The decision to undergo abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery could be either the first step or the last step in your journey for a better-looking body. Whether your belly skin is loose from having children or from rapid weight loss, a tummy tuck is likely to be the solution. It involves removing excess skin and fat, as well as tightening the abdominal muscles. It’s a significant procedure, but one that Austin-Weston’s plastic surgeons perform over 300 times per year.
In this guide, we review the aspects of Tummy Tuck Surgery Side Effects, tummy tuck risks of death, tummy tuck surgery cost, and gastrointestinal problems after tummy tuck.
A tummy tuck involves risks, including a few that come with any surgical procedure, such as bleeding or infection. Abdominoplasties also incur specific risks that you should fully understand and consider before moving forward with the procedure.
Scarring
A tummy tuck requires a long incision—from hip bone to hip bone. That scar can get raised or irregular after surgery. These cosmetic outcomes can be addresses and improved once you’ve healed from the abdominoplasty, but the scar is permanent.
The biggest risk in the scarring is that the healing gets prolonged and worsened by inadequate blood flow. This can happen for a number of reasons, but the most common relate to what happens during surgery and in the immediate aftermath. You can help maximize blood flow to the scar by not smoking (see below), but we like to check your scar the day after surgery to make sure things look perfect. (To make things more convenient, we have an overnight facility in our office where you can spend the night. That way we come to see you the next day instead of the other way around!)
Numbness
Expect numbness after a tummy tuck. By itself, a tummy tuck will leave you numb near the scar in the lower portion of your abdomen. If you combine liposuction (the removal of fat deposits through suction) with your tummy tuck, you may experience numbness throughout the abdomen. It can be numb for six months up to a year, but typically, it takes just a few weeks for sensation to return to the area.
Lumps and Bumps
After a tummy tuck, little lumps and bumps can sometimes be seen or felt in the area. These can last for a few weeks until the internal sutures dissolve and some of the swelling goes away. Occasionally, the uneven appearance will last longer. If you’re experiencing lumps and bumps three months after surgery, you should return to your doctor for assessment. Additional liposuction or fat grafting may be required. The risk of this occurring with our experienced plastic surgeons is rare. If it happens, Austin-Weston will do our best to take care of you and correct the area to your satisfaction.
Blood Clots
The most serious risk for patients undergoing a tummy tuck arises from tightening the abdominal muscles. The cosmetic result means a flat, firm profile for your belly. However, you should be aware that tightening the muscles can be uncomfortable, especially when you take deep breaths or cough after surgery. Taking deep breaths (and moving your feet up and down to flex your calf muscles) is crucial to moving blood back to the heart any time, but especially after your surgery. Because of your muscle tightening, you may not want to do it, but its important, and we give you a special machine called an “incentive inspirometer” to encourage you to do it. Slow blood flow back to the heart to could lead to the formation of a clot in the leg, and if that clot travels to your lungs, the risk is serious, and can even be fatal.
During the procedure, the surgical team takes several precautions to avoid the formation of blood clots, including placing squeezing devices on the legs to mimic blood flow and ensuring that the body is kept warm and hydrated throughout the operation.
After the surgery, in addition to the incentive inspirometer, patients are given blood-thinning medication which is self-administered by injecting it into the thigh starting the day after surgery. This an extra precaution, is one of those “above and beyond” measures that most practices don’t require, but Austin-Weston considers an important addition to post-operative care to minimize risk as much as possible.
Tummy Tuck Surgery Side Effects
The goal of tummy tuck surgery, also referred to as abdominoplasty, is to remove extra skin and fat from the abdominal region to produce a flatter, more toned midsection. People who have undergone significant weight loss, are pregnant, or just want to make their abdomen look better frequently seek it out.
Tummy tuck surgery does have risks, just like any surgical procedure, and one that frequently comes up is whether there is a chance of death during this procedure. We will delve into the subject of tummy tuck surgery in this blog post and examine the possible risks, including the unlikely but possible risk of death.
Understanding Tummy Tuck Surgery
It’s critical to comprehend what a tummy tuck entails before diving into the risks. Under general anesthesia, tummy tuck surgery typically entails making an incision along the lower abdomen, followed by the removal of extra skin and fat. To produce a firmer abdominal wall, the abdominal muscles may also be tightened during the procedure. After the incisions are stitched up, the patient is typically required to wear a compression garment throughout the healing process.
Risks Associated with Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy tuck surgery has risks, just like any surgical procedure. These dangers can differ depending on the patient’s general health, the surgeon’s expertise and experience, and the kind of tummy tuck done (full tummy tuck vs. mini tummy tuck). The following are a few of the typical side effects of tummy tuck surgery:
Hematoma and Bleeding: Any surgery, including a tummy tuck, carries the risk ofbleeding. A hematoma, or collection of blood under the skin, can occasionally result from bleeding. Hematomas can cause discomfort, bruising, and swelling, and additional surgery may be needed to drain the blood and avoid complications.
Infection: Any surgical procedure carries the risk of infection. There is a chance of getting an infection at the incision site or in the surrounding tissue after a tummy tuck procedure. Infections can result in discomfort, erythema, and swelling and may be treated with antibiotics or additional surgery.
Scarring: A tummy tuck requires making incisions, which leave scars behind. Scarring is a risk of the procedure, despite the fact that surgeons work to reduce it by making incisions in hidden places, like the bikini line. Depending on the patient’s unique healing process, scars may change in appearance over time but may still be visible.
Wound Healing Issues: After a tummy tuck, there is a chance of wound healing complications like delayed wound healing or wound dehiscence, which is the separation of the incision’s edges. Problems with wound healing may lead to a protracted recovery, more noticeable scarring, and the need for additional treatment or revision surgery.
Seroma: Following tummy tuck surgery, a seroma is a collection of fluid. Seromas can result in swelling, discomfort, and the need for additional surgical procedures or needle drainage.
Risks associated with anesthesia: General anesthesia is frequently used during tummy tuck surgery, which has its own set of risks. These dangers could include negative effects fromallergies, respiratory problems, or negative effects on the cardiovascular system; anesthesia. Even though risks associated with anesthesia are typically uncommon, they can still pose a risk to the patient’s health during the procedure.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which blood clots form, most frequently in the legs. Patients may have a higher risk of developing DVT after tummy tuck surgery because of things like immobility during the healing process and compression of blood vessels during the procedure. A pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal condition, can result from a blood clot that enters the lungs.
Poor Cosmetic Outcome: Although a tummy tuck is meant to improve the abdomen’s aesthetic appearance, there is a chance that the procedure will have unfavorable cosmetic effects, such as asymmetry, irregularities, or unsatisfactory results. Disappointment or the need for additional revision surgery may result from this.
The Risk of Death in Tummy Tuck Surgery
While the aforementioned risks are common side effects of tummy tuck surgery, the risk of death is thought to be very unlikely. The general consensus is that tummy tuck surgery is a safe procedure with a low mortality rate. However, there are inherent risks with every surgical procedure, and in rare instances, complications can occur that could be fatal.
The following are a few things that could make having a tummy tuck more dangerous:
“While the risk of death following tummy tuck surgery is regarded as rare, it is important to remember that it is not zero. Before having the procedure, it is crucial to have a thorough discussion about the potential risks with a licensed and skilled plastic surgeon.”
Reducing the Risk of Complications
Despite the fact that tummy tuck surgery, like all surgeries, carries some inherent risks, there are steps that can be taken to lower the risk of complications. These consist of:
In conclusion, tummy tuck surgery is a well-liked cosmetic procedure that can significantly enhance the abdomen’s aesthetic appeal. Like any surgery, it has potential risks and complications, including the risk of death, despite being generally regarded as safe. To lower the risk of complications, it is crucial to fully discuss the potential risks with a licensed and experienced plastic surgeon and to adhere to all pre- and postoperative instructions.
“If you are thinking about having a tummy tuck, you should do extensive research, select a licensed and skilled surgeon, and have reasonable expectations for the results and possible risks. You can reduce the risk of complications and have a successful tummy tuck surgery with satisfactory results by adhering to the recommended pre- and postoperative care and coordinating closely with your surgeon. When undergoing any surgical procedure, put your health and safety first.”
To get a flatter, more toned abdomen, are you thinking about having a tummy tuck? It’s important to realize that tummy tucks come with some degree of scarring even though they can produce noticeable aestheti …
tummy tuck risks of death
The promise of instant beauty, for relatively little money and pain, has been the appeal of plastic surgery for decades. Largely ignored, however, are the dangers of going under the knife for cosmetic procedures that are widely considered routine.
As the trend to get nipped and tucked grows more popular, a recent lipo-sculpting-related death has drawn attention to the number of plastic surgery-related fatalities and emergencies.
Maria Shortall, a housekeeper from Weston, Fla., died after undergoing a standard lipo-sculpting procedure in mid-June at the Alyne Medical Rejuvenation Institute in Florida. Shortall worked seven days a week to pay for the $3,600 procedure, which was intended to take a few hours.
“Approximately 22 incisions [were made], which is a significant amount, in terms of a relatively, an otherwise relatively minor cosmetic procedure,” the family attorney, Michael Freedland, said. “What we do know is that a 38-year-old, otherwise healthy woman, shouldn’t go in for a minor cosmetic procedure, and die.”
At some point during Shortall’s procedure, things started to go wrong. The facility decided that she needed to be transported to Cleveland Clinic, where she was eventually pronounced dead.
Now there’s a pending homicide investigation surrounding the incident, with an attorney for the Alyne Institute only saying that the center is now investigating an incident.
“For me, right now, I lost everything,” Vanya Briones, Shortall’s daughter, said. “Because she was everything for me. I just feel different.”
A 2008 study in the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that only one in 50,000 people died as a result of plastic surgery procedures between 2001 and 2006.
But some recent high-profile deaths and frightening emergencies as a result of plastic surgery complications have put the voluntary procedures back in the spotlight.
Rapper Kanye West’s mother, Donde, died in 2007 as a result of complications from an abdominoplasty and breast augmentation.
Comedian Kathy Griffin was rushed to the emergency room in Los Angeles during a liposuction procedure in 1999. Another patient, Marilyn Leisz, was unable to shut her eyes after blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery. A jury awarded her $115,000.
The most common form of cosmetic surgery performed in 2010 was breast augmentation, with 296,000 procedures performed that year in the United States alone.
Nose reshaping procedures were the second most common, with 252,000 performed, followed by eyelid surgery (209,000), liposuction (203,000) and tummy tucks (116,000), according to the 2010 annual procedural statistics report released in February by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Liposuction and tummy tuck procedures, in particular, can be quite dangerous. When those specific surgeries are factored into the equation, the patient’s chances of dying soar by a factor of 16.
It’s too late for Shortall, whose son, Enzo Briones, says that if he could go back, he would stop his mother from having the procedure.
“I would say, ‘Don’t do it, and you just look fine, how God give you,'” Briones said. “I would hold her. And not let her go.”
tummy tuck surgery cost
If the idea of tummy tuck surgery is appealing to you, you will likely want to know how much a tummy tuck costs. However, there is no set price for this cosmetic procedure. Like any other elective surgery, the cost of tummy tuck surgery varies greatly. Factors such as the office location and surgeon’s level of experience can contribute to the price. With that said, tummy tuck costs do tend to fall within a specific price range. Knowing the average cost can help you decide if a tummy tuck will fit into your budget.
At Sacramento Surgical Arts, we specialize in cosmetic surgery in the Northern California area. Our highly experienced professional staff will take the time to answer all of your questions about tummy tuck surgery or any of the wide range of cosmetic surgery procedures we offer. For tummy tuck results that are sure to boost your confidence, call us today at 866.930.5837 to schedule a consultation.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
In 2020, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reported an average cost of just over $6,000 for a tummy tuck. However, this price fluctuates from time to time. It also doesn’t include expenses for the operating room, anesthesia, or related expenses. One of the main factors that can impact the cost of tummy tuck surgery is the facility’s geographic location. Overall, tummy tucks tend to be the most expensive in the western region of the United States. Why the West?
Another factor that affects the overall price of a tummy tuck is the type that you choose. The two most common options are full and partial tummy tucks. In most cases, a partial tummy tuck costs less than a full tummy tuck. Visiting a plastic surgeon can help you determine which option is best for you. In addition to tummy tucks, we also offer other cosmetic surgical options, including liposuction, breast augmentation, and lip injections.
Why Would You Get a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can provide excellent results for those who have excess skin and fat on the abdomen. It can also help to restore weakened or separated abdominal muscles from pregnancy or weight fluctuations. A tummy tuck can give you a flatter, smoother stomach as well as improve your self-confidence and body image. Additionally, you may be able to wear clothes more comfortably and enjoy activities that may have been hindered by a protruding abdomen. Depending on your individual needs and goals, the procedure can be adjusted accordingly to provide best results. If you are considering a tummy tuck, it is important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who can guide you through the process and help you decide if it is the right decision for you.
A tummy tuck can provide long-term or even permanent results if managed with healthy diet and lifestyle habits. With proper maintenance, your stomach can remain flat and shapely for many years to come. Ultimately, whether a tummy tuck is the right choice for you will depend on your individual goals, anatomy and lifestyle. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to determine if it is an appropriate procedure for you.
What Should You Know Before Getting a Tummy Tuck?
Once you have figured out how much a tummy tuck costs in your area, there are several other considerations to make before scheduling an appointment.
Keeping these factors in mind can help you decide the best time for your tummy tuck surgery.
Trust Sacramento Surgical Arts With All of Your Cosmetic Surgery Needs
Are you looking for tummy tuck surgery in Sacramento? Do you have questions about paying for a tummy tuck? If so, consider visiting the experts at Sacramento Surgical Arts. We provide many additional cosmetic options using state-of-the-art equipment, including chin, ear, and nose surgery. Do not let unknown costs keep you from getting the tummy tuck results that you want. Reach out to our skilled staff today at 866.930.5837 for more information.
gastrointestinal problems after tummy tuck
For many, the tummy can be a part of our bodies that we don’t want others to see. Weight loss, advancing age, or post-pregnancy can leave the stomach region saggy and weak. In such cases, people often turn to a plastic surgeon for a tummy tuck – also known as an abdominoplasty.
Last year, 130,000 Americans underwent tummy tucks, making it one of the five most popular cosmetic procedures in the U.S. The procedure removes excess skin and fat tissue, while also tightening the abdominal muscles, all resulting in a flatter, tighter, more toned midsection.
While the procedure does indeed significantly improve the aesthetic appearance of the abdominal region, there are also numerous medical benefits associated with a tummy tuck. If you are considering a tummy tuck in the Dallas region, this information will help you better understand how it can improve both your appearance and health.
Medical Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
The abdominal region is the “core” of our physique. The musculature of the stomach serves many critical roles in the general functioning of our body, such as supporting the muscles around the spine, holding our abdominal organs (such as the stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys) in place, and assisting in our breathing.
In some instances, for example, after pregnancy, severe obesity, or old age, our abdominal muscles can become stretched and weakened. This laxity is not only physically unappealing, but it can also lead to numerous medical issues. As a tummy tuck tightens the abdominal musculature and region, it can help to reverse some of these medical problems. If you do suffer from any of the following symptoms, consider reaching out to Dr. Armijo, a tummy tuck specialist in the Dallas region, on (214) 540 1434 to discuss the potential medical benefits a tummy tuck provides.
Decrease Back Pain
Back pain is a common symptom of women who have recently given birth, and also for people who have lost significant amounts of weight. While not the sole reason, weak abdominal muscles can contribute to back pains and spasms. When the stomach muscles are weak, the back and spine muscles are not appropriately supported, which can often result in muscle imbalances and pain.
With a tummy tuck procedure, once the abdomen is flattened and excess skin and fat are removed, the musculature of the stomach is tightened. This reapplies the abdominal support to the back and may help to solve back pain.
Improve Posture
As we have discussed, a tummy tuck firm up the abdominal muscles, which are crucial in enabling you to hold your spine straight and erect.
By having an improved posture, you will naturally hold yourself higher and with more authority, which contributes to a much more confident you. Improved posture also reduces the risk of neck, shoulder and back pain.
Reduce Stress Urinary Incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a condition in which there is too much pressure on your bladder and urethra. Pressure such as this leads to a loss of bladder control. Forceful body actions that utilize the breathing muscles and abdominals, such as sneezing, coughing, laughing, or exercising, can result in an uncontrolled release of urine.
Whereas SUI is generally treated without surgery, studies have shown that a tummy tuck can reduce the pressure exerted on the excretory organs and thus help patients with SUI.
To Correct a Ventral Hernia
A ventral hernia is a medical term for the protrusion caused by your intestine or abdominal tissue breaking through the abdominal wall. This can occur for numerous reasons, such as abdominal weakness resulting from significant weight loss, or surgical procedures such as an appendectomy or a cesarean section.
As a tummy tuck procedure re-tensions weakened abdominal muscles, it re-establishes the necessary support to the region, correcting the ventral hernia. Once properly supported, the intestine or abdominal tissue is forced back into its original place.
Before you decide to commit to a tummy tuck procedure, it is important to consult with your doctor to discuss what you want the procedure to address. Your doctor will be able to give you realistic expectations for the procedure.
View the gallery to see before and after photos of tummy tucks done by Dr. Armijo.
It is likely that when performed by a highly specialized and experienced surgeon such as Dr. Armijo, your tummy tuck could provide you with both aesthetic and medical dividends. If you are indeed considering the procedure in Dallas, contact Dr. Bryan Armijo on (214) 540 1434 or fill out his online form to book a consultation today.