During the Procedure

The procedures are performed with the patient under general anesthesia. The more extensive or involved procedures are often performed in a hospital. Tummy tucks, arm lifts, liposuction, and inner thigh lifts may be performed in a day surgical setting on an outpatient basis, depending upon the extent of the procedure.

Hypothermia (the body becoming too cold) is a concern for major procedures. Hypothermia must be prevented because it increases the risk of lung problems, infection, and bleeding, and hypothermia also slows wound healing. The patient's temperature must be kept above 35 ºC (95 ºF).

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) must also be prevented with compression stockings, a medication called low molecular weight heparin, or both. Because birth control pills increase the risk of DVT, the patient may be advised to stop taking them prior to surgery.

About 15% of patients also have an antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, which is a condition of the immune system that creates an abnormal tendency toward blood clots. This should be investigated prior to surgery in those patients deemed clinically to be at risk.