Study shows increased complication rates connected with Tummy Tuck
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is undoubtedly among the most popular cosmetic procedures at the moment. Now a study recently published at Plastic and Recosntructive Surgery (official magazine of ASPS – American Society of Plastic Surgeons) further investigates the procedure. Dr. Julian Winocour and his colleagues noticed that the risks for complication are higher if abdominoplasty is combined with other procedures. Their statement is: “Combined procedures can significantly increase complication rates and should be considered carefully in higher-risk patients.”
The group of the researchers cooperated with CosmetAssure, an insurance program for cosmetic procedures, in order to carry out their study. The research recorded 25000 tummy tucks in a matter of 5 years (2008-2013) – almost 14{f4e1575822752660c3387461b06f16047197db710b64f29e8565d582c3a8cd4f} of the total number of tummy tucks that took place during that period. It’s interesting that 97{f4e1575822752660c3387461b06f16047197db710b64f29e8565d582c3a8cd4f} of the patients were women. The average age of the patients was 42 while a 65{f4e1575822752660c3387461b06f16047197db710b64f29e8565d582c3a8cd4f} of the tummy tucks were combined with other procedures. The group noticed a 4{f4e1575822752660c3387461b06f16047197db710b64f29e8565d582c3a8cd4f} of major complications (which is high comparing to the 1.4{f4e1575822752660c3387461b06f16047197db710b64f29e8565d582c3a8cd4f} rate regarding other cosmetic procedures). Hematomas, infections blood clots and lung related issues were the most common complications. The researchers claim: “Although the overall incidence of major complications is low, such complications can leave a potentially devastating cosmetic outcome and pose a significant financial burden on the patient and surgeon,”
Now the important finding is that once the complications rate is at 3.1{f4e1575822752660c3387461b06f16047197db710b64f29e8565d582c3a8cd4f} for a tummy tuck that is not combined with other procedures the complication risk is much higher.. especially when tummy tuck is combined with liposuction there is a huge 10.4{f4e1575822752660c3387461b06f16047197db710b64f29e8565d582c3a8cd4f} complication rate. Taking into consideration several factors the researchers calculated the increased risk at 50{f4e1575822752660c3387461b06f16047197db710b64f29e8565d582c3a8cd4f}. Another risk factor is also the age, sex and obesity. Dr. Winocour states: “Surgeons often refer patients with major illnesses, such as heart disease, to hospitals, which may be responsible for this observed trend in complications.”
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