Pulmonary Embolism Post Tummy Tuck Surgery:

As related in the previous post, deep vein thrombosis is one of the complications that may result from a tummy tuck surgery. When left untreated, DVT is likely to develop into a threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism.

This happens when the blood clot that has formed in a DVT breaks off from its lodging in the veins and travels up the bloodstream. When this rogue blood clot or embolus enters the lungs it results in a blockage. This causes the oxygen supply to the heart to stop and may result in heart failure and at times subsequent death.

Pulmonary embolism is a very serious condition and yearly finds nearly 200,000 from among 100,000 patients in American hospitals suffering from this condition as its casualties. Researchers and medical experts believe that the mortality rate can be reduced to nearly 10 percent if only the patient is properly diagnosed.

If a patient has been diagnosed with pulmonary embolism during initial examination for an abdominoplasty at the Plastic Surgery Institute of California, further plastic surgery is refused. The plastic surgeon is required to pay a close attention to and direct patients displaying symptoms of pulmonary embolism to vascular surgeons and physicians.

A tummy tuck is a major cosmetic procedure for which doctors are required to screen patients carefully before recommending them for surgery. Always choose a doctor who is board certified and experienced enough to say no to any cosmetic surgery that may be harmful for your constitution.