* field is required

Tummy Tuck Petoskey

Informed Consent Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck

GOALS

LIMITATIONS

ALTERNATIVES

PROBLEMS

WHAT WILL USUALLY BE HELPED

WHAT WILL NOT BE HELPED

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

ANESTHESIA

FACILITY

RECOVERY

TRADE-OFFS

RISKS/COMPLICATIONS

Bleeding – It is possible, though unusual, to experience a bleeding episode during or after surgery. Should post-operative bleeding occur, it may require emergency treatment to drain accumulated blood or blood transfusion. Do not take any aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications for ten days before surgery, as this may increase the risk of bleeding.

Infection – Infection is unusual after this type of surgery. Should an infection occur, treatment including antibiotics or additional surgery may be necessary.

Change in Skin Sensation – Diminished (or loss of) skin sensation in the lower abdominal area may not totally resolve after abdominoplasty.

Skin contour irregularities – Contour irregularities and depressions may occur after abdominoplasty. Visible and palpable wrinkling of the skin can occur.

Skin scarring – Excessive scarring is uncommon. In rare cases, abnormal scars may result. Scars may unattractive and of different color than surrounding skin. Additional treatments may be necessary to treat abnormal scarring.

Surgical anesthesia – Both local and general anesthesia involve risk. There is the possibility of complications, injury, and even death from all forms of surgical anesthesia or sedation.

Asymmetry – Symmetrical body appearance may not result from abdominoplasty. Factors such as skin tone, fatty deposits, bony prominence, and muscle tone may contribute to normal asymmetry in body features.

Delayed healing – Wound disruption or delayed wound healing is possible. Some areas of the abdomen may not heal normally and may take a long time to heal. Some areas of the skin may die. This may require frequent dressing changes or further surgery to remove the non-healed tissue. Smokers have a greater risk of skin loss and wound healing complications.

Allergic reactions – In rare cases, local allergies to tape, suture material, or topical preparations have been reported. Systemic reactions which are more serious may occur due to drugs used during surgery and prescription medicines. Allergic reactions may require additional treatment.

Pulmonary complications – Pulmonary complication may occur secondarily to both blood clots (pulmonary emboli) or partial collapse of the lungs after general anesthesia. Should either of these conditions occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment. Pulmonary emboli can be life-threatening or fatal in some circumstances.

Seroma – Fluid accumulations infrequently occur in between the skin and the abdominal wall. Should this problem occur, it may require additional procedures for drainage of fluid.

Umbilicus – Malposition, scarring, unacceptable appearance or loss of the umbilicus (navel) may occur.

Long-term effects – Subsequent alterations in body contour may occur as the result of aging, weight loss or gain, pregnancy, or other circumstances not related to abdominoplasty.

Pain – Chronic pain may occur very infrequently from nerves becoming trapped in scar tissue after abdominoplasty.

Even thought the risks and complications cited above occur infrequently, they are the ones that are peculiar to the operation or are of greatest concern. Other complications and risks can occur, but are even more uncommon. The risks of surgery are comparable to the risks you take every day when driving or riding in an automobile. Any and all of the risks and complications can result in:

Insurance does not cover abdominoplasty. On occasions, surgical revisions may be indicated following the original surgery. If planned or performed within one year after the original surgery and if insurance does not cover the revisions, there will be no charge by the surgeon but a facility fee will be charged for using the operating or treatment room.