Long Beach Abdominoplasty Risks

Southern California Plastic Surgery Group

Complications from abdominoplasty are rare, but all surgery carries some risk. Abdominoplasty is major surgery and carries all of the basic risks inherent to any surgery plus a few that are specific to the procedure. These complications are very rare, however.

Blood clots

Blood clots can form during recovery. You can reduce this risk by getting up and moving around as soon as possible after surgery.

Infection

An infection will prolong your stay in the hospital. Treatment includes the use of antibiotics and drainage. Dr. Hicks will give you specific instruction for how to care for your incision sites and following them will greatly reduce your risk of infection.

Loss of sensation

The extensiveness of abdominoplasty means that some nerves will be stretched or divided. It is normal to experience numbness in some areas of abdominal skin after the procedure. This feeling should return over time. A few patients may sustain permanent areas of numbness.

Poor healing

Poor healing can result in significant conspicuous scarring which is usually treated by a subsequent surgery. If you are a smoker you will be advised to stop smoking at least two weeks before your surgery and to refrain from smoking for at least two weeks after the operation. Following these instructions will significantly reduce your risk of poor healing.

Dr. Hicks will provide detailed instructions regarding eating, drinking and medications prior to surgery, as well as how to care for your incisions, change dressings, and when you can resume various activities. Carefully following all these instructions will speed healing and help to prevent complications.

Learn more about abdominoplasty in Beverly Hills, Long Beach, or Los Angeles, California, by viewing our Before and After Gallery, or contact us today for your initial consultation.