What Are The Risks?

Abdominoplasty is generally safe. Any surgery, however, has the potential for complications and the patient should clearly understand any and all risks involved.

These risks include:

• A bad reaction to anesthesia

• Unplanned hospital admission

• A collection of blood under the skin (hematoma, or "blood blister")

• Poor healing and excess scarring

• A degree of permanent numbness of the abdomen

Severe complications are rare. They include:

• Heavy bleeding

• Infection

• Blood clots, particularly in women taking birth control pills

• Skin tissue death (necrosis), especially in smokers and people with diabetes

• Lung problems

• Death