Complications

Severe complications (e.g. pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis) are very
rare. Minor complications are more common (12%); these mainly involve:
• haematoma/seroma 6%
• infection/dehiscence/necrosis (including the umbilicus), 5–7%
• scar problems—hypertrophic scarring is common
• decreased sensation, ‘dog ears’.
Contraindications
• smoking
• morbid obesity
• cardiovascular disease
• diabetes
• thromboembolic disease

It was previously thought that supra-umbilical scarring would be a relative contraindication
and such scarring was associated with an increase in complication rates (23%
vs 7%, commonly fat necrosis) in one study. However, recent work suggests that with
carefully selected patients, abdominoplasty may still be performed if the following are
avoided: excessive tension during closure, over-dissecting the flap (especially laterally)
and excessive concomitant liposuction. Pregnancy is not absolutely contraindicated,
but there needs to be careful observation, particularly if plication of the recti
has been performed.