The study examined nearly 25,000 abdominoplasties over five years. Four percent of abdominoplasty patients suffered major complications, significantly higher than the average rate of 1.4% for other cosmetic procedures (ref 1).
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.
Sixty-five percent of patients underwent abdominoplasty combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures. Overall, major complications occurred in four percent of patients undergoing abdominoplasty—significantly higher than the 1.4 percent rate after other cosmetic surgery procedures.
A tummy tuck is permanent and can last a lifetime. You may need to adjust your lifestyle to maintain the results, like eating nutritious foods and exercising. Weight fluctuations can affect the outcome over time. Your healthcare provider can help you stay in good health to maintain your results.
Blood clots and fluid buildup after a tummy tuck can be dangerous and need immediate attention. Severe pain beyond normal discomfort could mean infection, nerve damage, or other serious complications. Poor scarring after a tummy tuck may result from improper care, genetics, or surgical technique.
Signs of a Botched Tummy Tuck
The abdomen is misshapen, lumpy, or crooked. There is more scarring than expected. Extra flaps of skin, or “dog ears,” at the edges of the scar appear. Abdominal bulging after recovery.
– The 'Pinch' Test
If you lean forward slightly, pinch the skin around your belly button and are able to pull it down to the top of the pubic area you could be suitable for a fully tummy tuck. If you can't extend your skin down this far, it is likely that you are better suited for a mini tummy tuck.
If the patient has maintained a stable weight and hasn't undergone pregnancy since the tummy tuck, then the tightened muscles and slim abdominal contours should still be apparent. However, the abdominal skin may be lax, depending on how the patient's body is showing signs of aging.
A tummy tuck is considered a cosmetic procedure, which is not covered by insurance. Our financial counselors will work with you to determine your financial options.
Will fat come back after liposuction and tummy tuck? The fat cells that are removed via liposuction during a tummy tuck will not return, but this doesn't necessarily mean the cosmetic results are permanent. Weight gain can generate new fat cells and cause the remaining fat cells to become enlarged.
Strengthening the abdominal wall also helps improve comfort and balance, and can help ensure ideal posture as you age. This is just as important for people in their 20s as people 50 and older, making tummy tuck a suitable treatment for ideal candidates of all ages.
Tissue damage.
During a tummy tuck, fatty tissue deep within the skin in the abdominal area might get damaged or die. Smoking raises the risk of tissue damage. Depending on the size of the area, the tissue might heal on its own or another surgery may be needed.
While a tummy tuck can remove excess skin and fat, it is not a permanent solution and it is possible to gain weight after the procedure. The results of a tummy tuck can be maintained with a healthy diet and regular exercise, but it is important to understand that the procedure does not prevent future weight gain.
Patients may have a higher risk of developing DVT after tummy tuck surgery because of things like immobility during the healing process and compression of blood vessels during the procedure. A pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal condition, can result from a blood clot that enters the lungs.
Non Surgical Tummy Tuck Options
CoolSculpting is a revolutionary cosmetic treatment that targets stubborn pockets of fat in the abdominal area. It utilizes controlled cooling technology to freeze and break down fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the body over time.
A tummy tuck can result in a weight loss of approximately four pounds. If you opt for a mini truck, you can expect to lose around three pounds of excess skin and fat. If you opt for an extended tuck, you can expect to lose around five pounds of excess skin and fat.
Generally, the cost of a tummy tuck in the state can range from $8,000 to $20,000. This price includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, facility costs, the compression garment, and other related expenses.
NaturaTuck® stands out as the most innovative tummy tuck method due to its advanced techniques and superior results: Unlike traditional tummy tucks, NaturaTuck® focuses on enhancing the body's natural contours and preserving the integrity of the abdominal muscles.
Key Takeaways. Abdominoplasty is generally perceived as more painful compared to a C-section, based on patient feedback. C-sections involve deeper incisions and the added complexity of newborn care, contributing to a longer recovery period.
While the average patient is usually in the late 30s or 40s, many can achieve a nice flat abdomen in their 50s-60s and even 70s. As long as the patient's underlying health is good and risk is acceptable, abdominoplasty is well tolerated middle-aged and older women.
A patient may not be well-suited for Sono Bello liposuction if they: Have a BMI over 42. Wear a pacemaker or have a history of heart problems.
Some of the most common long-term concerns include the potential recurrence of abdominal wall weakness or scar tissue formation, which may necessitate additional treatment.
To increase your chances of getting a tummy tuck covered by insurance, you'll need to meet specific requirements: Medical Necessity – your surgeon must document the medical necessity of the procedure, outlining how the excess skin or abdominal wall laxity negatively impacts your physical health and quality of life.
The choice between them depends on your specific goals and anatomy. For those with extensive loose skin and muscle separation, a full tummy tuck offers the most comprehensive results. However, if you're looking for a subtle improvement with less recovery time, a mini tummy tuck may be ideal.
Based on a scale of 1 to 10, it is common for patients to rate the pain at around 6-7 during the initial few days to a week, gradually decreasing to approximately 3-4 by the second week. It is important to note that pain levels can differ for each person.