Tummy tuck surgery is one of the most effective ways to remove excess skin and stubborn deposits of fat from the abdominal area. It is also an effective way to reattach abdominal muscles that have become separated due to weight gain or pregnancy. But many patients still wonder, is tummy tuck surgery safe?
In 2010, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, of which Dr. Chatson is a member, conducted a comprehensive survey of more than 3,600 tummy tuck patients, finding that just over 4.5% of these men and women experienced complications following surgery. Infection was by far the most common complication, but others, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), were reported as well. It should be noted that DVT was reported in just 0.16% of cases and it is unknown if those patients were healthy enough to undergo tummy tuck surgery in the first place.
Making sure you are healthy enough to have a tummy tuck is the job of your plastic surgeon and one of the most compelling reasons to select someone who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). A board-certified plastic surgeon is required to adhere to a strict standard of patient care, part of which is only performing procedures on individuals healthy enough to undergo them.
Rates of complication during and after tummy tuck surgery are incredibly low, though slightly higher than those for less involved and detailed procedures. During your initial consultation at the Andover, Massachusetts or Nashua, New Hampshire office of Dr. Chatson, all risks associated with tummy tuck surgery can be discussed in greater detail to help ensure you are provided the information you need to make an informed decision.
If you choose to undergo tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Chatson will provide you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your procedure. Closely following tummy tuck surgery preparation instructions is an important step in reducing risks for complications. So too is properly caring for your incisions and your body in the days following your surgery.
Dr. Chatson takes time to provide all patients with the information they will need to enjoy the shortest and most comfortable recovery process. If, while recovering, questions arise, we will remain available to answer them via phone or during your scheduled follow-up visits. Your comfort is a top priority for us and we are here to do everything we can to ensure your experience is as rewarding as possible.
Dr. Chatson has received the Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades for several years in a row, including 2017. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, he closely follows the standards of care established by the ABPS. All of Dr. Chatson’s tummy tuck procedures are performed at Orchard Surgical Center, Holy Family Hospital, Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, or Saint Joseph Hospital, where he is on staff and better able to safeguard patient health. Your procedure will be performed at the hospital or surgical center closest and most convenient to you.
In his nearly two decades of experience, Dr. Chatson has been named a Top Doctor in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts and is a past-president of the New England Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons. If you are considering tummy tuck in Andover or Lowell, Massachusetts or in Nashua, Manchester, or Salem, New Hampshire, please call us at 978-687-1151 or 603-882-2103 to schedule a consultation today.Â