Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Risk Profile

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is major body contouring surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the underlying rectus abdominis muscles. It involves a significant recovery period and carries important risks and potential complications.

This page provides general and specific information only. Individual risks vary depending on your age, general health, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, presence of existing abdominal scars, and whether a full, mini, extended, or fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty is performed. A detailed, personalised risk assessment will be provided during your consultation with Dr Kelly Thornbury FRACS Specialist Plastic Surgeon in her Sydney rooms.

Important AHPRA note: All cosmetic surgery carries risks and requires a recovery period. Results vary from patient to patient and cannot be guaranteed. A mandatory cooling-off period applies before proceeding.

General Risks of Plastic Surgery

Refer to our General Risks of Plastic Surgery in Sydney page for full details on anaesthesia-related complications (including heart attack, stroke, chest infection, death, DVT/PE, sore throat/breathing difficulty, nausea), wound infection (higher in smokers and diabetics), heavy bleeding, poor or delayed wound healing, skin necrosis, wound dehiscence, bruising and swelling, haematoma/seroma/oedema, pain and discomfort, allergic reactions, altered sensation, adverse scarring, need for revision surgery, and psychological impact.

Specific Risks of Abdominoplasty

• Fluid collections: Seroma (fluid under the skin) — may require repeated drainage or additional procedures.
• Umbilical (belly button) complications: Umbilical necrosis (death of tissue) or malposition.
• Scarring issues: “Dog-ear” scars at the ends of the incision, hypertrophic or keloid scarring, hyperpigmented or stretched scars, scar asymmetry.
• Contour and shape issues: Contour irregularities, surface irregularities, asymmetry, residual adiposity (leftover fat pockets), or recurrent skin laxity over time.
• Wound healing complications: Wound breakdown or delayed healing (particularly in the lower central abdomen), skin necrosis.
• Sensory changes: Altered or decreased sensation across the abdomen (numbness, burning pain, or impaired feeling), which may be temporary or permanent.
• Muscle repair issues: Weakness, bulging, or failure of the plicated (tightened) abdominal muscles.
• Other complications: Fat necrosis (dead fatty tissue that may feel like a lump — more common if there are supraumbilical scars), palpable or reacting deep sutures, prolonged swelling (especially lower abdomen and mons pubis), postoperative pain (although surgery may relieve long-term back pain in suitable patients).
• Rare but serious risks: Intra-abdominal compartment syndrome, short-term respiratory compromise (e.g., atelectasis), heavy bleeding.

Factors that significantly increase risks Smoking is associated with markedly higher complication rates (approximately 48% wound healing problems in smokers vs 15% in non-smokers). Other important risk factors include obesity, diabetes, and pre-existing abdominal scars. We will thoroughly assess these during your consultation and may recommend optimisation or advise against surgery if risks are considered too high.

Note on scarring A full abdominoplasty typically leaves a long scar from hip to hip (low transverse incision), plus a scar around the belly button. Scars are permanent but usually fade over 12–18 months with good care. Mini or extended techniques will have different scar patterns.

Recovery Considerations Significant swelling, bruising, and discomfort are expected. You will need to wear compression garments, limit activity, and attend regular follow-up in my Sydney or Wollongong rooms or via Telehealth. Signs of complications (increasing pain, redness, fever, shortness of breath, calf pain, or wound discharge) should be reported immediately.

Next Steps Consult Dr Kelly Thornbury, FRACS Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney for a full assessment. 

This information is educational and based on current Australian medical standards and AHPRA/Medical Board guidelines for advertising cosmetic surgery. Last reviewed April 2026.