COSMETIC SURGERY AND YOUR SAFETY
Every year, millions of people make the choice to have cosmetic, or aesthetic, plastic surgery. For the vast majority, their surgical experience is a positive one, and the results meet their expectations. While surgical outcomes are not perfectly predictable, and surgery always involves risk, it’s a fact that many of cosmetic surgery’s risks can be greatly reduced. It all starts with the choices you make about your surgical care.
You depend on your cosmetic, or aesthetic, plastic surgeon to recommend the most appropriate treatments to achieve the goals you have set for your appearance. You expect your surgeon to provide a safe environment for your surgical care, to skillfully carry out the surgical plan, and guide you through recovery.
Your plastic surgeon also relies on you. That’s because the safety of your cosmetic surgery depends, in part, on the decisions you make.
Elective cosmetic surgery requires doctors and patient. The basis for that partnership, from the very beginning, must be two-way communication that is completely honest and open.
KNOWING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS TO ASK CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE SAFETY AND SUCCESS OF YOUR COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
Why is communication so important to the safety and success of your plastic surgery? You need your plastic surgeon to provide you with accurate and complete information on all aspects of your surgery in order to make an informed choice. You need clear instructions on how too prepare for surgery and how to care for yourself during recovery.
Likewise, your plastic surgeon needs information from you. In order to evaluate you for surgery, he first must understand what bothers you about your appearance and your expectations for surgical results. In addition, it’s important to know all about your health history in order to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery or what special measures might be necessary to help ensure your safety.
Most people desire to have cosmetic surgery can do so safely, but the specific approach to your treatment may depend on certain health and lifestyle factors. To help avoid surgical complications, it’s important to tell your surgeon about your complete health history.
Preoperative diagnostic test such as blood work,chest X-ray and cardiac testing, or complete physical, often are required in preparation for surgery. If you are having breast surgery, a preoperative mammogram breast ultrasound may be recommended.
Your plastic surgeon may request medical clearance from another treating physician, such as your primary doctor. Patients who are considered high risk for serious surgical complications should not undergo elective cosmetic surgery. However, patients with controllable risk factors often can undergo surgery with appropriate precautions.
Tell your surgeon about your past and present health including:
● Hypertension or high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, or chest pain
● History of bleeding with surgery, childbirth or dental procedures
● History of blood clots in your legs
● Difficulty with prior surgery, including nausea and vomiting after surgery
● Previous difficulties with anesthesia or family history of difficulty with anesthesia.
● Prescription and over the counter medication use, such as blood thinners, aspirin, insulin, steroids or oral contraceptives hormone replacements
● Vitamins and nutritional supplements, including herbal remedies
● Allergies and sensitivities to latex, antibiotics and other medications
● Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and drugs including anti depressants
● Use of Accutane within the past year
UNDERSTANDING ANESTHESIA
Some patients express concern about the anesthesia associated with surgery. While some anxiety is natural, the reality is that anesthesia, when administrated by qualified provider such as board-certified anesthesiologist is extremely safe.
There are various types of anesthesia. The type used for your surgery will depend on several factors: the procedure you are having, your medical condition, and the judgment of your plastic surgeon. Usually, you will receive a sedative, to calm you, in addition to the anesthetic.
The operative room of an accredited surgical facility has sophisticated equipment to monitor your vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and the oxygen level in your blood while you are under anesthesia . The provider will make adjustments, as necessary, for your safety.
After-effects of anesthesia may include post-surgical sore throat, nausea, and vomiting. These are usually mild and easily treated with medication. More serious complications such as allergic reactions, stroke, and heart attack are possible but, fortunately, very rare. Providing a complete and honest medical history prior to surgery can significantly decrease the chance of serious complications.
There are several basic types of anesthesia:
● Local anesthesia controls pain in a particular body part
● Regional anesthesia numbs a larger body region. Examples of regional anesthesia are peripheral nerve blocks, spinal and epidural anesthetics
● Monitored anesthesia care (MAC), delivered intravenously, produces a state of relaxed consciousness or unconsciousness
● General anesthesia, inhaled or administered intravenously, causes unconsciousness during the surgical procedure
PREPARING FOR SAFE SURGERY
The safest time to have surgery is when you are physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. It is best to avoid surgery during times of crisis or unusually high stress. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and the use of certain prescription and nonprescription drugs can add to the risks of surgery. These factors also can affect the speed of your recovery as well as the final aesthetic results. Excess weight, in some cases, may also be a significant risk factor. Your plastic surgeon will advice you how to prepare for surgery. This may include smoking cessation for a period before and after your procedure, weight reduction or other measures. Your optimum safety depends on carefully following these instructions.
Your safety also may depend on having realistic expectations. If your goal is to improve the appearance of multiple features of your face and body, be prepared for the fact that it may not be possible to accomplish all of this in one surgical session. Multiple procedures increase the risks associated with surgery. Depending on the procedures you are considering, your plastic surgeon may recommend two or more surgical sessions spaced over a period of time.
When you are planning for surgery, be sure that you allow ample time for recovery. Trying to do too much too soon after surgery is a frequent cause of post surgical complications. You may need help around the house for a few days, especially if you have young children. Bending and lifting in the immediate postoperative period can cause problems such as hematoma, a localized collection of blood underneath the skin. This may necessitate a return to the operating room and can delay your recovery. Follow the recommendations of your plastic surgeon for limiting your activities.
COSMETIC SURGERY & TRAVEL
While most people seek surgical care close to home, sometimes patients choose a doctor in a location that requires them to travel a significant distance for treatment. In such cases, special measures are necessary to help prevent serious medical problems that can result from airline travel in the period preceding or following surgery. If there is any reason you might need to travel before or soon after your surgery, be sure to discuss this with your plastic surgeon before deciding on a surgical date.
Deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE) is commonly referred to as “economy class syndrome”, because the condition has been associated with cramped airline seating. DVT occurs when blood clots develop within veins, while PE occurs when blood clots within veins break off and are trapped in the lungs. Women are generally more vulnerable to DVT/PE than men.
If you must travel before or soon after your surgery, consult your doctor and keep in mind the following:
● Avoid any air travel for at least the first few days after major surgery
● Avoid carrying heavy luggage for several weeks after surgery
● Drink plenty of water, preferably 8 ounces per each hour of airline travel
● Avoid dehydrating agents such as caffeine and alcohol
● Perform in-seat exercises, and walk around the cabin frequently
● Wear loose-fitting clothes and avoid surgical compression binders