What are the risks of a panniculectomy?

The decision to have panniculectomy surgery is extremely personal. You'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of panniculectomy surgery are acceptable.

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedures you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

The possible risks of panniculectomy surgery include, but are not limited to:

• Anesthesia risks
• Asymmetry
• Bleeding
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Fluid accumulation (seroma)
• Hematoma
• Infection
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
• Persistent pain
• Poor healing of incisions
• Possibility of revisional surgery
• Recurrent looseness of skin
• Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
• Skin loss
• Suboptimal aesthetic result
• Unfavorable scarring

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It's important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.