Side Effects of Abdominoplasty

    HOUSTON, TX, December 03, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- No one is surprised to hear that surgery is never 100% risk free. Even when everything is done according to best practices, every surgery is subject to variables beyond anyone's control. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the side effects of a abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, can range from merely undesirable to serious.

Increased Risk of Side Effects of Abdominoplasty

The ASPS publication, "Practice Parameter for Abdominoplasty and Panniculectomy Unrelated to Obesity or Massive Weight Loss" reports a number of possible side effects. Complications were reported in 80% of obese patients but dropped to 32.5 percent for non-obese patients.

The report states, "The incidence of complications increases relative to the number of sites and volume of liposuction." However, good surgical technique along with careful patient screening can minimize these risks significantly.

The side effects that have been reported include:

- Numbness: Both temporary and permanent numbness has been reported.
- Scarring: Healing is unique to each person. Some people develop excess scar tissue
- Hematoma or Seroma: Blood clots or pockets of serous fluid can develop from ruptured or damaged blood vessels, or from inflammation or damaged tissue cells.
- Contour imbalances: Fat that remains, or dead fat cells can result in asymmetries in the abdominal shape.
- Umbilical malposition: The umbilicus may heal in an off-center position.
- Umbilical necrosis: The umbilicus tissue cells may die.
- Incision failure: Incisions do burst open occasionally and is a general surgical risk.
- Infection: Infection is a major concern with any surgical procedure, not just abdominoplasty.
- Deep vein thrombosis: Blood clots in the veins can travel to the heart or lungs and block blood flow.
- Pulmonary embolus: Blood clots and fatty emboli in the bloodstream can plug arteries in the lungs, destroy lung tissue, and threaten the body by reducing the amount of oxygen available.

Avoiding the Side Effects of Abdominoplasty

You can reduce your risk of these serious side effects in several ways. First, choose a highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. Look for a Board Certified cosmetic surgeon who

- Screens patients carefully.
- Recognizes at-risk patients.
- Discourages risky procedures.
- Offers early and frequent follow-up exams.
- Does not rush you.

Second, follow your post-operative instructions exactly and:

- Observe weight lifting restrictions carefully.
- Allow enough time for adequate scar tissue to form a strong incision bond before exercising and stretching the surgical areas.

If you are planning a tummy-tuck choose an abdominoplasty cosmetic surgeon who gets consistently excellent results by visiting the website of Houston, Texas cosmetic surgeon Michael Ciaravino, M.D., F.A.C.S. at www.thebodydoc.com.

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