Bleeding after Tummy Tuck
What is a tummy tuck? A tummy tuck is surgery that removes excess skin and fat from your abdominal area, leaving you with a tighter stomach that looks much more toned. The procedure can be performed on women or men, and it’s a great option for those who are seeking an alternative to liposuction—or if they’re ready to move beyond liposuction but aren’t quite ready for full body contouring yet.
How long does it take? The surgery itself takes about an hour, but recovery time varies depending on what type of anesthesia is used during your procedure. If general anesthesia is used (as it usually is), recovery will take 2-3 weeks before you’re able to go back to work or school or resume normal activities. If local anesthesia or conscious sedation were used instead (which would make sense if you intended to have someone drive you home after surgery), then recovery time.
Surgical Risks and Potential Complications of Tummy Tuck Surgery
| Potential Risks of Abdominoplasty | Description |
|---|---|
| Surgical Anesthesia |
|
| Unfavorable Scarring |
|
| Bleeding/Hematoma |
|
| Infection |
|
| Fluid Accumulation (Seroma) |
|
| Poor Wound Healing |
|
| Wound Dehiscence |
|
| Suture Granuloma |
|
| Numbness in Skin Sensation |
|
| Contour Irregularities |
|
| Asymmetry in Scar Placement or Contour |
|
| Pain that Persists |
|
| Nerve Damage |
|
| Allergic Reactions |
|
| Loss of Umbilicus |
|
| Residual Deformity |
|
| Need for Revisional Surgery |
|
| Suboptimal Aesthetic Result |
|
| Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Complications |
|
| Long Term Effects |
|
Contraindications for Abdominoplasty Plastic Surgery
- Severe comorbid conditions (heart disease, diabetes, morbid obesity, cigarette smoking, etc.)
- Expecting future pregnancy
- Thromboembolic disease (blood clotting disorders)
- Morbid obesity (BMI >40)
- Unrealistic patient expectations
- Upper abdominal scars
- Patients who tend to form keloids or hypertrophic scars
Tummy tuck binder vs compression garment
Wearing a binder or tummy tuck compression garment helps you recuperate. This helps you recuperate faster when worn as prescribed.
An elasticated girdle-like atummy tuck compression garment wraps around your midsection. It fits snugly and presses the encased region evenly. The garment covers the area treated during a stomach tuck, including the immediate surrounding area, from below the breasts to the hips or pelvic area.
Why should I wear compression garments after a belly tuck? This is a common patient query. Due to its close fit, some patients find it uncomfortable. Know that you should wear it as directed. Compression garments aid abdominoplasty healing. The top four causes are:
- Lower seroma risk A seroma is excess serous fluid in a pocket under the skin. Blood is a hematoma. Seromas are the most prevalent consequence of abdominoplasty, according to research, including a 2002 Annals of Plastic Surgery article. Your compression garment presses down on tissues altered during surgery to reduce fluid pockets. The clothing boosts circulation. These two factors may reduce seromas.
- Better circulation We all know that keeping your blood flowing throughout recovery is crucial to getting better because it delivers nutrients to the treated areas to encourage healing. This also lowers edema, bruising, and life-threatening blood clots.
- Increased comfort Your compression garment holds tissues while you move. Stretching damaged tissues and incision lines is prevented. You’ll be more relaxed. Some people wear their garment for weeks after they can quit because they feel more comfortable.
- Better contours Even when your mid-section is tightened and contour flaws are minimized, uneven contours may appear. Many contour defects can become permanent if not rectified early in recovery. A compression garment flattens lumps and bumps. However, ill-fitting compression garments can leave permanent marks. Long seams might leave skin lines. So make sure your outfit fits properly. If uncertain, contact us. If possible, wear your clothing inside out or place a seamless tight cotton shirt underneath for protection. –>
What causes post operative bleeding?
In most cases, this is residual blood from normal bleeding during your procedure (ie when tiny blood vessels are cut during the operation).
When this blood finds its way out through an incision or drain (for example, after abdominoplasty) it can actually be a good thing, because it means the blood won’t remain in your body, causing firm, persistent bruising or a haematoma.
If the blood is dark red, this usually indicates old blood – that is, not bleeding that is currently occurring.
If the blood is bright red, it indicates fresh blood and bleeding that is currently occurring or has recently happened. Loosing large amounts of fresh blood after surgery can be an indication that your blood vessels aren’t clotting as we’d normally expect.
Other times it can be due to the fragile operative site being bumped or injured while dressing, sleeping/rolling over or sutures being pulled due to sudden movements or stretching before your body’s incisions have a chance to form a strong enough seal to hold themselves together.
Compression garments are an important part of preventing post operative bleeding because they restrict movement somewhat and also apply pressure and support for the wound site.
Conclusion
A tummy tuck flattens the stomach and gives it a better tone by removing excess skin. However, this operation carries some risks and side effects, such as infection, scarring, seroma, hematoma, change in skin sensation, pain, fat necrosis, and excessive bleeding.
