Q. What are the risks? A. Like all types of plastic surgery, a Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck is surgery. Tens of thousands of tummy tucks are performed worldwide every year, and the vast majority of them are successful. Of course, the more highly qualified the surgeon is, the better. We operate only in a safe, sterile environment and take extra care, at every step, to minimize risk. For example, all patients are fitted with anti embolic stockings and compressions devices to minimize risks of blood clots. We make the length of the incision as short as possible, depending on patient size, weight and body frame. We use state-of-the-art devices and methods to close the incision, although scar healing is genetically determined by the patient. If the scar is too noticeable, after-surgery options include laser treatments, injections or surgical revision. To minimize any risk of infection (which is rare), antibiotics are given before, during, and after the Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck procedure. If you're a smoker, it can adversely affect scar healing, so you should stop smoking at least six weeks before your surgery. In rare instances, blood clots may accumulate in one or both legs, but this risk can be reduced by walking around soon after surgery. Photo courtesy of Jim Mutter, Director of Plastic Surgeon Marketing for Spore Medical