Donda West Death Results in New Law
December 10th, 2009
In response to the death of Donda West, Kanye West’s mother, the California State Senate recently approved a requirement that patients must be given a physical exam before elective surgery, according to the Los Angeles Times. The new law, AB 252, passed by an overwhelming margin. The vote was 37 to 1. This new California statute requires a history and physical examination be done prior to any elective cosmetic surgery or cosmetic medicine procedure that is performed in physician offices. The goal, of course, is to reduce the risk of death or serious impairment associated with surgery. Unfortunately the law does not address cosmetic surgery done in dentist offices or surgery related to body modifications carried out in non-medical facilities or surgery done by unqualified personnel.
I have always insisted that my patients have a History and Physical completed by their primary physician before having elective surgery. The most important philosophy guiding most surgeons, in an effort to avoid complications from cosmetic surgery, directly relates to patient safety. Risks are present in all medical procedures and surgical treatments, but certain steps minimize this risk. Yet complications occur and cannot be eliminated entirely. It is important to know that your surgeon has made every effort to reduce the risks and incidence of complications for any cosmetic surgery.
One of the cornerstones making cosmetic surgery safer is the pre-operative History and Physical. This medical evaluation is usually completed in advance of having cosmetic surgery. I require this evaluation to be done within two weeks prior to a patient’s surgery date. It was my practice as I began my career as a surgeon and it is a policy that I have continued for the past twenty-five years. However, I do not do pre-operative history and physicals on my own patients. I prefer that an independent, unbiased physician complete the examination, order necessary laboratory tests and finally interpret the results and confirm that the patient is healthy enough for surgery. I like to think of this division of patient care as an effective tool used to uncover any underlying medical condition that might lessen the safety of having elective surgery.
Whether or not your state requires this extra step, please consider having a pre-operative medical examination before all elective surgery.
Leah Blog: Tummy Tuck Consultation
December 9th, 2009
After some research on my own, I learned that I could probably only lose that skin with surgery. I knew of Dr. Bashioums reputation, I had heard him on the radio and I enjoyed his humorous television commercials. I decided that I needed to meet with him to see what he was like in person. I connected with him right away. He made me feel comfortable with my body and confident in his ability to make the change that I was looking for. I did not need a ton of skin removed, but he agreed that I could use a tune up. It was only after I first met with him that I took the time to specifically research his work.
During my consultation, I met with Dr. Bashioum and he examined my stomach. He did not think it would be much work at all. He felt that I could get rid of the extra skin and use a muscle tightening technique to pull it all together. I want to look good in a bikini, but I also want to be able to grow old without having to work so hard. I do take care of myself everyday to stay healthy and I want to FEEL as good on the outside as I do on the inside. It is purely an image choice and I am ok with that. I am stuck with this body for the rest of my life, so I want to feel proud of it.
I am worried about post-surgery recovery the most. I have four kids under the age of 10. They do not all require physical attention but they do need me there for them everyday. I did not want this to impact them negatively AT ALL. My recovery will probably impact my 2 year old the most, since he still likes to be picked up and carried around. I am really going to have to watch myself. My husband has agreed to cover the kids for the week and my mother-in-law is going to help out, too. I do not think I could pull this off without them!
I also want to keep this surgery private and do not want people to know that I have had surgery. If someone asks, I will tell them, but I am not going to offer the information unless they ask. How am I going to keep this secret? I just want people to notice how great I look and feel. That is what I hope for my future- to look great and FEEL great.
My surgery is scheduled for early January, so be sure to check back to read more about my experience.
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