Abdominoplasty surgery shaping abdomen with light

Abdominoplasty Update: Is It Right for You?

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A guide to safety, techniques, and what to expect from this popular body contouring procedure."

Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, has become an increasingly common procedure for those looking to improve the contour of their abdomen. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, it's the 6th most common aesthetic surgery, with a 79% increase in frequency over the past 13 years.

If you're considering abdominoplasty, it's essential to stay informed about the latest advancements in techniques, patient safety, and expected outcomes. This article provides an evidence-based update, drawing from a review of published literature between 2014 and 2017, to help you understand the key aspects of this procedure.

We'll cover everything from pre-operative assessments and risk management to surgical techniques and post-operative care, giving you a comprehensive overview to guide your decision-making process.

Is Abdominoplasty Right for You? Pre-Operative Assessment is Key

Abdominoplasty surgery shaping abdomen with light

A thorough pre-operative assessment is crucial for determining if abdominoplasty is the right choice and for minimizing potential complications. This assessment includes a comprehensive analysis of your general health, a detailed medical history, and a physical examination.

Here's what your surgeon will typically evaluate:

Smoking History: Smoking significantly impacts wound healing. Surgeons will want to know your current and cumulative smoking history.
Obesity: A BMI (Body Mass Index) over 30 can increase the risk of complications.
Prior History of DVT: Previous Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and any risk factors for VTE (Venous Thromboembolism) are carefully considered.
General Health and Lifestyle: Details about your diet, bowel function, activity level, exercise habits, and current medications are important.
Surgical History: Any previous surgeries and post-operative complications, such as nausea, vomiting, or infections (including MRSA), will be reviewed.
Cardio-Pulmonary Health: Your heart and lung health are carefully evaluated.

This comprehensive assessment allows the surgeon to stratify your risk and tailor the procedure to your specific needs, maximizing safety and optimizing outcomes.

Making an Informed Decision About Abdominoplasty

This update highlights key considerations for both surgeons and patients contemplating abdominoplasty. The importance of smoking cessation, careful patient selection, and VTE prophylaxis cannot be overstated.

While abdominoplasty can offer significant aesthetic improvements, it's essential to approach the procedure with a clear understanding of the risks and benefits. By carefully evaluating your individual risk factors, discussing your goals with a qualified surgeon, and adhering to recommended pre- and post-operative guidelines, you can increase your chances of a safe and successful outcome.

Remember to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if abdominoplasty is the right choice for you and to discuss the best approach for achieving your desired results.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1093/asj/sjy215, Alternate LINK

Title: Evidenced-Based Approach To Abdominoplasty Update

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Aesthetic Surgery Journal

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Authors: Kenneth C Shestak, Luis Rios, Todd A Pollock, Al Aly

Published: 2018-11-27

Everything You Need To Know

What is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the contour of the abdomen. It is important to remember that patient selection is key. Considerations around smoking cessation and VTE prophylaxis are paramount to a successful procedure. It is now the 6th most common aesthetic surgery, with a notable increase in popularity over the past decade.

What does a surgeon evaluate during a pre-operative assessment for abdominoplasty?

A surgeon evaluates several factors during a pre-operative assessment for abdominoplasty to ensure patient safety and optimize outcomes. Key elements include a patient's smoking history due to its impact on wound healing, their Body Mass Index (BMI) to assess obesity-related risks, any prior history of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or risk factors for Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), general health and lifestyle factors like diet and exercise, previous surgical history, and cardio-pulmonary health. All these data points help the surgeon stratify risk and tailor the surgical approach.

Why is smoking history such a critical consideration prior to abdominoplasty?

Smoking history is a critical consideration prior to abdominoplasty because smoking significantly impairs wound healing. Nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco smoke constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the surgical site. This can lead to complications such as delayed healing, wound infections, and skin necrosis. Surgeons need to assess both current and cumulative smoking history to understand the level of risk involved.

Why is a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30 a concern when considering abdominoplasty?

A Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30 is a significant concern when considering abdominoplasty because it indicates obesity, which increases the risk of post-operative complications. Obese patients have a higher risk of wound infections, seromas (fluid accumulation under the skin), Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism. Elevated BMI may also complicate the surgical procedure itself and affect the aesthetic outcome. Surgeons will carefully evaluate a patient's BMI as part of the pre-operative assessment to determine the suitability and safety of abdominoplasty.

Why is Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) a concern with abdominoplasty, and what preventative measures are taken?

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), which includes Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, is a serious concern in any surgery, including abdominoplasty. VTE occurs when blood clots form in the veins, potentially leading to life-threatening complications if these clots travel to the lungs. Patients with a prior history of DVT or other risk factors for VTE require careful consideration and preventative measures, such as VTE prophylaxis, to minimize this risk. Surgeons must assess and manage these risks diligently to ensure patient safety.