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Dr David Sharp is a Brisbane based plastic surgeon with a special interest in postpartum tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). This reconstructive procedure repairs the abdominal wall, reduces hernias and removes lower abdominal skin. It primarily offers functional benefits, in addition to some cosmetic changes as well.
As a specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Sharp has undergone an additional decade of training in both general and plastic subspecialties. He has worked as a reconstructive surgeon in major cancer and trauma centres in Queensland – and currently operates from one of the largest private hospitals in Australia, where there is a dedicated plastic surgery ward for postoperative patient care.
Following pregnancy, women can experience rectus divarication (separation of the muscle wall) and hygiene or skin issues due to lower abdominal or mons pubis skin. A standard abdominoplasty after pregnancy involves the reconstruction of the weakened abdominal wall, firming the stomach with layers of internal sutures. During the procedure, Dr Sharp also removes hernias and then resects excess skin, with the umbilicus replaced in a new position on the abdomen. Functionally this improves core strength, while providing aesthetic changes. If a woman experiences the above mentioned skin issues as well as rectus divarication of 3cm or more, they may be eligible for the procedure to be considered as a reconstructive procedure – and rebates may apply if the patient has Medical or private health insurance. Read on for more information.
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Generally, a ‘full’ or standard abdominoplasty involves the reconstruction of the abdominal wall, hernia reduction and skin removal, with umbilicus repositioning. The incision runs across the lower torso, from hip to hip. A ‘mini’ abdominoplasty involves only the removal of a small amount of lax skin on the lower abdomen and is appropriate for women who do not have muscle separation, hernias or loose skin to repair or reconstruct. A mini abdominoplasty is always considered a cosmetic procedure and does not carry an item number or rebates.
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The best long term results are achieved when you are at your ideal weight; this will improve the longevity of your outcome. At certain times of year, there can be a significant wait to see an experienced, qualified plastic surgeon in Brisbane, so we recommend contacting surgeons about 6-8 months before your ideal surgery time frame, to avoid the disappointment of missing out on your ideal surgery time frames – especially as some mums base their surgery around work or school holidays. Choosing the right surgeon for you is integral, so it’s important not to feel rushed or make a decision based purely on how quickly you can obtain a consult. If’s a life long decision, so we recommend investing in consults with at least two specialist plastic surgeons, to find one that resonates with you.
The post partum abdominoplasty item number can only be claimed more than 12 months after giving birth. Read more about the criteria below. There is no limit to how many years ago you had your last pregnancy – some women seek this procedure after 10, 20 or even 30 years.
Yes, this is a surgical combination Dr Sharp frequently performs. Breast augmentation, reduction or lift (mastopexy) alongside abdominoplasty are commonly combined postpartum procedures. The main benefit of combining the procedures includes a single recovery period (less downtime). Drawbacks include increased costs (due to the longer time spent in theatre) and possibly slower recovery and healing as your body is trying to recover from two procedures instead of one. Dr Sharp spends lots of time going through your informed consent documentation and stepping through these procedures during your pre operative consultations. It’s important to consider the pros and cons, and ask lots of questions. If you are booked to see Dr Sharp regarding a breast procedure and wish to also discuss abdominoplasty, please call us prior to ensure enough time can be set aside to discuss this operation in the consultation. We will also send you a patient education pack for abdominoplasty, to read prior to your consult.
When you book your consultation, you will receive an email with lots of information about tummy tuck surgery. Please read over all documentation as it will help form foundation knowledge prior to your consult. It will also introduce you in detail to the benefits, alternatives, risks and recovery of this procedure. This helps you to develop questions to ask Dr Sharp and get the most out of your consult with him.
On the day of your initial consult, you will speak with Dr Sharp directly. In alignment with our patient education values, we do not outsource your first discussion regarding surgery to another team member or nurse in our clinic – you will speak directly to the surgeon who’d perform your operation; Dr Sharp. When booking your initial consultation with any surgeon it is important to ask who will be performing your consultations: the operating surgeon or a delegated team member in their clinic?
After you consult with Dr Sharp, we are able to provide you with an estimate of fees document and potential time frames for surgery (if your procedure is considered medically required, or carries an MBS item number). Plan to be with us for about 1 hour at this first visit. Subsequent visits are shorter. Please note you have at least 2 consults prior to surgery – and we encourage all patients to have more, if they wish.
If your postpartum abdominoplasty is considered cosmetic, not reconstructive, due to regulations introduced in 2023, you will need to have 2 consults with Dr Sharp, sign our clinical consent form and then observe 7 days cooling off before paying a deposit to secure a surgery date.
The aim of abdominoplasty surgery are unique to every patient, and can include:
Abdominoplasty is a very personal decision and should only be undertaken by an adult who has considered the benefits and risk, is prepared for the recovery involved – and is undergoing the procedure for their own benefit, not to meet the expectations of family, their partner or society.
Abdominoplasty surgery can be beneficial for functional concerns as well as aesthetic purposes, enabling more movement and reducing potential medical problems such a hernias or skin infections. Tummy tucks are frequently performed by Dr Sharp however, it is major surgery and should only be undertaken after due consideration under the guidance of a specialist plastic surgeon.
Abdominoplasty should be performed when your weight loss is stable, with a BMI under 30 (in the healthy or overweight range, but not in the obese range). The best candidates for tummy tucks are in good health, and have stubborn pockets of fat and loose skin – or stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy.
If you are in the process of losing a substantial amount of weight with the view to obtaining an abdominoplasty, it is best to wait until you are getting close to your ideal weight before proceeding with a tummy tuck; this will benefit long-term results and healing.
Abdominoplasty is not recommended for people who are obese due to increased risks of complications and unsatisfactory outcomes.
Abdominoplasty surgery is not a form of weight loss or fat reduction surgery. It’s primary goal is to remove loose skin and restore the abdominal wall.
In this video, Dr Sharp explains where he places the abdominoplasty scar.
And in this article we discuss scar development, and what you can do at home after your surgery to give your body the best chance of favourable scarring.
Abdominoplasty involves an extensive scar, which is why it is important to consider the surgery carefully and choose a qualified plastic surgeon, to ensure adequate postoperative care – including postoperative hospital admission and ongoing scar care – is available to you.
Scars are low, along the bikini line and depending on your torso length, are usually hidden when wearing most underwear, swimwear, and clothing.
Scars take 24 month to fully mature during which time they can be very visible when unclothed.
While the scars will always be visible, they will improve, softening and lightening over time. Patient who are prone to poor scarring or who wish to optimise their scar recovery are invited to undertake additional postoperative scar therapies such as scar tape ($25), Fraxel laser (from $250) or prescriptive scar gel (from $107).
All patients leave the operating theatre with a thin scar, but how it matures and develops over time is largely due to genetics, physical strain placed on the scar through exertion or repetitive movement – and following post operative care instructions including daily massage and scar therapy, if needed.
Dr Sharp and his team offer a proven pre and postoperative skin optimisation program that supports you in maintaining healthy skin quality throughout, and after, your surgical journey to reducing long-term scarring. Ask us about our targeted therapies to reduce the appearance of scars.
Abdominoplasties can be medically required or cosmetic. Even if you have a normal body weight, good diet and active lifestyle, the impact of weight fluctuations and pregnancy can weaken core strength and leave excess skin that can be uncomfortable.
Pregnancy, age, weight gain and loss , genetics, caesareans, hernias or laparotomies leave your stomach with protrusions, small fat deposits and loose or sagging skin. These need not bother you (and if that’s the case – that’s great!) but if they do, abdominoplasty may improve these areas of concerns.
Cosmetic abdominoplasties may also correct some medical issues, such as hernias and mildly weakened abdominal wall, while other patients seek a cosmetic tummy tuck for purely aesthetic reasons, which is fine too.
Provided you have realistic expectations, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to do something to change the appearance of your abdomen. This procedure will not resolve poor body image or low self esteem, and your expectations of the surgery will be discussed with your surgeon during your preoperative consultation process.
Pregnancy can cause stomach muscles to separate, which is called rectus divarication or diastasis recti. In addition to leaving the abdomen with a permanently protruding appearance, research shows that pregnancy can result in significant functional and medical problems such as core strength issues, urinary incontinence and back pain. Abdominoplasty surgery with Dr Sharp reconstructs the abdominal wall, repairs hernias, restores core strength and removes excess unwanted skin.
If you are planning future pregnancies, Dr Sharp recommends that you postpone having an abdominoplasty until you think you have completed your family.
Following pregnancy, women should not feel pressured to do anything to change or ‘improve’ their bodies. Some women’s bodies return to their pre-pregnancy form after having babies, and some don’t. For those whose bodies don’t return to their pre-pregnancy form (which is very normal), some may exercise their right to seek out plastic surgery after pregnancy.
We do not believe they should be made to feel selfish, insecure or guilty for wanting their bodies to look more similar – but of course not identical – to how they looked before pregnancy. Our clinics are a judgement-free zone where women are encouraged to make independent, well informed, appropriately supported decisions about their bodies. Click here to read more about the tummy tuck and breast surgery options for restoring pre-pregnancy body shape and condition.
When performed by a specialist plastic surgeon in Australia, within an accredited hospital facility, tummy tuck surgery carries low morbidity and mortality rates. Abdominoplasty is performed frequently by specialist plastic surgeons like Dr Sharp in Brisbane. However it is a major procedure – and therefore, choosing the right surgeon is of upmost importance. Abdominoplasty surgery should be performed by a qualified plastic surgeon who is registered as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. You can confirm your surgeon’s credentials here.
Dr David Sharp is a qualified specialist plastic surgeon with a special interest in cosmetic procedures. His personalised approach means that you receive plenty of preoperative time with him to discuss your specific objectives and any questions.
It’s normal to feel both nervous, and an excited sense of anticipation, when planning your tummy tuck. Dr Sharp takes the time to ensure you have as many consultations as you require, so that your treatment is customised to suit your body and expectations – and address any concerns you may have.
Be ready with some questions to ask your surgeon, including:
This is similar to an abdominoplasty but is usually in the setting of massive weight loss – or post-bariatric surgery. It involves the removal of a large apron of fat, called a pannus, which can cause:
A tummy tuck does not remove stretch marks, however, some of these might be removed or reduced if they are located on the excess skin that is removed, generally below the belly button.
Dr Sharp’s clinic offers a range of skin therapies that have been scientifically proven to improve stretch marks – without surgery, needles or downtime. If you are concerned about stretch marks, call 07 3202 4744.
Abdominoplasties are performed under a full general anaesthetic. A specifically selected range of medications are administered during the surgery to ensure your post-operative comfort. Dr Sharp works with an experienced team of anesthetists, some of which you can meet here.
Like any surgery, you must weigh up whether the benefits outweigh the risks for you. While abdominoplasty surgery is very common, it also carries risks. Your pre-operative consultations with Dr Sharp will enable him to discuss potential complications with you, and help you determine whether the surgery is right for you. Possible complications of surgery in general include:
Risks that are specific to abdominoplasty surgery include but are not limited to:
Complications are rare, and Dr Sharp and his team manage each of these risks with the upmost care to further reduce the likelihood of them occurring. In the event they do occur, most can be treated with prompt intervention.
Everyone’s body responds differently to surgery. In some cases, post operative revision surgery might be required.
Some factors, such as weight, lifestyle, certain activities, medications or health problems can increase the chance of a complication occurring. Dr Sharp will take time to learn about your potential risk factors during your pre operative consultations, and will determine if they are relevant to your surgery.
If you have any concerns regarding your abdominoplasty and the associated risks, feel free to book additional pre operative consultations with Dr Sharp.
After your abdominoplasty, your incisions will be covered by dressings (bandaging) and you will be wrapped in a surgical tape to provide support and reduce swelling. During the surgery, small drains (thin plastic tubing) is placed under the skin, enabling excess blood and fluid to drain away from the site; this reduces swelling, discomfort and the chances of a hematoma forming. These tubes are removed after drainage has stopped. You will also be wearing a compression garment. This will be worn for 6 weeks.
If having surgery as an inpatient (instead of day surgery) you will stay in the hospital for two to six days, positioned on your bed with pillows under your legs to take any pressure off the wound.
Within 24 hours of your abdominoplasty surgery, you will be encouraged to move around within your hospital room/bedroom, while minimising straining of the abdominal muscles and suture site.
Before leaving the hospital, your dressings will be checked.
They are checked again approximately 1 week after your discharge, at your next post operative visit in our clinic. Your nurse will provide information about when they can be removed and replaced by the next stage of taping and massage (if incisions are fully healed over). Restrictions after an abdominoplasty include no driving for at least 2 weeks and no lifting or exertion for 6 weeks.
At this time, you can begin LED therapy, which is a complimentary aspect of your postoperative care with us.
Due to swelling the hunched-over posture, many abdominoplasty patients acquire in the days after leaving the hospital, Dr Sharp recommends that you book a home lymphatic drainage massage after returning home. We can provide you with a list of recommended therapists that provide home calls specifically for post-surgery patients.
Within one to two weeks after your surgery, you will be able to stand up straight and observe good posture. This will help gently re-tone your core muscles, rebuild strength and accentuate your results. It is also important to follow your postoperative instructions and maintain good hydration and a healthy diet.
Most patients require abdominal wall repair during abdominoplasty which means you will not be able to ease slowly back into normal activities for at least 6 weeks; lifting of heavy weights, strenuous activity or normal work outs can resume around 12 weeks. During this time, you will be gradually returning to a normal level of physical activity.
It is important to avoid strenuous activity for six weeks. This means not exerting yourself nor lifting anything over 2kg during this period. After this, normal activity does not resume immediately; it is a slow process of gradually increasing intensity of exercise, lifting and exertion.
Patients who exercise frequently or rely upon lifting or exertion for their jobs must carefully consider the impact of the procedure on their work, finances and lifestyle. Depending on your work, you would may need to take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks off work, although most patients return to work, particularly if it involves sedentary activity, after 2 weeks.
If your recovery is impacted by a complication or delayed healing please keep in mind that this may prevent you from returning to work as planned. Please consider the financial impact of such possibilities in the rare chance that they occur.
Potential costs include:
Dr Sharp performs this procedure as either an inpatient stay or as a day procedure in an accredited private hospital. The decision to have a abdominoplasty as a day procedure or inpatient will cause the hospital component of your costs to vary.
Abdominoplasty for cosmetic reasons is not covered by an item number or rebates from Medicare or private health insurance . However, in some cases, your surgery might be classified as reconstructive, and therefore have a Medicare item number. If so, you might be eligible to claim a rebate from Medicare, as well as your private health fund.
After your consultation with Dr Sharp, if there’s a possibility that your surgery meets Medicare’s criteria, you will be provided with an item number, we recommend you contact your health insurance provider and ask them if you are covered for plastic surgery, particularly siting the item number provided.
It is important to understand that, in the case of complications or revision surgery, the cost of your abdominoplasty might extend to future surgical procedures and hospitalisations. We encourage patients to think about how they would fund further treatment beyond the immediate costs expected.
Abdominoplasty surgery produces a flatter, firmer and tighter stomach, however, your immediate results can be obscured by swelling and posture restrictions.
Women who have undergone previous cesarean section find that their original c-section scar is incorporated into their new abdominoplasty incision.
Once you can stand up straight and observe good posture – within 2-3 weeks of surgery for most patients – your swelling will be reduced and you will notice your new, contoured shape. However the initial phases of recovery can be very challenging, with patients feeling tight, uncomfortable and restricted. It is important to have reasonable expectations of how your body can heal and recovery, as well as strong support at home. Results will vary between patients depending on their natural body habitus, body fat, genetics, diet and nutrition and adherence to post operative instructions.
When embarking upon this surgery, it is important to discuss your expectations with your surgeon. Abdominoplasty surgery will not perfect your body. It will leave a permanent scar. You may still have cellulite, stretch marks and rolls of skin or fat when you bend over; this is part of being human.
Self care during the recovery is essential! Engaging with your body during the healing process with lymphatic drainage massage, daily self-massage to your scar and even physiotherapy to relax tight scarring reduces the risk of complications and improves the chance of you being pleased with your result.
In some cases, abdominoplasty surgery can be considered to be medically required. This is determined by assessing whether the patient meets the Medicare Benefit Schedule’s criteria for abdominoplasty surgery after pregnancy or massive weightloss. If you meet the criteria, an item number will be assigned to your procedure. This item number will carry a Medicare rebate for a portion of your surgeon and anaesthetic fee. If you have eligible private health insurance, it means your fund will also cover all (or part) of your hospital fee, depending on your policy provisions. At your initial consultation, a detailed quote including rebates, will be provided. We recommend that patients have private health insurance before undergoing this surgery, even if they intend to have it as a day procedure.
Natural ageing and skin changes will continue to take their effect on your body; abdominoplasty surgery will not stop the clock. However if you generally maintain your operative weight, moderate exercise and don’t sustain injuries or undergo further abdominal surgery, your results will offer life-long improvements for your core strength and abdominal shape. Pregnancy and substantial weight gain are the two most common reasons why abdominoplasty results don’t last.
Dog ears are an excess ‘pucker’ of skin and fatty tissue at the end of an incision line. Most abdominoplasty patients do not experience dog ears. They are, however, more common in procedures that involve the removal of a large amount of skin, fat or tissue, for example abdominoplasty, brachioplasty, breast reduction or bilateral subcutaneous mastectomy. Dog ears are more likely to occur at the end of an incision line if a patient has residual fat, or loose skin, in the adjacent area. An example of this can sometimes be seen following abdominoplasty, especially if the patient has experienced significant weight loss. Where the abdominoplasty incision stops at the hips, patients sometimes have residual skin or fat. Pockets of swelling along the incision line are sometimes mistaken for dog ears during the first few weeks or months of surgery. If you develop a dog ear at the end of your incision line, your surgeon might ask you to wait 3-6 months to see of it will improve on its own as swelling subsides. If it doesn’t, a dog ear is relatively simple to remove under local anaesthetic in the clinic. It does not usually require a general anaesthetic or hospital visit. If performed within a year of your initial surgery with Dr Sharp under local anaesthetic in clinic, the procedure is bulk billed to Medicare.
No, an abdominoplasty scar is longer, and often thicker, than a cesarean scar.
Abdominoplasty scars are often thicker, as they are under tension from the tightened abdominal wall and reduced skin laxity, compared to a cesarean incision which occurs in an area that has been stretched through the pregnancy, usually resulting in loose skin which places no strain or tension on the incision line.
Abdominoplasty scars are always visible, but they ‘mature’ over a period of 2 years. That sounds like a long time, but it is the approximate length of time that internal and internal scarring takes to settle into its final state. At this point, if postoperative instructions have been closely followed, the scar is significantly softer, lighter and less prominent than it appears during the first 6-12 months after surgery.
Self care during the tummy tuck recovery is essential. We highly recommend:
This reduces the risk of complications and improves the chance of you being pleased with your result.
Yes, scarring is dependent on many factors, but the key ones are:
Scar position
Scars that are located on parts of the body that are under tension or frequent movement are more likely to be stretched, and thicker. This is why it is important to wear postoperative compression garments after abdominoplasty surgery and limit movement. Where scars widen, thicken and feel more restrictive, we often find patients have returned to activities that stretch or place pressure on the scar too soon.
Postoperative scar care
Our patients go home with extensive postoperative instructions. These feature evidence-based, best practice scar care recommendations; when followed, they give patients the best possible scar outcome.
It is therefore essential to wear your support garment correctly (our team are always on hand to clarify if you are unsure of the correct positioning), observe physical activity restrictions, practice good nutrition and only use approved tape/products on incisions for the recommended amount of time. Your postoperative nurse will guide you through when to use tape and when to massage the area; please keep in mind that good scar management takes months, even years, rather than days or weeks – in order to attain the best possible scar.
When we see poor scarring in otherwise healthy patients, it is usually because one or more of the above recommendations have not been followed.
For example, failure to wear compression garments properly can place additional pressure on the scar, or result in excessive swelling, haematoma or seroma, which can require further surgery, in turn causing more incisional tension and unfavourable scarring.
Essential oils, bleaching creams or any products not supplied or recommended by the clinic can be detrimental to healing and cause wound breakdown, delayed healing and poor scarring.Time since surgery
It is inevitable that patients will monitor, observe and worry about their scars most closely during the exact phase of natural scar healing when it is always going to be looking its worst; the first 3-12 months postoperatively. This maturation process takes the scar approximately 24 months in total, so patience is needed in order to see the final result! While it might be annoying to hear ‘be patient’ during this period, it is important to give your body time to fully heal.
Rest assured that if postoperative instructions are closely followed, patients usually find their abdominoplasty scars mature into soft, lightly-coloured scars that are not anywhere near as prominent as they appear to be in the first 3-12 months.Skin condition, quality or genetics
Some skin types or ethnicities are more predisposed to poor scarring. Sun damaged, aged or thin skin can also scar badly or experience delayed healing. Even if you are genetically predisposed to poor scarring, good scar care can go some way to improving the appearance of the scar.
A full abdominoplasty involves two incisions; a horizontal one from hipbone to hipbone near the pubic hairline and another that circles around the navel. The length of the horizontal incision depends on how much skin and fat needs to be removed and in which areas. Weakened abdominal muscles are then repaired and sutured to bring them closer together, and excess fat and skin are excised to remove the protubing appearance of the abdomen. The skin is tightened over flat abdominal muscles. The second incision around the navel is necessary to remove additional loose skin in the mid to upper abdomen. The navel is repositioned in an aesthetically sensitive manner.
Sutures and surgical skin tape is used to close the incision.
If you have concerns about scarring after abdominoplasty surgery, talk to our skin clinician regarding the laser options we have available to accelerate healing and improve the appearance of scars.
Abdominal wall muscles can become lax or separated due to pregnancy or aging. When toned, the rectus abdominus muscles join to create a flat stomach or ‘six pack’ shape. When repeatedly stretched, they can sometimes sit far apart from where they should ideally meet in the middle (called diastasis or divarication of rectus). This is corrected using permanent stitches, which pulls the muscles together for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist. Sometimes the laxity of the lateral abdominal muscles (obliques) also requires permanent sutures to create an ideal shape (called muscle plication).
A weak abdominal wall, previous surgery (such as laparoscopy or caesarean) can be associated with abdominal hernias; whereby the fat surrounding the bowels, or the bowel itself, protrudes through the abdominal wall and can be seen and felt as an irregular lump.
During surgery, the hernia is pushed back through the wall, and the weakened area stitched back together and oversewn to strengthen the site.
If the weakness is large enough, sometimes Dr David places a surgical mesh to provide extra strength to the area and prevent future hernia from forming.
In patients with an existing vertical (‘midline’) scar from previous abdominal surgery, a vertical abdominoplasty may be considered.
Healthy nutrition and regular physical activity, including core strength exercises and practicing good posture, are integral to obtaining and maintaining optimal long-term results.
Here at Dr Sharp, we provide patients with a Lifetime Follow-up Guarantee ensuring long-term care & support.
View hundreds of clinical before and after photos from Dr David Sharp’s patients. Contact us below for a procedure information pack and access to our extensive gallery.
Our clinics are safe, respectful and inclusive spaces for people of all genders and cultures. We take time to understand our patients’ motivations, expectations and lifestyles, while empowering them to make educated decisions about their bodies. We would love to welcome you to our practice, when the time is right for you to take the next step in your procedure journey.
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Every procedure comes with the risk of complications, and specific risks may accompany certain procedures. The general risks of procedure may include:
When the body goes through a healing phase after a procedure incision, scarring is a common outcome. The way scars appear and their level of severity depends on various factors, including the type of skin, genetic factors, as well as the size and location of the cut. Certain individuals might notice their scars becoming raised or enlarged, resulting in hypertrophic or keloid scars. In cases where a patient does not like the visual outcome of their scars, treatment options are available, but these should only be considered following advice from a surgeon.
Any procedure, plastic procedure included, carries the risk of infection. This occurs when harmful microbes invade the procedure site, leading to symptoms such as swelling, heightened pain, formation of pus, and wounds that don’t seem to heal. Surgeons follow rigorous cleanliness procedures to minimise this risk, but it is crucial for patients to follow all post-surgical care directions meticulously. Quick recognition of symptoms and immediate intervention with antibiotics are key in addressing and eliminating infections.
It is normal to experience pain following procedure procedures, with the intensity and length of pain differing based on the procedure method and the individual’s tolerance to pain. A certain level of discomfort is to be expected, but if the pain becomes severe or lasts for an extended period, it may be indicative of a complication and should be looked into without delay. Pain management strategies, including prescribed medications and guidelines for rest and recovery, will be provided by the surgeon.
Surgical procedures can sometimes result in bleeding, which can be external at the site of procedure or internal, leading to a condition known as hematoma. Signs of internal bleeding may include pain, pressure, and swelling in the area affected. It is critical to seek immediate medical help if you notice unusual bleeding or swelling after procedure.
A seroma is an accumulation of clear lymph fluid under the skin, which can happen after procedure. This is due to the procedure disruption of lymph vessels, causing fluid to build up. Symptoms to look out for include pain, a sensation of pressure, and a noticeable swelling or clear fluid drainage at the procedure site. Generally, seromas are minor complications, but they may necessitate drainage or further treatment to ensure proper healing.
Although anesthesia is crucial for managing pain during procedure, it does come with its own set of risks. These risks include allergic reactions, damage during intubation, malignant hyperthermia, as well as blood pressure or respiratory problems. Continuous monitoring during the procedure allows the procedure team to detect and deal with these complications quickly.
Despite the use of tried-and-tested medical procedures and the experience of a qualified surgeon, there’s always a risk of not achieving the desired aesthetic result after plastic procedure. This could manifest as unevenness, skin puckering, or outcomes that don’t align with the patient’s expectations. It’s imperative to maintain realistic expectations and to discuss potential results during consultation sessions thoroughly. While revision procedure may be an option, it doesn’t guarantee correction of the issue.
Although it’s a rare occurrence, nerve damage is a possible complication of plastic procedure, potentially resulting from the manipulation of tissues or accidental nerve injury during the operation. Signs of nerve damage can include numbness, a tingling sensation, or a loss of feeling in the affected area. While nerve function typically restores over a period of weeks to months, there are instances where changes could be permanent. Prompt reporting of any unusual sensations after procedure is crucial.
Bruising and swelling are typical responses of the body to procedure intervention. While these are normal parts of the healing process, excessive or extended periods of bruising and swelling require attention. Adhering to post-surgical care instructions, such as keeping the affected area elevated, applying cold packs, and refraining from intense activities, is essential. However, should you notice prolonged swelling or deep, extensive bruising, it’s vital to get in touch for a thorough evaluation.
Death is an extremely rare but real risk in any procedure. Causes could range from severe complications, adverse reactions to anesthesia, or pre-existing health conditions. Patient safety is paramount for surgeons and their teams, ensuring thorough pre-surgical screening and adherence to the latest procedure procedures and safety protocols. Being completely open about your medical history during consultations and following all given pre- and post-surgical instructions closely is of utmost importance.
© Dr David Sharp 2025
Dr David Sharp FRACS Plast is a qualified specialist plastic surgeon in Brisbane. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). AHPRA registration number MED0000962857 | * All treatments carry benefits, risks and a recovery period. To learn more, visit the procedure page on our website. Results vary and cannot be guaranteed. Book a consultation to determine whether a procedure or treatment is suitable for you and seek at least two opinions before proceeding.
