Did you know that nearly 140,000 tummy tucks are performed each year in the U.S.? The tummy tuck recovery process is difficult and there are risks involved. The procedure can improve your confidence in no time.
However, the wrong surgeon can leave you with a mess of complications. There are a few signs of a bad tummy tuck, you need to be aware of.
Want to avoid a bad tummy tuck? Stick around to learn more!
1. Excessive Swelling
Excessive swelling after a tummy tuck is a sign that something is not right and should be addressed. Swelling is the body’s natural reaction to the trauma caused by surgery, but beyond the normal healing process, it can show a problem.
Excessive swelling appears around the entire treatment area, but especially at the incision sites. This swelling can lead to infection and permanent deformities if not addressed.
Additional warning signs of excessive swelling include dents in the treatment area, lumps or bumps that may be firm to the touch, continuous pain and tenderness that become worse over time, yellow or green drainage, bleeding, and discharge. Be aware of the warning signs and only trust the best like the tummy tuck by Dr. Piazza leading your procedure.
2. Fluid Accumulations
Fluid accumulations are one of the warning signs of tummy tuck gone wrong. A patient may notice an increase in swelling or discomfort in the abdominal area long after the initial surgery. Excess fluid can also accumulate and create pockets of swelling or bulges that appear uncharacteristic of the surgical area.
If fluid accumulations are suspected, patients should contact a doctor to address them. It can be done through ultrasound to assess the buildup and seek the cause. Treatment for the fluid accumulations may involve antibiotics if infection is present, drainage of the fluid with a needle, or even a second surgical procedure to remove invasive fluid that has collected around tissue and organs.
Depending on the severity, the treatment may require hospitalization or even intensive care. It’s important to act fast when fluid accumulations arise to avoid further complications.
3. Skin Discoloration
An important warning sign of a bad tummy tuck is skin discoloration. Some may notice their skin appearing discolored, including red, blue, or even black sometimes. This is due to blood vessels that have ruptured in the process of being tightened.
It can also occur when the wound has become infected. It should address these signs since they show the result of an incomplete or incorrect procedure.
Patients should also look out for any swelling or heat in the area, as these can also be signifiers of a bad tummy tuck. If any of these symptoms become present, they should reach out to their surgeon or doctor right away for further help.
Signs of a Bad Tummy Tuck You Need to Know
Tummy tucks can help to sculpt and reshape the body, but there are some warning signs of complications that should be addressed to a doctor. If you experience excessive swelling, fluid accumulations, or skin discoloration, these are the signs of a bad tummy tuck.
Attention is a must. Don’t ignore these signs and risks; get your health checked early and often to ensure a safe and successful tummy tuck consultation.
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