What can go wrong after abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty is one of the most commonly performed body-contouring procedures and one of the most physically demanding recoveries in cosmetic surgery. Because the surgical field is large and the tissue disruption significant, the complication profile is broader than many patients expect.
The most common complications
- Seroma. Fluid collection beneath the skin. Most frequently reported complication, occurring in an estimated 5–15% of cases (Winocour & Gupta, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2023). May require aspiration, sometimes repeatedly.
- Hematoma. Collection of blood beneath the skin, typically in the first 24–48 hours. Significant hematomas require a return to the operating room. Reported incidence: 1–4%.
- Surgical site infection. Occurs in approximately 1–5% of cases. Severe infections can require IV antibiotics, hospital admission, and wound drainage.
- Wound dehiscence. Separation of the surgical incision, particularly at tension points. More frequent in smokers and patients with diabetes.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. Abdominoplasty carries one of the higher DVT risks among cosmetic procedures. Reported incidence: 0.3–1.1%.
- Skin necrosis. Death of skin tissue caused by an insufficient blood supply. More common in smokers and combined procedures.
What treatment looks like
A hematoma evacuation means a return to the OR, an anesthesiologist, and a facility fee. An infected wound means a hospital admission. A DVT means anticoagulation therapy and potentially an ER visit. Most health insurance policies will not cover any of these if the original procedure was elective.
Sources: ASPS clinical guidelines; Winocour & Gupta, “A Systematic Review of Complications Associated with Abdominoplasty,” Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2023.