How Often Do People Die During Tummy Tuck Procedures?

Death is an exceedingly rare complication after tummy tuck. The most commonly feared reason for death after abdominoplasty is pulmonary embolism after deep venous thrombosis (DVT). In layman's terms, a blood clot originating from the lungs can break off and go to the lungs. The best way to treat this complication is through prevention. Early walking after surgery is important and, if your doctor identifies you as high risk, you may need blood thinners during the initial postoperative period to minimize your risk.

It's hard to know how mahy inches you will lose from around your waist. The best possible results from surgery come from patient's who are close to their ideal body weight.

Best of luck - Sam Jejurikar, MD

 

Like with any operations, complications can occur during and after tummy tuck surgery. Some complications are life-threatening, but these problems are exceedingly rare. Some of these complications include pulmonary embolism (blood clot to lungs), bowel perforation, infection, and wound healing problems. Seek out of a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. 

Abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck is a very safe procedure when performed by qualified and board certified plastic surgeons in accrediated facilities with proper pre- and post-op care.  Prior to your surgery, your surgeon should evaluate your health and order any tests, studies or consultations that are necessary to ensure that you are healthy for surgery.

 

Good Luck 

THe incidence in many studies is  much less than 0.5% .  Smoking, birthcontrol pills and your movement after surgery all affect these variables.  It is important you realize that MANY people gain weight after tummy tucks . It is natural to feel better in clothes, however this is not a green light to chow down!

Your PT exams for the military depend alot on inches. See a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and get familair with him or her or even better tour a few doctors!

 

Good luck!

Risk of dying from a tummy tuck is extremely small if the procedure is performed by a properly qualifed, board certified plastic surgeon.   While you can never have a 100% guarantee of not dying when doing absolutely anything, you many times more likely to die from an Army accident than from a tummy tuck.

With regards to your results, you should discuss your surgery and expected outcome with a board certified Plastic Surgeon to ensure you understand what to expect and that your expectations are realistic.

 

Sincerely,

Martin Jugenburg, MD