How likely am I to get a pulmonary embolism or die from a Belt Lipectomy?

Question

Hi, I really wish to get a lower body lift done or belt lipectomy done. I am a 25 year old male but I am concerned about the high mortality/pulmonary embolism rate. What exactly is the mortality/death rate for a lower body lift (6-7 hours) and is this type of surgery more dangerous then say, perhaps gastric bypass? Please help, very scared but getting this surgery will improve my life. I just dont want to risk death by getting it down, however.

Alejandro J. Quiroz, MD · Answer

There are always risks 
when your undergo surgery, but at your age and with the proper manage
after surgery with and experience surgeon those risks can greatly be minimize.
At your age at think the benefits of having your surgery are  far superior that the risks you are taking..

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Foreveryoung908,There is a risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) with almost any surgical procedure.  Some procedures are more likely to have a PE than others.  For a 25 year old without ANY other risk factors, the risk of a PE during a body lift  is very, very low.  To decrease your risk of a PE after a body lift, I would suggest seeking a fast, experienced plastic surgeon.  Experience and speed are key.  In addition, after your body lift, I would suggest  sequential compression stockings, early ambulation, and lovenox injections. After your body lift,  I would continue the injections for 2 weeks.Each surgery also has its own inherent dangers.  However, there are significantly more risks with a gastric bypass.  Typically, after the gastric bypass, co-morbidities, like hypertension and diabetes, are gone.  Good luck.Sincerely,Dr. Katzen

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

There are always risks in any surgery, which is one of the reasons you should do your research and choose your board certified plastic surgeon very carefully. You'll want to be sure to discuss your concerns and your medical history in great detail with your surgeon prior to making a decision.I perform all of my major procedures, including multple procedure makovers and body lifts, using IV sedation. IV sedation reduces nausea and makes for a quicker recovery immediately following surgery, but it also dramatically reduces the risk of pulmonary embolism associated with general anesthesia.Best wishes!

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

There is a risk of that happening but it is very small. It depends on many factors. You need to have a discussion with your surgeon for a better answer because we have no access to your health files. I have been doing the surgery for over 30 years and have seen 2 patients with a PE and no deaths. But I am also very careful in patient selection.

How likely am I to get a pulmonary embolism or die from a Belt Lipectomy?

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Answer: How likely am I to get a pulmonary embolism or die from a Belt Lipectomy?

Answer: How likely am I to get a pulmonary embolism or die from a Belt Lipectomy?

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How likely am I to get a pulmonary embolism or die from a Belt Lipectomy?

Answers (4)

Answer: How likely am I to get a pulmonary embolism or die from a Belt Lipectomy?

Answer: How likely am I to get a pulmonary embolism or die from a Belt Lipectomy?

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Everything you need to know about Body Lift

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