Body Contouring Risks and Safety

Body contouring is a major plastic surgery procedure, which may be performed once the patient’s body weight has stabilized following bariatric surgery. Although it is a very safe and proven procedure, but some risks will be associated with it just like with any other surgery.

The surgeon will discuss the potential risks and complications with the patient during the initial consultation to help them make a well-considered decision. Experienced bariatric surgeon Dr. Wiljon Beltre provides weight loss procedures to patients in Orlando, Tampa, Maitland, Central Florida, and surrounding communities.

Common Risks

Body contouring may involve removal of a large amount of surplus skin, depending on the extent of weight loss achieved by the patient following bariatric surgery. The typical post-operative risks may include:

Bruising and Inflammation

The areas treated may become bruised and swollen as a response to the trauma of excess skin removal. Depending on the extent of surgery performed, the number of sites involved, and the surgical techniques applied by the surgeon, the bruising may last from a few days to a few weeks. Swelling may persist for several months. The surgeon will provide compression garments to mitigate the effects of inflammation and keep the skin tight while it heals.

Numbness or Changes in Sensation

Tissue modification may reduce sensitivity in the skin around the incisions for a temporary time period, or even cause complete numbness in that area. Some patients may require a long recovery time, even spanning years, to have the sensation fully restored. In rare cases, the loss of sensation may be permanent.

Allergic Reactions

Anesthesia, gauze, tape or other materials involved during the surgery may cause allergic reactions in some patients. These may include itchiness, rashes, redness, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, coughing or congestion. These conditions are usually temporary, but if the patient has a known allergy, they should discuss with the surgeon during the pre-op consultation.

Separation of the Wound

Major incisions may sometimes pull apart following the body contouring surgery. This risk is higher if the surgeon has not sutured the wounds properly or proper aftercare has not been taken. While this condition does not pose a serious health hazard, it can prolong the healing period and require additional bandaging procedures to close the wound.

Changes to the Mons Pubis

Inflammation, bruising and stretching from other sites may sometimes distort the shape of the mons pubis, causing it to protrude. But these changes are often temporary because they will most likely occur due to swelling or fluid buildup. But if the pubic tissue is protruding due to fat deposits, a liposuction in the area may have to be performed.

Seroma

Fluid buildup may occur in pockets of tissue along the incision sites. Surgical drain tubes and compression garments are aimed at counteracting fluid accumulation. But if a patient still suffers from seroma after body contouring, they may require surgical removal of the fluid.  

Excessive bleeding, skin necrosis, infection and deep vein thrombosis are other risks, which may occur in rare cases. Sagacious Dr. Beltre is an accomplished bariatric surgeon receiving patients from Orlando, Tampa, Maitland, Central Florida, and other cities and communities in North Florida for weight loss procedures.

Important Note: If the weight is regained, diabetes and other conditions could return.

To find out more about the procedures & treatments performed by Orlando Bariatric Surgeon, Dr. Wiljon Beltre, at The Center for Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Call 321-499-6505 or Click Here to Schedule a Consultation.