Tummy Tuck In Medically Compromised Individuals

Introduction

The cosmetic surgical procedure involves the removal of the excess skin and fat present in the abdominal area and the underlying muscles will be tightened which will help in getting a firmer and smoother appearance. The tummy tuck surgery is a highly effective method to produce the fat present in the abdomen but it carries potential risks and complications, especially in people who are medically compromised. People with pre-existing health conditions have higher risks and complications after the surgical procedure. These people are called medically compromised individuals. Some medical conditions with a higher complication risk from tummy tuck surgery include higher blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

What Are the Risk Factors of Tummy Tuck Surgery in Medically Compromised Patients?

Some of the risk factors that should be considered before the tummy tuck surgery in medically compromised patients include the following:

• Obesity - People who are obese or overweight are at a higher risk of complications during tummy tuck surgery. The common complications include bleeding, infection, and reduced wound healing.

• Diabetes - People having diabetes are also at an increased risk of complications like infection, poor wound healing, and poor blood sugar control.

• Heart Disease - People with heart disease or cardiovascular problems are at higher risk of developing complications during or after the surgery, like stroke and heart attack.

• Respiratory Problems - People having asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or any other respiratory problems are at higher risk of developing complications related to breathing during or after the surgical procedure.

• Smoking - Smoking can result in infection, blood clots, or reduced wound healing. So people who smoke are considered to have a greater risk of developing these complications during and after the surgical procedure.

• Medications - Some medications like blood thinners can increase the bleeding during and after the surgery.

• Previous Abdominal Surgery - People with a previous history of abdominal surgery can have scar tissue which will increase the complications and risk.

What Are the Pre-operative Evaluation and Assessment of Tummy Tuck Surgery in Medically Compromised Patients?

In medically compromised patients, before the start of tummy tuck surgery, they should undergo pre-operative evaluation regarding the medical conditions and potential risks and complications during and after the surgery. Some of the preoperative evaluations for tummy tuck surgery in case of medically compromised people include the following:

• Medical History - The medical history of the patient should be evaluated in detail, like previous surgery, allergies, medications, familial history of medical problems, and any chronic medical conditions.

• Physical Examination - A thorough physical examination should be done to know the general health of the patient, the laxity of the abdominal wall, the quality of the skin, and to check if there is any presence of hernia or other abnormalities.

• Laboratory Examination - Based on the medical history and physical examination done on the patient different laboratory tests are done like electrolyte levels, kidney and liver function tests, complete blood count, and coagulation studies.

• Cardiovascular Evaluation - To check the risk of cardiovascular complications, electrocardiography and echocardiography are done.

• Pulmonary Evaluation - People with respiratory problems should undergo pulmonary function tests to assess the function of the liver and to reduce complications during the surgical procedure.

• Nutritional Assessment - People with nutritional deficiency are at a higher risk of complications after the surgical procedure. So a nutritional assessment is done to know the deficiency and to provide adequate supplements if necessary.

• Cessation of Smoking - Smoking will reduce wound healing and cause complications during the surgery. So it is always advisable to quit smoking before the surgery. If not, the surgery should be postponed to reduce the complications.

What Are the Modifications to the Surgical Approach for Medically Compromised Individuals?

By making some modifications during the surgery, the risk and complications in medically compromised patients can be reduced. The modifications that are done to the surgical approach in the case of medically compromised patients include the following:

• Type of Anesthesia - The commonly used anesthesia during tummy tuck surgery is general anesthesia. In the case of people having cardiovascular or pulmonary problems, general anesthesia is not suitable. So in such cases, it should be modified to sedation or local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia.

• Surgical Technique - A less invasive or smaller incision and minimal tissue removal are done in case of medically compromised patients to reduce the risk and complications.

• Length of Surgery - The duration of the surgical procedure is shortened in the case of medically compromised individuals, which will help decrease the stress and complications associated, like infection and blood loss.

• Post-operative Care - Medically compromised people require intense postoperative care to ensure their well-being. There will be close monitoring of the vital signs.

What Are the Risks and Complications Associated With Tummy Tuck In Medically Compromised Individuals?

Some of the risks and complications associated with tummy tuck surgery in medically compromised patients include the following:

• In medically compromised patients there will be anesthesia-related complications like respiratory problems, allergic reactions, or cardiovascular events.

• In people who have diabetes or other medical conditions with a weakened immune system, there will be a higher chance of getting an infection after the surgical procedure.

• Patients who are undertaking blood thinning medications or people with bleeding disorders are at an increased risk of bleeding during and after the surgical procedure.

• People who are medically compromised have a higher chance of delayed wound healing, tissue necrosis, or wound dehiscence.

• Some people can develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if they are immobile for a longer period of time.

• People who are medically compromised can develop hematoma or blood clots and seroma or fluid accumulation after the surgical procedure.

• There can be an increased risk of developing pulmonary or cardiac complications after the surgical procedure in the case of medically compromised patients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tummy tuck surgery is an effective way to correct aesthetic abdominal problems but has potential risks and complications in medically compromised patients. Always consult qualified health professionals to discuss potential risks and complications and assess past medical history. People should have realistic expectations after the surgery. With proper medical care, tummy tuck surgery can be an effective and safe cosmetic procedure for everyone.