of a tummy reduction surgery, with an approximate incidence of 1% to 3.8%, says an article by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information. Infections may occur due to unhygienic habits, malnutrition and diabetes in some patients. Fortunately, taking regular and supervised antibiotics reduces the chances of such infections.
2. NUMBNESS
Usually, such surgeries leave a numbness in the lower abdomen area. Since the procedure involves repositioning of tissue, it can affect the sensory nerves around the abdominal area and upper thighs. You are likely to experience reduced sensations, which usually takes a few months to disappear.
3. BLOOD CLOTS
Forming of blood clots can be considered one of the most critical risks for patients undergoing abdominoplasty. However, if proper precautions are followed during surgery, such as keeping the body warm and keeping squeezing devices on the legs ( DVT Pumps) to mimic blood flow, the risk of forming blood clots can be reduced. It is also important to take deep breaths and keep moving the calf muscles to improve the blood flow and reduce blood clots, following the surgery.
4. SCARRING
Scarring is a common after-effect of a tummy tuck surgery. You are likely to have scars around your lower abdomen and belly button. This generally occurs in all surgeries, due to the incision. And, while the size and visibility of the scar differs from person to person, they do diminish and fade over time, says leading Delhi-based cosmetic surgeon article by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information.
5. SEROMA
After surgery, there is risk of fluid collecting under the skin. This condition is known as seroma. Although this doesn’t pose a serious risk in most cases, it can become serious if the right steps are not taken. To prevent seroma, it’s important to strictly follow the doctor’s post-operative instructions. In case the condition becomes serious, the doctor may need to extract the fluid with a syringe or drain the fluid by installing a drain with a bulb.
HOW TO MINIMIZE COMPLICATIONS
Here’s a look at some basic precautions that can help you minimize risk of adverse consequences, such as those mentioned above.
1. QUIT SMOKING
Tobacco consumption increases the risk of infection, since it reduces cellular immunity and causes complications, such as flap neurosis. It is advised to stop smoking at least 5-6 weeks prior to the surgery to reduce the risk of complications, says an article on Healthline.
2. MEDICAL HISTORY
For patients planning on tummy reduction surgery, it is crucial to discuss your medical history with your doctor, including any medication you might be on, previous surgeries, allergies, etc. This will help the surgeon give you the best options for your specific situation.
3. REFRAIN FROM HEAVY PHYSICAL ACTIVIT
It is recommended that activities like bending, stretching or lifting heavy items that may cause strain on the abdominal muscles and increase the chances of blood clots be avoid for some time after the surgery. At the same time, experts like Dr Ashutosh Misra say that the patient should try to walk slowly as soon as possible to reduce the swelling.
4. APPLY VITAMIN E AND SUNSCREEN
To reduce the scars caused by the incision, it is important that your skin remains moisturized. You can use Vitamin E to reduce the scars. Remember to apply sunscreen lotions with SPF 30 or higher to prevent the darkening of the skin around the incision area.
Choosing a reputed clinic, such as Enhance Clinic in Delhi, can offer you the best results for your tummy tuck surgery. This clinic uses the latest technology and scientific precision to offer each patient the desired results.
