Finding a trusted surgeon is the key to achieving safe, natural results.

The decision to undergo plastic surgery doesn’t happen overnight.  Patients often consider cosmetic changes for months, sometimes years, before moving forward.  In every case, a trained surgeon has gone over the pros and cons, and eventually schedules the procedure.  While there are risks in every surgery, a new technique may decrease the problems that arise after tummy tucks, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Tummy tucks are a popular procedure. During the process, an incision is made in the stomach and the area is contoured and reshaped.  Although the procedure is relatively common among plastic surgery patients, some experience a complication after the surgery known as seromas.  This problem causes fluid to build up in the stomach.  Studies are inconsistent about the frequency of this problem: some report seromas in about 1 percent of patients, while others say as many as 50 percent of tummy tuck patients will deal with this side effect.  Often, surgeons install a small drain during the procedure so if this problem occurs the fluid can be drained immediately.  However, it’s not a foolproof solution, and can be uncomfortable for patients.

Recently, a study conducted by a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons revealed a new technique that may offer better protection against seromas for tummy tuck patients. The member in question, surgeon Carl W. Lentz III, used liposuction during a tummy tuck  — and found that fewer patients had problems with fluid build up as a result.  “The technique included an extended incision, allowing surgeons to use gentle liposuction to remove fat under the skin. This approach avoided damage to the blood and lymph vessels while improving blood flow to the abdominal skin above the incision,” according to a statement on the new findings.

Lentz used the technique in 113 patients undergoing tummy tucks over a six-year period.  Only 8 percent of patients involved developed seromas.  In addition to the significant safety gains, Lentz’s liposuction technique also eliminates the need for a drain during tummy tuck surgery. Lentz believes more studies need to be done, but feels these results could provide a promising new technique in the future.  “Rates of seroma formation in this study are similar if not better than those reported in literature, and the lack of drains decreases sources of infection and irritation to the patient.”

Choose a qualified professional for safe surgery and natural results

While it could be some time before this procedure becomes common practice, it could lead to fewer complications for plastic surgery patients. However, the bottom line is that all surgeries, no matter how common, involve some degree of risk – and it is important for anyone considering cosmetic plastic surgery to carefully select a qualified, board-certified surgeon before undergoing treatment.

At the offices of Dr. Stuart B. Kincaid, we understand the importance of each and every patient’s initial consultation – and we work hard to ensure that all our patients are choosing surgery for the right reasons, maintaining realistic expectations and taking the necessary precautions for safety and successful surgery before authorizing any procedures. If you or someone you know if considering plastic surgery – be it liposuction, tummy tuck or any other procedure – contact Dr. Kincaid to learn more about your available treatment and optimal results from an experienced, board-certified professional surgeon.

To contact us, call either our San Diego/La Jolla office (858-450-4199) or our Temecula office (951-695-9934). You can also reach us online: www.skincaidmd.com.