A tummy tuck is major surgery, and while the vast majority of patients recover without serious complications, it is essential to know which symptoms warrant an urgent call to your surgeon, or a trip to the emergency room. Some warning signs indicate life-threatening conditions that cannot wait until your next scheduled appointment.
Signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism
Blood clots are one of the most serious risks after any major surgery. Call 911 or go to an ER immediately if you experience:
- Sudden swelling, redness, or warmth in one leg, especially the calf
- Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or rapid heart rate
- Coughing up blood
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
These can be signs of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) that has traveled to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). This is a medical emergency.
Signs of Infection
Some redness and warmth around an incision is normal in the first few days. Contact your surgeon promptly if you notice:
- Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling around the incision that worsens rather than improves
- Fever above 101°F (38.3°C) persisting beyond 48 hours after surgery
- Purulent (thick, discolored, foul-smelling) drainage from the wound
- Red streaks radiating away from the incision
- Wound separation (dehiscence), the incision pulling apart
Signs of Hematoma or Seroma
- Sudden increase in swelling or a rapidly expanding firmness under the skin (hematoma)
- A soft, fluid-filled bulge that feels like it contains liquid under the skin (seroma)
- Significant bruising appearing or worsening several days after surgery
Signs of Skin or Tissue Complications
- Areas of skin that appear dark purple, black, or dusky, this may indicate skin necrosis (tissue death) and requires urgent evaluation
- Blistering or open sores at the incision line
- Numbness or tingling that is spreading or worsening after the first two weeks
General Red Flags Requiring Immediate Attention
- Uncontrolled bleeding, saturating dressings rapidly
- Severe abdominal pain not controlled by prescribed medications
- Inability to urinate for more than 8 hours post-operatively
- Confusion, extreme drowsiness, or difficulty waking up
At Svelta Plastic Surgery in Miami, our patients have direct access to their surgical team after every procedure. We provide detailed written instructions before discharge and are reachable after hours for genuine emergencies. Your safety is always the top priority.