All surgeries come with some type of inherent risks, complications, or side effects. Some of the risks of a tummy tuck include swelling, pain, infection, bleeding, reaction to anesthesia, soreness, numbness, scarring, poor wound healing, and/or blood loss. Following your doctor’s instructions helps to reduce these risks and ensures that your body heals properly and quickly. Contact your doctor immediately if any of your symptoms seem to be getting worse rather than better.