Top 5 Reasons Drs Postpone Cosmetic Surgery
December 8th, 2014
Why follow your pre-op instructions for cosmetic plastic surgery? Occasionally elective cosmetic surgery is cancelled by the doctor on the day of surgery for a variety of reasons. While it is understandable that patients might be disappointed at this situation, the decision to postpone surgery is most often based on patient health and safety. Patients generally understand that their surgery may be rescheduled at a later date. The most common reason for postponing surgery is that a patient may forget to follow all pre-operative instructions. In the excitement and preparation for having surgery, patients can forget to avoid eating and/or drinking before surgery. As physicians, it is our responsibility to adhere to these instructions. When in doubt about something on the list, we advise our patients to call us for clarification.
Here are the Top 5 Reasons to Cancel Surgery:
1) Patient did not follow pre-operative instructions. Eating or drinking before surgery may cause serious complications during the procedure or recovery. It is very important to follow all your surgeon’s instructions.
2) Patient has a fever, cold or flu symptoms. It is advisable to inform your surgeon if you experience any symptoms indicating that you might be getting sick. It is also important to report any injury sustained prior to surgery.
3) Patient is unable to have an adult drive them home following surgery and stay with them during recovery for the first 24 hours. At-home healthcare may be arranged through our office prior to surgery.
4) The Pre-operative examination revealed a possible medical condition that might require further testing and evaluation. In most cases, this is resolved and surgery may be rescheduled at a later date.
5) Patient has a high level of anxiety or doubt about having surgery at this time.
Ideal Weight for Cosmetic Surgery
May 9th, 2014
Recently, I consulted with a patient who had lost 80 pounds after bariatric surgery. It was her intention to lose more weight. During our visit, she asked the question I hear so often regarding weight loss, “Should I lose weight before cosmetic surgery?” My answer is most always the same, “Yes.” Multiple reasons lead me to this answer. Some reasons are related to the general health risks of even mild obesity, while others are related to anesthesia and surgery itself.
We all struggle with extra pounds, me included. This is one of the blessings of living in an affluent society, access to food-a-plenty. These extra pounds may put us at risk for serious medical problems. These include diabetes, heart disease, and many forms of cancer. Reduced physical activity increases a women’s risk for osteoporosis. Severe obesity contributes to joint problems and serious skin conditions. Extra abdominal weight also increases the risk of gastric reflux or heartburn. Reflux of stomach acid or gastric juice into the lungs may lead to life threatening pneumonia. General anesthesia and sedation carry risks, also when carrying extra weight. The most serious is airway or breathing related problems. Decreased ability to take very deep breaths, along with actual partial breathing passage closure can pose significant threats during anesthesia.
Several measures taken after surgery may often reduce some risks. I have found that cosmetic surgery results are far better when the fat layer beneath the skin is as thin as possible before surgery. In the case of skin tightening procedures, the skin can be stretched more easily to give a better result. I also believe that wound healing is more efficient, there are fewer complications and patients see the best results when at lower body weight .
Patients presenting for cosmetic surgery consultation who are carrying extra pounds frequently change their minds regarding which procedures they want following weight loss. This is most evident with breast surgery. A woman considering breast reduction before weight loss, will frequently choose breast enlargement after weight loss! Patients considering liposuction before weight loss, choose different areas for treatment after weight loss. Skin appearance often responds better when weight loss is gradual and exercise is part of the program.
I know the idea of having surgery first, followed by weight loss and conditioning has been popularized on reality TV. It has never made sense to me. Why take this shortcut if there are increased risks, potential medical problems and compromised cosmetic results? Please consider being within 20 pounds or less of your ideal weight before considering cosmetic surgery. It is the best advice that I can offer my patients.
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