ABDOMINOPLASTY RISKS AESTHETIC RESULTS

Abdominoplasty Risks - aesthetic results
There are a number of complications that may arise during or after abdominoplasty. Complications are more often seen among patients who smoke, are overweight, are unfit, have diabetes or other health problems, or have scarring from previous abdominal surgery. Risks inherent to the use of general anesthesia include nausea, vomiting, sore throat, fatigue, headache, and muscle soreness; more rarely, blood pressure problems, allergic reaction, heart attack, or stroke may occur.

Risks associated with the procedure include:
? bleeding
? wound infection
? delayed wound healing
? skin or fat necrosis (death)
? hematoma (collection of blood in a tissue)
? seroma (collection of serum in a tissue)
? blood clots
? pulmonary embolism (a blood clot that travels to the lungs)
? numbness to the abdominal region or thighs (due to damage to nerves during surgery)

Abdominoplasty Normal aesthetic results
In most cases, abdominoplasty is successful in providing a trimmer abdominal contour in patients with excess skin and fat and weak abdominal muscles. A number of factors will influence how long the optimal results of abdominoplasty will last, including age, skin elasticity, and physical fitness. Generally, however, good results will be long-lasting if the patient remains in good health, maintains a stable weight, and exercises regularly. One study surveying patient satisfaction following abdominoplasty indicated that 95% felt their symptoms (excess skin and fat) were improved, 86% were satisfied with the results of the surgery, and 86% would recommend the procedure to a friend.

Abdominoplasty Morbidity and mortality rates
The overall rate of complications associated with abdominoplasty is approximately 32%. This percentage, however, is higher among patients who are overweight; one study placed the complication rate among obese patients at 80%. Rates are also higher among patients who smoke or are diabetic. The rate of major complications requiring hospitalization has been reported at 1.4%.