Guide to the potential risks & Complications of an abdominoplasty

In this podcast episode, I will go through the potential complications of abdominoplasty surgery. All surgery has complications, and it is important that you are aware of the risks before you have surgery. Some of these risks are minor and some are major. Some are more common than others. So stay with me, and I will go through these in detail.

Welcome to the surgery podcast, this is Dr Bernard Beldholm. I’m a Registered medical practitioner, FRACS, Specialist surgeon and my medical registration number is MED0001186274. The content on this podcast is considered adult content.

This podcast focuses mainly on Post weight loss surgery and surgery post pregnancy. Ranging from

• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

• Belt lipectomy (body lift)

• Fleur de lis abdominoplasty

• Brachioplasty (arm lift)

• Thighplasty (inner thigh lift)

I will also discuss breast surgery in the context of post weight loss and post pregnancy changes.

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Complications.

1. The procedure will result in scar formation, as with all surgery. With an Abdominoplasty the scar is inside the bikini line and, depending on the amount of loose skin, may extend around to the back area. There will also be a scar around the umbilicus. Scarring is generally pink but fades to become white, soft and supple in the weeks or months after the operation. Most patients find that the wound heals quickly and that the appearance is ultimately acceptable to them. However, abnormal scarring occasionally occurs within the skin and deeper tissues, which may be unattractive and of different colour to the surrounding skin. Scars may also exhibit contour variations and "bunching" due to excess skin, or may be asymmetrical (with a different appearance between the right and left side of the body). In some cases, scars may require surgical revision or treatment. In rare cases keloid scars form, which are thickened by an inflammatory process in the scar tissue. This occurs due to an irregularity of the patient’s healing process. 
2. Antibiotics are administered during the operation and,if required, will be prescribed afterwards. This minimises the risk of infection. Nevertheless infections can occur and, should this be the case, they are treated either by oral antibiotics or, in severe cases, by admission to hospital for intravenous antibiotics and further drainage procedures.
3. Postoperative pain will occur in varying degrees, from quite severe to moderate and mild on the first day. The pain gradually improves over the next few days and is assisted by using the prescribed pain medication. Increasing, unresponsive pain, should be brought to the attention of the surgeon as this may be an indication that complications are developing. Patients may not be able to stand fully erect for up to two weeks after the operation due to the tightness of the abdominal skin with resultant excessive pull on the surgical scar. Intermittent mild discomfort or intermittent sharp pains after the first few weeks after surgery is also common, as the swelling resolves and the nerves recover. Chronic pain, ranging from  mild aching pain to sharp nerve pain can persist for more than one year.
4. Bruising and swelling is normal after the operation, but this varies from mild to severe with each patient. 

5. Specific complications relating to an Abdominoplasty may include:

   • Bleeding and excessive bruising. A haematoma could potentially form, which requires removal through further surgery.

   • Infections - either superficial or deep. 
   • The resultant long scar, occasionally wide and thick, may be visible outside the underwear and the bikini line.
   • Vaser Liposuction is used as part of the surgical technique for this procedure. Rare complications related to liposuction include injury to deeper structures such as the abdominal wall, bowel, nerves and blood vessels.
   • Some numbness in the lower abdomen will result. Sensation usually returns fully, though in rare cases some permanent numbness remains.
   • Drains (tubing) are rarely required for this operation but on occasion, they may be required and these may protrude from or near my horizontal incision for up to one week.
   • Asymmetry may be noted

General complications applicable to all types of operations include, but are not limited to:

• Heart problems (although very uncommon with modern anaesthetic techniques).
• Lung problems; small areas of the lungs may collapse, increasing the risk of chest infection. Such problems may require antibiotics and physiotherapy to correct them. Other potential lung complications are quite rare.
• Clots in the legs with pain and swelling. Rarely, part of such a clot may break off and travel to the lungs, causing fatal complications.
• Allergic reactions to medications.
• Potential for injury to deeper structures including nerves, blood vessels, and muscles.
• Itching, tenderness, or exaggerated responses to hot or cold temperatures. Usually, this resolves during healing but, in rare cases, may be chronic.
• Deep sutures may spontaneously poke through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that requires removal.
• Wound disruption or delayed wound healing - especially in patients who do not stop smoking before their operation. Necrosis (skin death) can also occur.

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For the comments - QUESTIONS ONLY - NO TESTIMONIALS IN COMMENTS DUE TO AHPRA GUIDELINES.

From 1st July 2023, a GP Referral will be required for all procedures.

Call us on: (02) 4934-5700 or book online: https://beldholm.com.au/book-online/

I’m based in Newcastle & the Hunter Valley in Australia

Hunter Valley Office

30 Belmore Rd
Lorn NSW 2320

 

Newcastle Office

H+ Consulting Suites
Cooks Hill Healthcare Hub
Suite 3, 235 Darby Street
Cooks Hill, New South Wales, 2300

 

Disclaimer

Surgery is a serious decision.

You can find more information about risks & recovery on my website:

https://beldholm.com.au/about/disclaimer/

All Surgery is performed by me Dr Bernard Beldholm my medical registration number is MED0001186274 and my qualifications area

M.B.B.S B.Sc (Med) FRACS,

I’m a Registered medical practitioner and specialist surgeon (specialist registration in Surgery – general surgery).

The content on this podcast is considered Adult content. Individual results may vary. All surgery carries risks. You should seek a second opinion before proceeding. The opinions that are expressed on this podcast are those of Dr Bernard Beldholm & these opinions may differ from other doctors’ opinions.

The information provided on and through this podcast is not medical advice and should not be relied on. It is “best efforts” and for general information only. Do not use this podcast as a substitute for medical advice or self or other diagnosis.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner. Results, recovery & potential complications will vary for each individual patient. Photos & videos featured are not a guarantee that your results will be the same & do not guarantee a particular surgical outcome. Content on our Instagram page & other social media pages is published with the consent of our patients. The content featured is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Immediate post-op results may differ from the final result.