Our Summary

This research paper looked at whether or not it’s safe for obese patients to undergo a surgery called abdominoplasty (commonly known as a “tummy tuck”). Some surgeons are hesitant to perform this surgery on obese patients because they worry there might be more risks or complications. To test this, the researchers looked at the medical records of 83 patients who had this surgery performed by the same surgeon between 2009 and 2016. They compared the rates of complications in obese and non-obese patients.

The results showed that obese patients didn’t have any more complications than non-obese patients. Things like wound opening, blood clot formation, and infections at the surgery site were not significantly different between the two groups. There were also no cases of blood clots in the veins, which can be a serious complication.

The conclusion is that it’s just as safe for obese patients to have a tummy tuck as it is for non-obese patients. There were no significant differences in the rates of complications during and after surgery.

FAQs

  1. Is it safe for obese patients to undergo abdominoplasty?
  2. What are the potential complications of a tummy tuck surgery?
  3. Are there any significant differences in the rates of complications of a tummy tuck surgery between obese and non-obese patients?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might give to a patient considering abdominoplasty is to maintain a healthy lifestyle before and after the surgery. This includes following a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Doing so can help improve the overall outcome of the surgery and reduce the risk of complications. Additionally, it’s important to follow post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon to ensure proper healing and optimal results.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for abdominoplasty are those who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that is resistant to diet and exercise. This can be due to factors such as pregnancy, significant weight loss, or aging. Candidates for this surgery are usually in good overall health, have realistic expectations about the results, and are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle post-surgery to ensure long-lasting results. It is important for patients to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if they are a suitable candidate for abdominoplasty.

Timeline

Before abdominoplasty:

  • Patient consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to ensure they are a good candidate for surgery
  • Patient may be required to make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or losing weight, to optimize surgical outcomes
  • Surgery date is scheduled and patient prepares for the procedure by following pre-operative instructions, such as fasting and avoiding certain medications

After abdominoplasty:

  • Patient undergoes the surgery, which typically involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen, tightening the abdominal muscles, and repositioning the belly button
  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room and may stay in the hospital overnight for observation
  • Patient experiences post-operative pain, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with pain medication and compression garments
  • Patient follows post-operative instructions, such as avoiding strenuous activities and wearing compression garments for a certain period of time
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing, remove sutures, and address any concerns or complications

Overall, the timeline for a patient undergoing abdominoplasty involves thorough pre-operative preparation, the surgical procedure itself, and a period of recovery and follow-up care to ensure optimal results.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about abdominoplasty include:

  1. Am I a suitable candidate for abdominoplasty?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How should I prepare for the surgery, including any necessary lifestyle changes?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  5. What is the expected recovery time and what post-operative care will be required?
  6. Will I need to stay overnight in the hospital after the surgery?
  7. What are the expected results of the surgery and are there any limitations or risks to consider?
  8. What is the surgeon’s experience and success rate with abdominoplasty procedures?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that may be more suitable for my specific case?
  10. What is the cost of the surgery and will it be covered by insurance?

Reference

Authors: Batac J, Hamade M, Hamade H, Glickman L. Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019 Apr;143(4):721e-726e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000005413. PMID: 30921118