Tummy Tuck Risks and Side Effects

Tummy tuck is just one example of many types of invasive elective cosmetic surgery available today. Men and women across the country and around the world are pouring millions of dollars into an industry that can shape and mold their appearance into a custom-made look designed to make them feel better about themselves. Since fighting fat is one of the most unpopular hobbies of most Americans and looking fat is one of the most undesirable side effects of a popular American lifestyle, tummy tuck surgery has become immensely popular. Whether you are looking to shed a large amount of excess weight or simply trim a few curves, this type of elective cosmetic procedure may be just what you’re looking for.

However, when considering tummy tuck surgery, it is important to keep in mind that this type of procedure comes with a set of risks and side effects that are common to all invasive surgical procedures. Any type of surgery that requires the use of general anesthesia carries the risk that the patient will have an adverse event or that they will have a genetically determined allergic reaction to the medication used for sedation. Surgery is serious business and individuals that make good patients usually have good overall health and do not have complicating medical conditions such as bleeding or clotting disorders, diabetes, heart problems, and do not smoke cigarettes. Tobacco smoke has been shown to constrict blood vessels and dramatically delays healing time when it comes to wounds and incisions.

Another risk of tummy tuck surgery that is inherent to this type of procedure and unique to individuals looking to lose a lot of weight in a short time is the possibility that you can gain all of the weight back. Tummy tuck procedures are reversible and it is especially easy to put pounds back on if you were genetically susceptible to massive weight gain in the first place. In order to decrease the risk of this side effect taking over your surgery and wasting your money, it is very important to make vital health and lifestyle changes along with the big operation day. Choosing to eat foods that will keep your figure trim and spending time every day keeping active will help ensure the large fee you paid to the surgeon will be an investment in the future instead of just throwing it away.

There are a number of other risks and side effects that you should be aware of when considering tummy tuck surgery. Be sure to talk to your plastic surgeon about any questions or concerns you may have. He or she should be able to answer your questions and give you a good idea about what to expect in the operating room. They will also provide a detailed list of post-operative instructions for you to follow that should help you get the most out of your surgery.