Complications From Tummy Tucks Surpass Other Cosmetic Surgeries

Tummy tucks cause more major complications than other types of cosmetic surgery, researchers report.

The risk is even higher among patients who have a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) in combination with other types of cosmetic surgery, according to the new findings.

"Although the overall incidence of major complications is low, such complications can leave a potentially devastating cosmetic outcome and pose a significant financial burden on the patient and surgeon," the study authors wrote.

For the study, researchers analyzed data from 2008 to 2013 from an insurance program that covers cosmetic surgery complications.

Major complications occurred in 4 percent of tummy tucks, compared with 1.4 percent of other types of cosmetic surgery, the study found. Most common major complications were hematomas (collection of blood outside blood vessels), infections, blood clots and lung-related problems.

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