5 Key Points about Tummy Tuck Complications
Late last month, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons published the results of a study showing that tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, poses more risks than other cosmetic surgeries. The news touched off a predictable flurry of press releases, with headlines that leaned toward alarmist.
So what are we telling our patients in New York about tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck safety? If you’re planning abdominoplasty, how concerned should you be?
Here are five top things you should know about tummy tuck complications.
1. It is not very surprising that patients undergoing abdominoplasty suffer more complications than other plastic surgery patients. One reason is that the procedure reaches inside the body and impacts skin, fat tissue and muscle. This level of penetration is what delivers the dramatic results of most tummy tucks, but it means a little more involved recovery too.
In addition, abdominoplasty is often combined with other procedures, meaning more time on the operating table, additional surgery sites that could result in infection and so on.
2. The rate of complications for tummy tuck patients is still quite low at 4%, and most complications are very manageable. Although much higher than the rate for other cosmetic surgeries (1.4%), the huge majority of abdominoplasty patients do not experience post-surgical problems. Hematomas and infections account for nearly 60% of complications, and these conditions are rarely serious.
3. Risks occur more often in hospitals than in surgical suites. Contrary to what you might think, patients who have their procedure in a hospital are more likely to suffer complications than those who have abdominoplasty in an accredited surgical facility. The study’s lead researcher feels this may be due to the fact that higher risk patients, such as those with heart disease, are often referred to hospitals for surgery. Another factor might be that infections are more likely to occur in a highly trafficked hospital rather than a private surgical suite.
4. You play an important role in reducing your risk. If you’re thinking of having a tummy tuck, there are many ways you can help ensure complications are unlikely for you. You can pursue good health by not smoking, paying attention to nutrition and maintaining an ideal weight. You should be willing to do some research on your procedure and, most important, on prospective plastic surgeons and their credentials. When you have selected a board certified plastic surgeon, be sure to communicate fully with them about your health history and medications, and commit to following instructions carefully.
5. Abdominoplasty is rated as highly satisfying by an overwhelming majority of patients. Month after month, year after year, tummy tucks are very highly rated in terms of patient satisfaction. One very popular website shows 97% of more than 13,000 reviewers recommend tummy tucks as worthwhile.
Plastic surgery is a big decision, and it’s important to be well versed in all the aspects of any procedure you consider. If you’d like to read the full study on abdominoplasty complications, you can find it here.
We would also be glad to help you through a consultation appointment. We have been performing abdominoplasty and mini tummy tucks for New York patients for decades, and we very rarely see post-surgical problems. It would be our pleasure to share the benefit of our knowledge with you.
