You did your research. You chose a board-certified plastic surgeon. You followed the pre-op instructions to the letter. But now—days or weeks after your tummy tuck—you find yourself wondering:
“Is this normal… or is something wrong?”
If you’re feeling sore, swollen, anxious, or even second-guessing your decision, you’re not alone. These moments of doubt are more common than you think—and so are the questions no one tells you to ask until you’re deep in the recovery phase.
At Stanwix Plastic Surgery, we’ve seen this time and again: patients searching for clarity when something doesn’t feel quite right. Maybe it’s a lingering pocket of fluid. Maybe your scar looks raised or redder than expected. Maybe you just feel off—and aren’t sure what to do about it.
Here’s the truth: most tummy tuck complications are rare, treatable, and completely manageable when caught early and handled by an experienced surgeon. But knowing what’s normal, what’s not, and when to reach out for help? That’s where peace of mind starts.
This guide is designed to give you exactly that.
We’ll walk you through the most common abdominoplasty complications—from fluid buildup and scar irregularities to infection red flags—and show you how Dr. Matthew G. Stanwix helps patients navigate every stage of healing, including advanced scar revision options for long-term results.
Whether you’re in the middle of recovery, planning your procedure, or living with a scar you’re not happy with, this is the real-world insight you’ve been looking for.
Let’s talk honestly about what can go wrong—and how, with the right support, you can still get the results you hoped for.
Most Common Tummy Tuck Complications & Side Effects
Let’s be clear upfront: complications from a tummy tuck aren’t common when performed by a skilled surgeon. But side effects? Those are part of the healing process. And knowing the difference between a normal response and a true complication can save you a lot of unnecessary stress—and potentially prevent a bigger issue down the road.
This section covers the most common complications and side effects patients ask us about at Stanwix Plastic Surgery. If something you’re experiencing feels “off,” chances are it’s listed here—and more importantly, we’ll help you understand what to do next.
Fluid Buildup (Seroma)
One of the most frequent issues patients encounter after abdominoplasty is fluid buildup, also known as a seroma. This typically presents as a soft, swollen pocket beneath the skin that might feel like it shifts when you move.
Most seromas develop 1–3 weeks after surgery—often after drains are removed—and they’re not dangerous if managed properly.
What causes it?
Fluid buildup occurs as part of your body’s natural healing response. When tissue has been lifted and repositioned, it creates temporary space where fluid can accumulate.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Swelling or puffiness in one area of the abdomen
- A squishy or sloshing sensation under the skin
- Mild discomfort or tightness
What to do:
Seromas are typically treated with a quick, in-office aspiration. In some cases, a small drain may be reinserted. Dr. Stanwix uses advanced drain techniques to help minimize seroma formation from the start—but they can still happen, and they’re easy to manage when caught early.
Bruising and Hematoma
Some bruising is normal. But when bleeding collects under the skin and forms a hematoma, it can create a firm lump, color change, or even pain.
Look out for:
- Sudden swelling that’s firm to the touch
- Deep purple discoloration
- One-sided changes in the lower abdomen
Minor hematomas may resolve on their own, but larger ones might require drainage. Dr. Stanwix monitors this during your follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.
Infection and Delayed Healing
It’s rare, but an infected incision can happen—especially if dressings aren’t changed properly or activity restrictions aren’t followed.
Early signs of infection include:
- Redness or heat around the incision
- Thick, yellow or green discharge
- A foul smell
- Fever over 100.4°F
What to do:
Call immediately. Most infections are treatable with oral antibiotics, but delaying care can lead to wound breakdown (dehiscence) or the need for surgical revision.
Numbness, Tingling, or Nerve Sensitivity
Many patients feel numbness or tingling in the lower abdomen after surgery. This is due to minor nerve disruption during tissue separation.
Good news: this often fades within a few months as nerves regenerate. For some, a small patch of numbness may persist—but it typically becomes less noticeable over time.
Asymmetry or Contour Irregularities
Temporary swelling can make your abdomen look uneven in the early stages. But if one side stays visibly higher, or if scar placement seems off, it may be a contour irregularity.
Most issues smooth out over time. When they don’t, surgical revision or fat grafting can correct minor imbalances.
Thick, Raised, or Discolored Scars
All tummy tucks result in a scar—but not all scars are created equal. If your scar is raised, wide, dark, or forming a keloid, it may require intervention.
We’ll go deeper into scar healing and revision in later sections, but know this: poor scarring isn’t something you have to “just live with.”
Final Word on Side Effects vs. True Complications
If you’re dealing with swelling, fatigue, or discomfort—you’re likely right on track. But if something doesn’t feel right, or you’re unsure whether a symptom is normal, don’t wait it out. The earlier an issue is addressed, the easier it is to fix—and Dr. Stanwix is here to help.
Signs Something Might Be Wrong: When to Call Your Surgeon
Here’s the truth most people don’t hear until it’s too late: the difference between a smooth recovery and a serious setback often comes down to one thing—how quickly you act when something feels off.
Pain, swelling, and fatigue are expected after a tummy tuck. But how do you know when a symptom crosses the line from normal to needs attention? Let’s walk through it.
At Stanwix Plastic Surgery, we always say: trust your gut, then call us. If you’re even slightly unsure, it’s worth checking in.
Signs of Infection You Should Never Ignore
A little redness or warmth at the incision is normal—especially in the first few days. But if it starts spreading, gets hot to the touch, or comes with unusual drainage, it’s time to speak up.
Call your surgeon if you notice:
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- Redness that spreads beyond the incision
- Thick yellow or green fluid coming from the wound
- A foul odor from the incision site
- Increasing pain, not relieved by medication
These are classic signs of a post-surgical infection. Left untreated, infections can lead to delayed healing or wound dehiscence (where the incision opens). Early intervention is simple and highly effective—often just a round of oral antibiotics.
When Swelling Isn’t Just Swelling
Swelling is part of the process—but if one side of your abdomen balloons overnight or becomes hard and painful, it could be a seroma or hematoma.
Call your surgeon if:
- Swelling is uneven or rapidly increasing
- It’s firm, hot, or accompanied by throbbing
- You feel a “sloshing” or fluid pocket
- Your belly feels unusually tight or full
Dr. Stanwix may need to aspirate fluid or adjust your post-op care plan to relieve the pressure and get you healing again.
Emergency Red Flags That Require Immediate Action
Some symptoms go beyond discomfort—they’re potential emergencies.
Go to the ER or call 911 if you experience:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Sudden leg pain or swelling (possible blood clot)
These could signal a pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, or internal bleeding—all rare, but serious.
The “It Just Feels Off” Rule
You don’t need to have a textbook symptom to justify calling. If your pain meds aren’t working, your incision looks strange, or you’re just feeling uneasy—don’t wait.
You are not being dramatic. You are not wasting our time. You’re being smart.
When it comes to healing, earlier is always better. Dr. Stanwix and his team are here to guide you—not just through surgery, but through the full arc of recovery, including the surprises no one talks about.
Up next: we’ll cover what to expect from your tummy tuck scar over time—what’s normal, what’s not, and how long it really takes to fade.
Understanding Your Tummy Tuck Scar Healing Timeline
Let’s be honest: one of the biggest concerns patients have after a tummy tuck isn’t pain. It’s the scar.
You’re finally rid of the excess skin, your abdomen is flatter—but now you’re left with a line across your lower stomach. And if you’re staring at it weeks after surgery thinking, “Will this ever fade?”—you’re not alone.
The truth is, scars take time to mature. But they don’t stay red and raised forever. In fact, most patients are surprised by how dramatically their scar improves over the course of the first year.
Here’s what to expect—month by month—and what you can do to support the healing process.
The Normal Scar Healing Phases
Scars follow a predictable timeline. Here’s what that looks like:
0–4 weeks: Early healing
- The incision is closed with sutures, tape, or adhesive
- Scar may appear red, raised, or slightly puckered
- Swelling may distort the shape early on
1–3 months: Inflammation subsides
- Scar color deepens slightly as collagen builds
- Firmness may increase before softening
- You may feel tightness around the incision
4–6 months: Remodeling begins
- Scar starts to flatten and lighten
- It may still look pink or tan depending on skin tone
- Tension across the scar reduces with movement
6–12+ months: Maturation phase
- Scar becomes lighter, softer, and smoother
- Color fades from pink to your natural tone
- For many, the scar is barely noticeable by month 12–18
What Affects How Your Scar Heals
Several factors can impact how noticeable your scar becomes:
- Skin tone & genetics — Darker skin types may be prone to hyperpigmentation or keloid formation
- Incision tension — Movement and stretching can cause widening or thickening
- Sun exposure — UV light can permanently darken scar tissue
- Smoking — Impairs healing and increases risk of poor scar formation
- Aftercare — Using silicone, proper massage, and avoiding friction all help
How to Support Scar Healing Naturally
While you can’t erase a scar completely, you can dramatically improve its appearance with good habits:
- Wear your compression garment as directed to reduce tension
- Avoid sun exposure—and if you’re outside, cover the scar or use SPF 50+
- Apply silicone gel or sheets once cleared by your surgeon
- Massage the scar daily to improve blood flow and reduce stiffness
- Avoid harsh topicals or exfoliants until your surgeon gives the green light
When to Be Concerned
Some scarring is normal—but if your scar becomes thick, raised, itchy, painful, or dark purple, it could be a hypertrophic scar or keloid.
You don’t have to wait forever to address it. In the next section, we’ll cover how to tell when a scar needs revision—and what you can do to improve it.
When and Why to Consider Scar Revision Surgery
Not every tummy tuck scar fades the way we hope. And if you’re looking at your scar months—or even years—after surgery and feeling disappointed, you’re not alone.
Whether it’s raised, wide, pigmented, or pulling awkwardly across your skin, the emotional impact of a poorly healed scar is real. It can make you feel self-conscious, regretful, or like all the effort you put into your transformation came with a catch.
The good news? You have options. Scar revision surgery exists for exactly this reason—to take a healed (but visually unsatisfying) scar and make it smoother, thinner, or more symmetrical.
Let’s talk about when it makes sense to pursue it—and how Dr. Stanwix approaches revision the right way.
When to Consider Scar Revision
Timing is everything. Most plastic surgeons recommend waiting 12–18 months after your tummy tuck before exploring scar revision. Why? Because scar tissue continues to change—flattening, lightening, and softening—well past the 6-month mark.
But if you’re past that window and your scar still:
- Feels thick, raised, or itchy
- Looks wide, discolored, or uneven
- Pulls your skin uncomfortably
- Interrupts your confidence or clothing fit
…then scar revision could be the right next step.
Common Types of Problem Scars
Hypertrophic Scars
Thick, red, raised scars that stay within the original incision. They can be itchy or tender, but they don’t grow beyond the scar border.
Keloid Scars
Thicker and more aggressive than hypertrophic scars. Keloids can extend past the edges of the incision and may feel firm or rope-like. These are more common in people with deeper skin tones or a family history of keloids.
Widened or “Stretched” Scars
If your incision was under tension or didn’t heal cleanly, the scar may look wide or uneven. This can be corrected with re-closure and scar reshaping.
Scar Revision Options (Surgical & Non-Surgical)
Scar revision isn’t one-size-fits-all. At Stanwix Plastic Surgery, we tailor the approach based on your skin, history, and goals.
Surgical Scar Revision
- The old scar is excised (removed) and re-closed using refined tension-reducing techniques
- Sometimes combined with skin or fat reshaping to optimize results
- Typically done under local or light sedation in-office
Steroid Injections
- Reduce thickness and inflammation in hypertrophic or keloid scars
- Often repeated over several months
Laser Therapy or Microneedling
- Helps soften texture, reduce redness, and improve skin tone around the scar
- Great for early-stage scars or post-revision maintenance
Silicone-Based Products
- Gels and sheets applied consistently for months to flatten and lighten the scar
- Often used after revision surgery to support better healing
What the Process Looks Like
If you’re interested in revision, here’s what to expect:
- Consultation – Dr. Stanwix will examine your scar, discuss your history, and recommend an approach.
- Custom Plan – Surgical or non-surgical treatment is chosen based on the scar type.
- Timing & Recovery – Revision procedures often involve far less downtime than your original tummy tuck.
- Follow-Up – You’ll receive a post-care regimen to support long-term results.
No one should feel stuck with a scar they hate. Whether your original surgery was done elsewhere or you’ve simply healed in a way you didn’t expect, scar revision is absolutely an option—and in many cases, a game-changer.
Emotional Toll and Long-Term Expectations
Most people think of tummy tuck recovery as a physical process. Swelling. Pain. Incisions. But for many patients, the emotional side can be just as challenging—and often far more unexpected.
You might feel proud one moment… and overwhelmed the next.
You might love your new shape… but hate your scar.
You might ask yourself, “Did I make a mistake?” even if everything is healing perfectly.
If you’ve felt any of this, you’re not broken—you’re human.
At Stanwix Plastic Surgery, we remind patients that emotional recovery is part of the process. And if no one’s told you that before, we’re telling you now.
Why the Emotional Dip Happens
This drop in mood is common and usually hits within the first week or two after surgery. Why? Because several things are happening at once:
- You’re swollen and sore, and your body feels foreign
- Your mobility is limited, and you’re relying on others
- You’re exhausted from medications and poor sleep
- Your results are still hidden beneath swelling and tape
- And you’re wondering if this discomfort was “worth it”
These feelings are valid. And more importantly—they usually pass.
Managing the Mental Side of Recovery
Here are some tips we share with patients to make this phase easier:
- Set micro-goals. Focus on daily wins: taking a walk, preparing a meal, brushing your hair.
- Limit mirror checks. What you see in the early weeks isn’t the final result.
- Lean on someone you trust. Not just to help physically, but to listen.
- Journal your experience. Writing it down helps process the emotional ups and downs.
- Remind yourself why you did this. Keep a photo, note, or phrase nearby that connects you to your why.
Long-Term Mindset: Healing Isn’t Linear
One of the hardest truths to accept is that healing doesn’t follow a straight line. Some days you’ll feel strong. Other days you’ll feel defeated. That’s normal.
It’s also important to set realistic expectations:
- You won’t feel “back to normal” overnight
- Your scar won’t vanish in three weeks
- Some sensation loss may take months to resolve
- You may have moments of doubt—and still love your final result
You’re Not Alone
Whether you’re dealing with a complication, struggling with your scar, or just navigating the mental fog of recovery, you don’t have to go through it solo.
Dr. Stanwix and his team don’t just care about your physical results—they care about how you feel during every phase of the process. From follow-up visits to post-op guidance, you’re supported every step of the way.
How Dr. Stanwix Minimizes Risks & Helps You Heal Safely
If you’ve made it this far, you already know: a tummy tuck isn’t a “quick fix.” It’s a surgical transformation that takes planning, precision, and follow-through. That’s why who you choose as your surgeon matters just as much as the procedure itself.
At Stanwix Plastic Surgery in Richmond, VA, our philosophy is simple: the best way to treat complications is to prevent them—and to have a clear plan in place in case they do occur.
Here’s how Dr. Matthew G. Stanwix helps patients minimize risks, heal faster, and feel supported through every step of the journey.
Thorough Pre-Op Evaluation
Before you’re ever scheduled for surgery, Dr. Stanwix performs a detailed consultation and screening to assess:
- Your medical history and current medications
- Weight stability (major fluctuations increase risk)
- Smoking status (which impacts blood flow and scarring)
- Pre-existing health conditions (e.g., diabetes, clotting risks)
Goal: identify any red flags that could increase the chance of complications and correct them early.
Advanced Surgical Technique
During your tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Stanwix uses meticulous, layered closure methods to reduce tension on the incision—one of the leading causes of widened scars and wound breakdown.
He also:
- Uses strategic drain placement to prevent seromas
- Applies internal sutures to reduce surface strain
- Preserves blood supply to minimize tissue trauma
- Customizes the incision design to fit your anatomy and desired result
These techniques aren’t just about better outcomes—they’re about fewer surprises during recovery.
Personalized Post-Op Protocols
Healing doesn’t end in the OR. Dr. Stanwix provides every patient with a tailored recovery plan that includes:
- Compression garment instructions
- Activity limitations and gradual movement goals
- Scar care product recommendations
- What’s normal vs. when to call the office
You’re also scheduled for multiple follow-up visits so concerns can be addressed quickly, and healing is monitored closely.
Education = Empowerment
One of the most overlooked risk factors is lack of information. At Stanwix Plastic Surgery, you’re never left wondering:
- “Is this swelling normal?”
- “Should my incision look like that?”
- “When should I call the office?”
You’ll know what to expect—and more importantly, when to take action.
Local, Trusted Care That Doesn’t End After Surgery
Patients throughout Richmond, Charlottesville, Williamsburg, and Central Virginia choose Dr. Stanwix not just for his skill—but for his follow-through.
Whether you’re having your first tummy tuck or need revision care for a past procedure, you’ll get honest answers, advanced techniques, and the kind of support that turns a stressful recovery into a successful one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tuck Complications & Scar Concerns
1. How do I know if my tummy tuck incision is infected?
Watch for redness that spreads beyond the incision, warmth to the touch, yellow or green drainage, a foul smell, or a fever over 100.4°F. Pain that increases instead of improves is another warning sign. If you notice any of these, contact your surgeon immediately.
2. What causes fluid buildup after a tummy tuck?
Fluid buildup, or a seroma, is caused by your body’s healing response after tissue disruption. When the skin is lifted during surgery, it creates space where lymphatic fluid can accumulate. This is common in the first few weeks after drain removal and is usually treated with simple in-office aspiration.
3. How long does it take for a tummy tuck scar to fade?
Scars go through multiple healing phases. Most begin to fade significantly around 6–12 months post-op. By 18 months, many tummy tuck scars are flat, soft, and much lighter in color—though some discoloration or textural differences may remain depending on your skin and healing process.
4. Is scar revision surgery painful?
Scar revision is typically much less invasive than your original tummy tuck. It’s often performed under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort. Most patients describe mild soreness or tightness for a few days, and recovery time is usually just 1–2 weeks.
5. When should I consider tummy tuck scar revision?
It’s best to wait at least 12 months after your original surgery so the scar has time to fully mature. Consider revision if your scar is thick, raised, wide, pulling, or causing emotional distress. A consultation with a specialist like Dr. Stanwix can help determine if you’re a good candidate.
6. Can I prevent a keloid or raised scar after a tummy tuck?
While keloids are partially genetic, you can reduce your risk by avoiding sun exposure, not smoking, wearing compression as advised, and applying silicone-based scar treatments. If a keloid begins forming, steroid injections can help flatten it early.
Final Thoughts
If you’re recovering from a tummy tuck and something doesn’t feel right—or if you’re still living with a scar that reminds you of a healing process that didn’t go as planned—know this: you’re not stuck with it.
Complications, though rare, happen. Scars don’t always heal perfectly. But with the right care, attention, and surgical expertise, you can absolutely get back on track.
At Stanwix Plastic Surgery, we don’t just perform tummy tucks. We help patients through every phase of the journey—from early recovery and complication management to advanced scar revision surgery that can restore your confidence and your results.
Whether you’re in Richmond, Charlottesville, Williamsburg, or anywhere in Central Virginia, Dr. Matthew G. Stanwix is here to help you feel comfortable in your body again—with a care plan that’s tailored to your needs, your goals, and your peace of mind.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re dealing with tummy tuck complications, uneven healing, or scarring that bothers you, it’s time to talk to someone who understands—and can help.
Looking for scar revision in Richmond, VA?
Need correction after a previous tummy tuck?
Call 804-724-7244 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Stanwix. Let’s have the conversation—and start building your next step forward.
