Well, several studies have been conducted on the matter. One of the most prominent ones cited by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) revealed that a tummy tuck carries a 3.1% chance of failure.
Approximately 10% to 20% of patients suffer a local complication following abdominoplasty, while fewer than 1% suffer a systemic complication.
According to RealSelf's regularly updated tummy tuck patient reviews, 96% of patients report that the procedure is worth the cost, scarring, and downtime. Most women report having gotten their tummy tuck after losing a substantial amount of weight or after having children and losing pregnancy weight.
It's important to know that the tummy tuck is a higher-risk procedure compared to other kinds of cosmetic surgery. There is a 4% risk of major complications such as hematoma or infection after a tummy tuck.
Developing blood clots in the legs or lungs are a very rare but potentially very serious complication for patients undergoing any kind of operation including tummy tuck surgery. The general risk of developing a blood clot after tummy tuck surgery is about 2 in 10,000.
Bleeding from the belly button is not normal after a tummy tuck and requires careful monitoring by you and your surgeon. If you notice a significant amount of bleeding, oozing, or crusting in the incisions around your navel, report these issues to your surgeon.
It is rare, but possible, to have complications years after tummy tuck surgery. It sounds like you may have a chronic infection, possible along a deep, non-absorbable suture. It is concerning that you are draining pus from the belly button.
Most women lose between 2 and 3 pants sizes after a tuck, but there are patients who lose even more. If you had a lot of loose skin before the procedure, for example, you could go down 4 more pants sizes.
If you are planning to have a tummy tuck, you should be prepared for one to two months of recovery, and you may experience pain throughout this time. In general, pain is mild to moderate after a tummy tuck. Rarely, pain or sensory abnormalities can persist for months or even years after the procedure.
Typically the cost for a tummy tuck is anywhere between $9,000 (AUD) – $29,000. With no medicare rebates or private hospital cover typically the total out of pocket cost is between $18,000 and $29,000. If you have top private health cover, hospital fees of around $7,000 – $8,000 may be fully or partially covered.
There are several reasons a person may think about having a tummy tuck. While this operation might improve your appearance and possibly your quality of life, it is important to remember that it is major surgery and not suitable for everyone.
Conclusions: Abdominoplasty is associated with a higher complication rate compared with other aesthetic procedures. Combined procedures can significantly increase complication rates and should be considered carefully in higher risk patients.
Most women who choose this procedure are in their late 30s, early 40s, or beyond. However, when it comes to your age, as long as you are committed to maintaining results, don't plan on getting pregnant again, and are in good health, any age is the right age.
While minor weight fluctuations among adults are normal, significant weight gain (generally over ten pounds) after a tummy tuck can lead to the accumulation of excess fat in the stomach once again. In addition, stretch marks and loose skin may return, all of which can impact your tummy tuck results.
During body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck, fat cells are eliminated from the body and cannot return.
Tummy tuck results are considered permanent in that the skin and fat cells that Dr. Greenwald removes during the procedure cannot grow back. Likewise, any internal sutures that he places to repair stomach muscles are designed to remain in place indefinitely.
Liposuction is a straightforward procedure that carries little risk or recovery downtime. A tummy tuck is considered a more serious operation.
Your belly will be sore and swollen for the first week after surgery. You may need to wear a compression garment as you heal. The skin on your stomach will be mostly numb for several weeks to months. Feeling will return slowly.
So, it's essential to try to reduce your risk of developing blood clots after surgery. According to the National Blood Clot Alliance, even when you take the right steps to reduce the risk of blood clots, you have about a 3% chance of developing DVT and a 1.5% chance of developing PE.