Risks involved in a cosmetic surgery procedure such as body lift can be mitigated when the patient selects a fully trained and qualified surgeon. However, some degree of risk will always be associated with body lift, just like any other surgical procedure. Patients should weigh the risks against the benefits in order to make the right decision.
At the time of initial consultation, the surgeon will explain the potential risks and safety aspects of body lift, and determine the patient’s candidacy for an appropriate body lift surgery. Board certified and fabulous female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides body lift surgery to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding communities.
Common Risks
Body lift surgery may be performed in both upper and lower body areas, or in just one or two targeted sites. Risks will vary according to the extent of surgery involved. Some of the common post-surgical risks in body lift plastic surgery include:
Bruising and Inflammation
Bruising and swelling is a common response to the trauma of body lift surgery in the treated areas. Bruising may last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the extent of surgery performed, the number of treated areas, and the choice of surgical technique. Swelling will usually go away gradually over a few months. The patient will be required to wear compression garments for a few weeks to reduce the effects of inflammation and improve healing.
Numbness or Altered Skin Sensation
Sensitivity of the skin in the incision areas may be temporarily reduced due to tissue modification. Sometimes complete numbness may occur in the treated area. While the normal sensation will be restored on its own in most cases, a few patients may take a longer time to recover. In rare situations, the loss or change of sensation may be permanent.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions may occur in a few patients due to the involvement of anesthesia, gauze, tape or other surgical materials. Rashes, itchiness, redness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, congestion or coughing may be experienced by the patient. The conditions are generally temporary, but patients with a known allergy should talk to their surgeon during the first consultation.
Poor Healing of Incisions
In some cases, a major incision may not heal well or pull apart after the body lift surgery. If the wound has not been carefully sutured, or if the patient has not followed proper aftercare, this condition may occur. While this condition is not a serious risk for health, it can delay healing and require additional bandaging procedure to close the wound.
Seroma
Accumulation of excess fluid in tissue pockets along the incision sites may occur in some patients. The surgeon will place drain tubes and provide compression garments to reduce this risk. But if a patient still suffers from seroma following a body lift surgery, the fluid may have to be surgically removed.
Other risks, which are quite rare, may include excessive bleeding, skin necrosis, infection and deep vein thrombosis. Experienced female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and other cities and communities around this massive city in America for a body lift.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.