Smoking and Plastic Surgery Don’t Mix
If you’re a smoker and have had surgery in the past without complications, consider yourself lucky.
Tobacco smokers are at a much higher risk than non-smokers for complications that include impaired heart and lung functions, infections, and delayed wound healing.
And if you think that you don’t need to worry about that for plastic surgery, think again. Smoking and plastic surgery are a terrible pair.
How Smoking Impacts the Body
Cigarettes are chock full of chemicals. Over 4,000 of them. And these chemicals present a significantly higher risk for surgical complications in smokers.
The two biggest culprits are nicotine and carbon monoxide. Both of these decrease oxygen levels in the body and boost the risk of heart-related complications. In addition, the actual act of smoking damages the lungs and makes proper air flow through them difficult.
Furthermore, smoking negatively impacts the immune system. So when the body is attempting to heal from surgery, it’s going to take longer. This increases the risk of infection at the wound site.
And you don’t have to be a chain smoker for this to be the case. Smoking a single cigarette is enough to decrease the body’s ability to deliver nutrients for healing after any type of surgery.
Specific Complications for Smoking and Plastic Surgery
One of the worst effects of smoking is vasoconstriction. This is the narrowing of the blood vessels. When the vessels are narrowed, flow of blood and oxygen are compromised. This deters proper healing of the skin cells and increases the likelihood of skin cell death, or necrosis, on the wound.
But wait. There’s more.
When nicotine is present in the body, plastic surgery can result in loss of cheek skin, nipples, or belly skin after a facelift, breast lift, breast reduction, or tummy tuck surgery. It may also cause a loss of breast implants.
And because healing is delayed, scars are thicker and wider. Slower healing means more pain and also the possibility of infection or even blood clots – which can be fatal. Pair all of these with the other dangerous complications such as heart attack and stroke, and it’s clear that smoking and plastic surgery do not mix.
What About Marijuana or Other Alternatives?
When your doctor tells you not to smoke before surgery, this includes smoking tobacco in pipes, cigars, hookahs, as well as smoking marijuana. Carbon monoxide is created any time you smoke and this can lead to tissue death after surgery. Marijuana edibles or tinctures may be approved, however. You’ll need to discuss with your surgeon that option.
Meanwhile, vapes and e-cigs are not acceptable switch-outs for smoking either because even though there’s no carbon monoxide, they still contain nicotine. Even nicotine gums and patches should be avoided.
The general rule of thumb is that ANY type of smoking or nicotine use is going to be bad for your surgical outcome. Period.
Your Best Bet
If you are a smoker, evidence shows that quitting at least four weeks before surgery will not only lower your risk of complications, but you’ll notice better results six months after the plastic surgery procedure. You are also less likely to experience complications with anesthesia.
To heal properly, sustain results, and improve your overall health, ceasing the use of nicotine products altogether is really the only game in town. So if you’re considering a plastic surgery procedure and know you’ll need to quit for at least four weeks prior, now might be the time to consider quitting forever.
Change Your Appearance, Change Your Life
Are you a smoker who’s looking for a fresh new look with a facelift, tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or other plastic surgery procedure?
Contact us today.
Because now that you understand how smoking and plastic surgery don’t play well together, you may be inspired to quit for good. And your new look may just come with a new lease on life.
Look Rejuvenated with Fat Transfer to the Face
Do you ever look in the mirror and wonder what happened to the lower third of your face?
It might sound like a weird question, but if you’re of a certain age, you probably understand. As we age, precious collagen reserves are depleted in this area of the face. The result?
Sagging skin and decreased volume. Fortunately, fat transfer to the face can help rejuvenate your appearance. And it can be done as a stand-alone or in conjunction with facelift surgery.
Who Is (and Isn’t) a Good Candidate for Facial Fat Transfers?
You’re a good candidate for facial fat transfer if you’re noticing long lines between the nose and mouth, areas of the face look creased or sunken, scarring from acne, or just general loss of a youthful facial appearance.
Because this procedure does require surgery, tobacco users unwilling to quit smoking and/or those with multiple or uncontrolled medical problems are not good candidates.
In addition, because the procedure requires fat from your body to be transferred to the face, if you have little or no overall body fat, you will also not be a good candidate.
Fat Transfer Vs. Fillers
You may be curious as to why someone would choose a surgical procedure rather than just use fillers.
Yes, fillers are less invasive and they require far less downtime. Yet, for patients who are looking for an approach that doesn’t include synthetic materials, fat grafts come as a more natural option. And since you’re having your own organic material injected back into your body, there are fewer risks and side effects.
Finally, another benefit of fat transfer over fillers is the amount of time they last. Fillers are a temporary fix and require regular treatments. A fat transfer, on the other hand, are more permanent and will last a much longer time.
What Does a Fat Transfer to the Face Involve?
The procedure is straightforward. And in most cases, a facial fat transfer is with local anesthesia or sedation in an outpatient setting.
You and your surgeon will need to determine the area of your body from which you’d like the fat transferred. This is your donor site. The surgeon will make a small incision there and insert a cannula that’s connected to a syringe for extraction purposes.
Of course, the fat isn’t just taken from one spot to another. Once it’s extracted, it is processed in a centrifuge that separates the poor quality fat cells from those that are viable.
The viable fat cells are then injected into the face. The cannula is typically inserted and withdrawn multiple times to deposit lines of fatty tissue parcels in natural tissue planes. This enables the surgeon to achieve the desired affect.
Recovering from the Procedure
Every body will have a different recovery story. But as stated above, because you’re working with all organic materials, there are fewer risks and complications.
Once the transfer is completed, you’ll be monitored for a short time and then sent home (somebody will have to drive you).
You may experience minor discomfort and swelling immediately following the procedure, but it’s typically gone within a week to ten days. You’ll also need to sleep on your back with your head elevated in the first week and not rub your face for two weeks. Soft washing is permitted.
In addition, you’ll want to avoid strenuous activity, swimming, aerobic exercise, or lifting anything heavier than 20 pounds until your incisions are healed. This usually takes a couple of weeks at the most.
Finally, be sure to keep your scheduled return visits.
Get Back to Smiling When You Look in the Mirror
If you’re ready for that fuller face from your youth, then you’re probably a great candidate for a fat transfer to the face procedure.
Contact us today to set up your free consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon.
Then smile!
Could You Be a Candidate for a Neck Lift?
It’s not surprising that the neck scarf is popular among older people for hiding crepey, drooping, or wrinkled skin. They’ll sport a scarf even in the middle of the summer.
Unlike other areas of the body, the neck doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. And there are almost no over-the-counter treatments that make any kind of difference.
Fortunately, a plastic surgeon can perform a neck lift to restore a more youthful contour and sharper jawline.
Are You a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?
If you have a double chin, excess fat or drooping skin on the lower face, wrinkly or crepey neck skin, or loose sagging skin that gives the appearance of a ‘turkey neck,’ you may have resigned yourself to a less-than-attractive neckline. You don’t have to though.
If you’re a nonsmoker (or willing to quit), are in generally good health, and have no medical conditions that will slow healing, a neck lift can alter your profile and jawline in such a way that you’ll look years younger.
Another key component is the ability to be realistic about the outcome. When you have a full understanding that a neck lift is not going to drastically change your appearance or stop the aging process, you will be more satisfied with the results.
What To Expect From a Neck Lift Procedure
A neck lift, or in doctorly terms a platysmaplasty, is surgery. That means you’ll be under anesthesia.
The surgeon makes an incision that typically follows the contour from the top of your ear to your lower hairline on each side. Then depending on your specific needs, the surgeon may sculpt, remove, or redistribute excess fat. Tissues may need to be repositioned and tightened and skin will be redraped and positioned over the new contours. Excess skin is trimmed away.
In the case of a double chin, there will also be liposuction to tighten the area.
Neck Lift Recovery
You will need to keep your head elevated and limit the movement of your neck to keep the stitches intact. There may or may not be a drain near the incision site to avoid fluid build-up and lessen swelling.
Any residual bruising or swelling you experience could last for several weeks. As that goes down, you’ll begin to see your new and improved contours.
Follow the specific instructions your doctor will give you to ensure you get the best possible results and quickest recovery.
Are There Non-Surgical Options?
A neck lift is surgery. There’s no way around that. And while there are non-surgical options, they will not achieve the same results.
Even so, if you’re just starting to notice changes in your neck, nonsurgical rejuvenation treatments can delay your need for surgery. Or if you’ve had a neck lift, these non-surgical treatments can complement the results.
If your issues are not advanced, nonsurgical options offer a quicker recovery time and fewer risks. Botox, for example, can reduce banding. Dermal fillers can bring more volume. Microneedling rejuvenates the skin by stimulating collagen production. And laser treatments can provide textural improvements.
You can always discuss these with your plastic surgeon.
Is a Neck Lift Right for You?
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your neck because of aging, you could be the perfect candidate for a neck lift.
You may also find that a non-surgical technique delivers what you need. Whatever the case, you don’t need to be unhappy with your neck any longer.
Contact us today to set up a free consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon. You’ll be pointed in the direction that will garner the best results for you.
What to Expect – Recovering From a Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty, better known as a tummy tuck, is one of the most popular plastic surgeries performed in the world. It’s no wonder – given what an effective procedure it is for body contouring.
Even so, recovering from a tummy tuck requires patience, diligence, and the ability to deal with some discomfort. There are many factors that affect each person’s tummy tuck recovery. A mini tummy tuck, for example, will require less recovery than an extended tummy tuck.
Whatever the case, the best way to minimize postoperative complications is to follow the recovery instructions exactly as prescribed by your surgeon.
Recovering From a Tummy Tuck Overview
Generally speaking, most patients take 1-3 weeks off from work after a tummy tuck – though some will do less. Depending on the scope of the surgery, you’ll be able to return to regular activities such as cooking and driving within a week or two.
If your job is physically demanding, you’ll need to plan plenty of time off for your recovery. In addition, if you’re a fitness fanatic, you’ll be advised to ease back into your workout routine slowly and mindfully.
There are other factors that will significantly slow your recovery, such as smoking and drinking alcohol. So those will need to be avoided for optimal recovery. If you are prescribed narcotics, you will be able to drive once you stop taking them.
We’ll break it down into a more detailed timeline:
- First Week
The first week of recovery is usually the most uncomfortable. While rest is important for healing, you’ll also need to walk around for about five minutes every two hours to help prevent blood clots and promote the return of bowel function.
Along with having to wear compression garments, you’ll experience swelling, bruising, and soreness in the abdomen. You can also expect to experience exhaustion during the first one to three days post-op.
Pain medication will be prescribed and you can use ice packs outside of compression garments to further reduce swelling. Following the medication schedule as prescribed at the beginning will result in having to take significantly less medication for pain in the long run. During surgery, Exparel – a long-acting local anesthetic block – will be injected before you wake up to provide additional pain control.
- Second Week
The pain begins to subside and bruising continues to fade by the second week of recovery. While swelling decreases at this time, it is still present. Thus, you’ll need to continue wearing your compression garment.
Some patients feel well enough to return to work in seven to ten days, provided they don’t have a strenuous job. Any activity during this time should be slow and gentle though. Taking light walks is recommended during this time to increase blood circulation and prevent blood clots. If pain medication is still required, you’ll want to continue to follow the instructions as written.
Even if you’re feeling a lot better, you should continue to avoid lifting anything over 15-20 pounds or partaking in vigorous cardio.
Toward the end of that second week, you’ll be able to resume your normal diet and, should you wish, return to drinking alcohol in moderation. Because smoking is counter-indicated to proper healing, many patients choose their recovery time as an opportunity to quit smoking altogether.
- First Month
Around the third or fourth week, the pain, swelling, and bruising are greatly reduced. For some patients, they’re nearly or completely gone. Once you’re at that point, you’ll no longer need your compression garment.
- Second Month
For the vast majority of patients, life returns to normal and you’ll be able to resume more rigorous physical activity during the second month. Some patients are cleared around six weeks to do this, while others may have to wait until the end of the second month.
The Long View
Although the two-month point is when most patients are ready to get back out into the world, it’s not uncommon to experience some numbness for months afterward. There may also be occasional swelling as well as twinges of abdominal pain. All of this is normal and no need for concern. Different sorts of shapewear (such as Spanx) can assist with these.
Change Your Life With Body Contouring
While recovering from a tummy tuck can be a little challenging, the payoff is so worth it.
So if you’re ready to explore how a tummy tuck could improve your confidence and boost your self-esteem, contact us today.
We’ll guide you through the procedure, as well as the recovery, so you know exactly what to expect.
What To Expect – Bruising After Rhinoplasty
Having any kind of surgery is a serious commitment. An honest and ethical surgeon will always provide full disclosure about what to expect after a procedure.
While bruising is common after many procedures, the bruising after rhinoplasty can be particularly remarkable. Especially in cases where the procedure is more extensive.
Understanding that bruising is the body’s natural response to the healing process and that it will go away after two or three weeks can bring comfort. Even so, a face that appears battered around the nose and eyes can be shocking to a patient who hasn’t been prepped for it.
Rhinoplasty Is SO Worth It Though
Many patients consider rhinoplasty because they’re currently not happy with the appearance of their face. With the nose being a major focal point on the face, some alterations through rhinoplasty can do wonders to improve one’s facial appearance.
As such, patients are often excited to see the results after the procedure and can feel let down by the appearance of bruising. For those who only needed a simple change to the nasal tip, the bruising may not be too extreme.
For those who need changes that involve breaking and resetting the bone, manipulating nasal cartilage, and/or altering the framework of the nose, however, the bruising can be more extensive.
Whatever the case, with proper care and attention the bruising does eventually subside and the patient is left with the increased confidence that comes with a brand new appearance.
The 411 on Bruising After Rhinoplasty
As always, the best way to help prevent major bruising is take preemptive measures to stay healthy (quit smoking, drink plenty of water, eat a nutritious diet, etc.) before the surgery. In addition, always follow the surgeon’s instructions to a tee. A patient must also disclose any blood thinners, other medications, or even supplements he or she is taking as they may need to avoid them to promote healing.
Again, the extensiveness of the procedure as well as the individual’s own ability to heal will all be factors in how long to expect bruising. We’ll look at a general timeline here though.
The First Few Days
Bruising can appear immediately following rhinoplasty surgery. These early bruises tend to be more red in color because of oxygen in the blood. Thus, they may not look as severe.
It’s in the days that follow this that the bruising becomes more apparent. At this point, they become darker purple, blue, or even black. This is normal for a few days.
Five to Ten Days Later
As the body continues to heal over those first five days, the bruising starts to change colors. It will fade from intense purple to a lighter purple with shades of green. By the time the patient hits day ten, the blue and purple may be completely gone and the colors shift from green to yellowish-brown.
Two to Three Weeks After
Most patients with who have had extensive work will find their bruising completely gone after three weeks. For those who had a simpler procedure, it could be as little as two weeks.
When you look at the big picture and in the scope of one’s life, it’s not really that long. Right?
Reap the Benefits of Rhinoplasty
Despite the strong possibility of facial bruising after rhinoplasty, the benefits of having one far outweigh this temporary inconvenience.
So if you’re ready to discuss the possibility of rhinoplasty with an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon, contact us today.
And prepare to love your new face.
Tips For the Speediest Recovery From Plastic Surgery
If you’re planning a plastic surgery procedure (or two), you might have started scouring the internet to see how long it’ll take to recover. This is pretty normal. After all, you want to have some sense of what to expect.
You’ve probably also noticed in your search that there is usually a span of possible time for recovery (i.e. 3-5 days, 2-3 weeks, etc.).
Obviously, recovery times will vary based on the person as well as the procedure(s) performed. Still, there are things you can do that will give you the speediest recovery from plastic surgery.
1. Swallow Your Pride
Whatever your plastic surgery procedure, you can expect to need some help in the day or days that follow. Particularly in cases where the surgery is more complicated or there are multiple procedures performed.
So if you have trouble asking for help and think you’re better off doing everything on your own, you can expect a longer recovery time. On the flip side, you can arrange to have someone help you get to and from your procedure, as well as handle any child care, pet care, and/or chores around the house.
By gracefully accepting help, you’ll eliminate the stress and worry about getting your daily tasks covered. Allowing yourself to rest instead is only going to facilitate your recovery.
2. Eat Well and Hydrate
In order to optimize your body’s healing abilities, you need to give it the proper fuel. Lean proteins, fresh produce, and plenty of water are going to speed up the recovery process much faster than potato chips, Oreos, and cola.
You may also need to avoid or cut way back caffeine and alcohol while recovering. Both of these can cause dehydration which is detrimental to healing.
3. Get Moving… But Mindfully
Obviously, if you’ve had a major procedure such as a Mommy Makeover, you won’t jump on the treadmill and run two miles the next day. Chances are, you won’t even feel like doing that.
Yet, as inclined as you may be to revel in the comfort of lounging on your couch for days on end, it IS a good idea to move around a bit in the days that follow your surgery. Movement keeps blood circulating and this forwards healing. Your movement might be something as simple as just walking around your house, condo, or apartment. Over time, you may build to a light walk outside.
The key is to take it slowly. Ease back into regular movement – even if you think you’re ready to tackle that two miles on the treadmill. You don’t want to undo what you had done. Otherwise, you’ll be looking at an even longer recovery time.
4. Steer Clear of Tobacco
If you never use tobacco, you can skip this one.
On the other hand, it’s important to understand that you’ll have to go through the difficult task of quitting smoking or vaping tobacco for at least a month prior to having your procedure. Recovery is not going to be a free pass to light up again.
The nicotine in tobacco inhibits the body’s ability to heal and can lead to all sorts of complications during recovery. Knowing this, you may want to consider your plastic surgery procedure as the ideal transition to quitting smoking altogether.
5. Simply Put – FOLLOW YOUR DOCTOR’S ORDERS!
Here’s the deal.
Any quality board-certified surgeon will give you specific instructions for post-op care which should be followed to a T. These will include guidelines on diet, which medications and supplements to take, when and how long to wear a compression garment, proper ways to clean incisions, and the safest time to return to exercise.
What’s more, be sure you go to any scheduled follow-up visits. It’s important for your doctor to see that you’re healing properly and that there are no complications. S/he can also advise you on when you can return to your daily activities as well as more strenuous exercise.
By sticking with the protocol, you’ll have the smoothest and shortest road to recovery.
The Speediest Recovery From Plastic Surgery Is Up To You
Try not to get too bogged down in what the internet says. At the end of the day, you’ll have the speediest recovery from plastic surgery when you follow your doctor’s orders and give your body what it needs to heal.
Simple as that.
So if you’re ready to get started on your plastic surgery journey, contact us today. We guarantee you’ll never walk the path alone.
What Is Otoplasty?
If you scan through a class picture of elementary school children, you’re bound to see one or two kids with some sort of ear abnormality.
For many of these kids, their ‘unusual’ ears are a source of embarrassment. Some of them grow into adulthood without the issue being addressed and are forced to navigate some rather awkward social situations. The lucky ones get otoplasty.
Which leads to the question, what is otoplasty?
What Is Otoplasty?
Cosmetic ear surgery that’s performed on the visible part of the outer ear (known as the auricle) is known as otoplasty. It’s performed on both children and adults.
Under the umbrella of otoplasty, there are three different procedures.
Ear pinning is recommended when the patient has prominent ears that expand out from the sides of the head. An ear reduction helps patients who have oversized ears – also known as macrotia. Finally, augmentation is for those who have misshapen, small, or underdeveloped auricles.
Those Who Benefit From Otoplasty
The majority of people who seek otoplasty tend to have congenital ear conditions. For many, the auricle didn’t develop properly. This can result in protruding, constricted, or misshapen ears.
Otoplasty corrects these conditions.
But otoplasty doesn’t just address congenital anomalies. Patients who have sustained ear injuries or trauma from car accidents, dog bites, etc. will also benefit from otoplasty. A common injury among boxers, wrestlers, and martial artists is cauliflower ear. Otoplasty addresses that as well.
Since the auricle doesn’t reach 90% of its adult size until the age of five, that’s the minimal age for otoplasty. Of course, adults of all ages can get otoplasty. Patients should be in good health and be non-smokers or quit smoking weeks before the procedure.
What to Expect From the Procedure
Because there are different types of procedures, there is no one-size-fits-all. The specific surgical technique depends on the patient’s needs.
In general though, there will be an incision on the back of the ear or inside the folds. The ear tissue will be manipulated to either remove skin/cartilage, fold and shape the cartilage, or graft cartilage to the ear.
Any incision made is closed with stitches.
In most cases, otoplasty is done as an outpatient procedure that takes between one and three hours. Because the procedures tend to be outpatient, surgeons typically use local anesthesia with a sedative.
For younger children, however, the surgeon may choose general anesthesia.
Recovery
Once the procedure is complete, a compression bandage will be applied to the ears and kept there for the first 24 hours. After that, lighter dressing will cover the surgical incisions. It’s important that the dressing is kept clean and dry.
Avoid sleeping or resting in any position that will put pressure on the ear(s). Also, while the ear(s) are healing, it’s best to stick with clothes that button or zip up rather than those that need to be pulled over the head.
And for parents of children having otoplasty, they’ll need to be watchful that their child doesn’t touch or scratch his or her ear(s).
Most patients can expect to return to normal activity within a few days – although rigorous physical activity should be avoided for a couple of weeks during healing.
Could Otoplasty Help You or Your Child?
Now that you know the answer to the question of what is otoplasty, it’s time to consider it as an option for you or your child.
Contact us today to talk with our board-certified surgeons to find out how we can help.
We will happily advise you on the next best steps for getting this confidence-boosting procedure.
4 Myths About Plastic Surgery
With the onslaught of reality television shows and social media posts that put an emphasis on external beauty, the demand for plastic surgery procedures is on the rise.
Some view plastic surgery as the be all end all fix for all their problems. It is, of course, NOT that. And any surgeon making this claim is to be avoided.
Meanwhile, others think that plastic surgery is disgraceful and a part of the problem. This isn’t true either. Far from it. But with its increased popularity, the myths about plastic surgery keep coming. We’ll look at four of the more pervasive ones.
- Getting the Cheapest Surgeon Will Save You Money
Okay. Finding the cheapest surgeon WILL save you money. That statement alone is not a myth. It’s entirely true. At least, in the short run.
The problem is, when you seek out the least expensive surgeon, you’re putting your safety at risk. And you may not make this discovery until the damage has been done. Then you’re looking at even costlier procedures to attempt to fix the problem.
So be sure to vet a highly qualified plastic surgeon. Insist upon a doctor who’s certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. And steer clear of medical professionals who claim they’re board certified in “cosmetic surgery.” Such a board is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties and is considered illegitimate.
- A Tummy Tuck Is a Permanent Fix
Not to go all Buddhist on you, but nothing is permanent. The tummy tuck is no exception.
Yes, this procedure is very popular given there is minimum pain and downtime. It’s also highly effective – with the vast majority of patients loving the results for years. These same patients recognize, however, that a tummy tuck surgery is a stepping stone. They are careful to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes exercising and eating well. When these actions are done in tandem with a tummy tuck, the results are outstanding. But it does require a commitment from the patient.
- Your Surgeon Should Have Amazing Hands
Of course you want your surgeon to have technical ability. I.e. he/she should be good with their hands. But what truly matters is a surgeon’s ability to plan, make decisions, and pivot when needed.
In fact, what you really want is a surgeon with a good head on his or her shoulders, as it accounts for about 80% of a procedure’s success. A good surgeon has a keen sense of creativity paired with knowledge. He or she not only knows what they’re able to, but – and perhaps more importantly – what they’re not.
- I Can Use Plastic Surgery Later to Fix the Results of My Bad Habits
When you’re young you feel invincible. People in their 20s and even 30s are able to throw a lot at their bodies and bounce back relatively quickly. They’re still able to handle the ill effects of smoking cigarettes, eating poorly, and exposing their skin to the sun.
That changes though once you hit your 40s. And for folks in that age range and beyond, the ones who look and feel the youngest established preventative behaviors during their younger years.
So if you’re still young enough that you can take your health and your skin for granted, we encourage you to not do that! While there are plastic surgery procedures that will rejuvenate and revitalize up to a point, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise and protecting your skin when you’re young will go the true distance as you age.
Don’t Buy Into the Myths About Plastic Surgery
If you’re considering a procedure to instill a more youthful appearance and feel better about yourself, don’t believe the myths about plastic surgery that say it’s just vanity. It’s not.
Looking better CAN make you feel better.
You’ll just need to be aware and informed about your surgeon and your procedure to have the best possible outcome. So contact us today to speak with a compassionate, caring, and board-certified surgeon. We’ll ensure you have the most optimal experience.
What Makes Anesthesia Riskier?
For some people, the idea of surgery is less daunting than the notion of being anesthetized. But the truth is, anesthesia is safer now than it’s ever been.
The vast majority of people react very well to anesthesia. And for many procedures – plastic surgery included – you wouldn’t want to be without it.
That said, there is always going to be some level of risk. And what makes anesthesia riskier comes down to the patient’s age, current medical conditions, lifestyle, and the type of surgery and kind of anesthesia used.
What Are the General Risks?
If you’ve ever had a cavity drilled at the dentist, then you’ve had anesthesia. Of course, unless you requested otherwise, the doctor used a local anesthetic that only numbed a small area of the body. As such, it is the safest anesthetic and plastic surgeons will always opt for it if they can. Side effects are rare and extremely mild.
Regional anesthesia is a little riskier than local in that it numbs a larger area of the body. Side effects are a little more common than they are with a local anesthesia, but they mostly consist of a temporary headache.
General anesthesia is the sort that most patients fear because it renders you unconscious. Even so, it’s very safe. The possible side effects – such as chills, confusion, nausea, or a sore throat (mostly from the breathing tube) are more widespread. But they are also temporary.
What Makes Anesthesia Riskier For Some People?
Although anesthesia is generally safe and technology around it has come a long way, some patients are looking at a higher risk if they have any of the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney problems
- Lung conditions
- Seizures or other neurological disorders
- Sleep apnea
- Allergies to or history of adverse reactions to anesthesia
In addition, if you regularly smoke and/or drink two or more alcoholic beverages per day, your risk also increases. If any of these apply to you, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have surgery though.
Find Peace of Mind By Talking to Your Anesthesiologist
You’re allowed to talk with the anesthesiologist who’s scheduled for your surgery. In fact, he or she will need to conduct a health assessment to learn all about your health history, medications you take, reactions to previous anesthesia, and lifestyle choices. This is to ensure you’ll get the safest and most optimal pain management and critical care.
The anesthesiologist may strongly advise you quit smoking, cut back (or eliminate) drinking, or lose weight (if the surgery isn’t urgent) before your procedure to lessen your risk. He/she can also inform you of what medications could exacerbate the anesthesia and advise other medications that will be safe.
Then he or she will create a plan around your specific condition and monitor you closely during the procedure. You can go into the surgery knowing that you won’t be ignored for even a second.
Don’t Let Fear of Anesthesia Keep You From Plastic Surgery!
Now that you know the nitty gritty on what makes anesthesia riskier and how truly safe it is, you can feel confident in opting for that plastic surgery procedure you’ve always wanted.
So don’t hesitate any longer.
Contact us today to set up your free consultation. And get ready for a more confident and self-assured YOU this summer!
Are There Required Pre-Surgical Tests Before Plastic Surgery?
If you’re getting ready for a surgical procedure and your surgeon hasn’t ordered any pre-surgical tests, that’s a huge red flag. Like “run away screaming” huge.
Any surgical procedure should be preceded by at least a few tests. This includes plastic surgery procedures. These tests help find potential problems that could complicate surgery if not mitigated early.
The required pre-surgical tests before plastic surgery vary from person to person and depend on a number of factors.
Possible Pre-Surgical Tests Before Plastic Surgery
Pre-operative testing typically occurs a couple of weeks before your scheduled procedure so you’ll want to plan accordingly. Depending on your specific situation, the following tests might be required before your surgical procedure:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) With Differential
A CBC is a requirement for everyone. This test measures various aspects of your blood and reveals a lot about what’s going on in your body. Knowing the quality and amount of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets is crucial to the surgeon.
In addition, a CBC with differential will determine your levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit in your red blood cells to identify what risks you may have for anemia and infection.
- Urinalysis
The pre-operative urinalysis is a basic diagnostic test that’s routinely performed to suss out certain conditions and ensure that there are no infections present. If the urinalysis shows a urinary tract infection (UTI), the surgery will need to be postponed until the infection is fully treated. Given that UTIs are more common in women, a urinalysis is more often ordered for women.
- Complete Physical
For younger patients in good health, a complete physical may not be necessary. Older patients and/or those with pre-existing medical conditions, however, will need to undergo a physical in order to get medical clearance for the procedure.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)
An EKG or ECG test measures and records the electrical signals in the heart. This test is used primarily to identify any problems with the arteries and to rule out coronary issues before surgery. Primarily those with heart conditions will need to undergo an EKG/ECG.
- Chest X-Ray
For patients with heart and/or lung conditions, a board-certified plastic surgeon may also order a chest x-ray. It’s crucial that these organs are healthy enough to withstand the trauma and manage the taxing properties of the healing process.
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Because a CMP examines the fluid balance in the patient’s body, it’s typically only ordered for patients who have metabolic issues (or have had them in the past.) It’s important that glucose, electrolyte, creatine, protein, and blood area nitrogen levels are balanced in order to perform surgery. If they’re not, they’ll need to be treated first.
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Many women know all about the HCG test. The other name for it is pregnancy test. HCG is the hormone that shows up in urine when a woman is pregnant. So if there’s any chance that a woman might be pregnant, she’ll need to be tested for HCG.
- Mammogram
Women who’ve elected to have breast augmentation surgery will need to get a mammogram (known less lovingly as the boob crusher) to ensure there are no abnormalities or cancer.
- HIV
There are extra precautions plastic surgeons need to take in treating patients who are HIV positive. Because of this, an HIV test may be ordered to ensure safety for both the surgeon and the patient.
- Nicotine
There’s nothing like nicotine in the body to increase scarring and slow wound healing. This is one of the big reasons that surgeons require you to quit smoking at least four weeks before surgery. Thus, the surgeon may order a test for nicotine to ensure that his or her work has the optimal outcome.
Pre-Surgery Testing Is Completely Individualized
Just as each patient is different, so too is every surgery. Pre-surgical tests before plastic surgery for your procedure may differ from those of others you know who’ve had procedures. Even if it’s the same procedure.
That’s why it’s important to choose surgeons who will take the time and do the footwork to be sure you have the best and SAFEST experience possible.
We’ve got you covered. Contact us today to set up your free and comprehensive consultation so you can begin your journey.
