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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Risks and Safety

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Tummy tuck, clinically known as abdominoplasty, is a complex procedure performed by a cosmetic surgeon to provide a flatter and firmer abdomen in proportion to the rest of the body. The procedure may sometimes involves only surgical removal of excess skin and fat, while in some cases, the tightening of underlying weak or separated abdominal muscles may also be involved.

Dr. Eugene Kim is an experienced plastic surgeon who provides tummy tuck procedure to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby locations. During the initial consultation, Dr. Kim will apprise the patient of the various risks and safety issues with regard to tummy tuck surgery. His goal is to help the patient make a well-informed decision.

Potential Risks

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Risks and SafetyOnce the cosmetic surgeon has recommended tummy tuck surgery to a patient, the final decision is only left to the patient whether to go ahead with the procedure or not. This is a highly personal decision, and the patient must decide whether the potential benefits of the procedure outweigh the potential risks and complications. The patient will have to sign consent forms declaring that they fully understand the procedure and its potential risks.

Anesthesia Risks

Since it is a major procedure, the plastic surgeon will usually perform it using general anesthesia. The patient should be fit enough to sustain a few hours under the influence of general anesthesia. The skills and experience of the anesthesiologist will also make a difference to the patient’s safety levels.

Bleeding and Infection Risks

A few weeks prior to the surgery, the patient will have to stop taking any such medications and herbal supplements that could induce excessive bleeding during the procedure. Antibiotic drugs and other precautions need to be in place to minimize the risk of infection during and after the surgery. Excess fluid accumulation may also increase the chances of infection. Therefore, the surgeon may place a drain below the skin for the first few days to collect excess fluid and blood.

Poor Wound Healing and Other Risks

Some patients may have a naturally slow healing of the wounds. The recovery period can be longer in such cases, and complete precautions as per the surgeon’s advice should be followed in order to mitigate the risk of post-op complications. Numbness or other changes in the skin sensation may occur in the treated areas, which are usually temporary. Prolonged swelling and discoloration of the skin is also possible in a few cases.

The scars may be more visible if the surgeon has not ensured incisions in the most discreet areas of the skin, or used more aggressive incision techniques. Fat necrosis or death of the fatty tissue found in the deeper layers of the skin may occur following tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Kim tries to ensure that his patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and other areas are exposed to minimal surgical risks. He provides the treatments in a safe and highly advanced surgical environment to achieve the desired outcomes with very low risk.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

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