A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is a different medical procedure from the simpler liposuction. During an abdominoplasty the surgeon makes an incision from one hip to the other, sometimes measuring 2 feet in length. The belly button is often relocated downward and the incision is not always able to be approximated and closed well. The procedure involves the use of liposuction but also removes fat and skin with the scalpel. Lax abdominal muscles can be surgically tightened during the more complex tummy tuck. These differences also account for the differences in complications that can arise from the procedures.
Wound Infections
This is a complication of most surgical procedures that open the skin barrier. The risk is higher in an abdominoplasty than liposuction because of the difference in size of the incisions. According to Dr. Samir K. Jabaiti who published his research findings in the American Journal of Applied Sciences, patients who are obese or are current smokers have a higher incidence of wound infections following abdominoplasty than those who do not experience those factors. His study revealed that over 5 percent of people who had the surgery experienced wound infections when they were also obese or smoked.
Fluid Collection
After an extensive abdominoplasty a patient may experience a hematoma or seroma. According to SmartPlasticSurgery.com, the risk of a hematoma is between 3 and 4 percent. A hematoma is a collection of blood beneath the skin while a seroma is a collection of clear fluid beneath the skin. Swelling can also occur around the surgical incision or abdominal area in response to the removal of fat and tissue. A hematoma, seroma and swelling will resolve spontaneously without intervention unless the surgeon believes that they will negatively impact the healing process or cause the sutures to rupture. In this case they may drain the hematoma or seroma under a sterile environment.
Scarring
According to Liposuction.com, an abdominoplasty is associated with a 1 to 2 foot long scar that runs from one hip line to the other. This scar is usually covered by a bathing suit but is visible without clothing. In some cases the scar tissue will develop with heavy keloid tissue and result in a heavy scar. Individuals with more keloid factor in their skin will be at higher risk, such as people with darker skin color. A liposuction involves the placement of several very small incisions that heal easily and usually without obvious scarring.
Anesthetic Reactions
The risk of anesthetic reactions or allergic reactions to the anesthetic will be present for both groups of patients. According to MayoClinic.com, the risks of liposuction will also include the risk of general anesthesia. These risks include allergic reactions to one of the medicines and decreased respiratory function after recovery.
Puckered Skin
Individuals who choose either the tummy tuck or liposuction may experience puckered skin, contour irregularities, altered skin texture or wrinkles, according to MayoClinic.com and SmartPlasticSurgery.com. During a tummy tuck or liposuction the surgeon may remove too much skin or fat tissue, resulting in a puckered appearance or poor contouring of the area. During a tummy tuck there will be so much skin removed that the belly button must be relocated downward, giving the stomach an unusual appearance.
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