Los Angeles Tummy Tuck - Know the Risks

The tummy tuck is one of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery in the Los Angeles area, and in the United States in general. In 2000, there were around 62,000 tummy tuck procedures across the U.S. In 2007, that number had risen to more than 148,000. (This according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons).

But while the Los Angeles tummy tuck is certainly growing in popularity, it still poses serious risks for patients. Your job is to learn about these risks before making a final decision on pursuing a tummy tuck (a.k.a. abdominoplasty) in the Los Angeles area.

So in this article, we will take on the role of consumer advocate, providing some unbiased and factual information about the risks of abdominoplasty surgeries. But first, let's talk about how the procedures are performed in the first place. By starting with a procedural overview, you'll have an easier time understanding the risks of a Los Angeles tummy tuck procedure.

How a Tummy Tuck Works

This popular form of cosmetic surgery is done under general anesthesia, with the patient being completely "under." The Los Angeles surgeon will begin by making a horizontal incision across the patient's lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. A second incision is sometimes made near the belly button as well.



Next, the doctor will separate the patient's skin from the abdominal wall. The muscles in the abdominal area will then be tightened up and sutured. To allow this reduced stomach area to come back into place, the surgeon will remove excess fat, skin and tissue. When all of this is complete, the surgeon will suture the remaining skin back into place.

So there you have it -- a simplified version of the Los Angeles tummy tuck in only two paragraphs. At least now you can better understand the risks associated with such a procedure. So let's move on to those...

The Potential Risks

Below, we have listed some of the most common risks associated with tummy tuck surgeries in Los Angeles or elsewhere. Please note that this list is not all-inclusive -- there are other risks not listed here. So be sure to conduct further research into this subject.

• Excessive Bleeding -- All surgical procedures carry a risk of excessive bleeding. Any time you deal with incisions, you encounter the possibility of such complications. Tummy tuck surgeries are certainly no exception. There is a greater risk of excessive bleeding among patients who have experienced it in the past, during previous surgeries.
• Blood Clots -- This is a serious problem that occurs when an artery gets obstructed by a clot, an air bubble, or a piece of tissue matter. It can lead to many complications and can even be fatal. Blood clots are a risk associated with many forms of surgery, and that includes tummy tuck / abdominoplasty procedures.
  
• Infections -- Anytime a doctor makes an incision on a patient, there's a risk of infection occurring. For this reason, some doctors who perform Los Angeles tummy tucks will give their patients a prescription for antibiotics after the surgery.
  

Choosing a Los Angeles Surgeon

The key when choosing a surgeon for your tummy tuck is to ask plenty of questions. Ask about the procedure in general, but particularly the risks associated with it. A professional Los Angeles surgeon will take the time to address your concerns, and will give you factual information regarding the risks of a tummy tuck surgery. It's also wise to choose somebody who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

In other words, if you encounter a Los Angeles doctor who glosses over the risks as if they're not important, then keep looking!