The major complications associated with abdominoplasty procedures include (but are not limited to) the following: bleeding, scarring, pain, asymmetry, dimpling of the skin, contour irregularity, fluid collections requiring drainage, loss of abdominal skin, open abdominal wounds, numbness of the abdomen, pain of the abdomen, obvious scars, widening of scars, loss of the belly-button (umbilicus), off-center positioning of the umbilicus, residual “pouching” of the abdomen, loosening (laxity or sagging) of the lower abdominal skin, firm lumps under the skin, fat necrosis (undesired loss of fat), and the potential for re-operation if any of the above should occur. Other major post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but will prolong your healing significantly. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible. Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation. Smokers must stop smoking at least one month prior to surgery to avoid an increased risk of these complications.