The risks of a procedure are unique to you. We have outlined the risks so that you may consider and discuss them further with your anaesthetist and surgeon

General Risks

The risks associated with abdominoplasty are related to your general health and the presence of co-existing medical conditions.

  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • BMI (body mass index)
  • Massive weight loss (>20kg)
  • Immuno-suppression

Immediate Risks

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Delayed wound healing
  • Seroma

Anaesthetic Risks

You will have a general anaesthetic at one of several major hospitals in Adelaide.

Your anesthetist will outline the process and the risks of anaesthesia prior to your procedure.

Some risks to consider are

  • DVT
  • Chest infection
  • Anaphylaxis

Specific Risks

Pain and discomfort

  • Immediate post-operative
  • Short term recovery – weeks

Skin edge necrosis.

This is more relevant in the setting of

  • Smokers
  • Diabetic patients
  • Other abdominal scars

Changes to sensation

Aesthetic

  • Scarring
    • Normal
    • hypertrophic or keloid
    • length of scar
    • scar around new navel

Asymmetry of abdomen

Long Term Risks

Recurrence of excess abdominal tissue associated with

  • changes in weight
  • pregnancy