Lipo as a quick fix? Part 2
June 15th, 2010
Lipo as weight loss? Part 2
Why isn’t Lipo a quick fix for weight reduction? We all may struggle with a few extra pounds. This is one of the blessings of living in an affluent society, access to food-a-plenty. However, these extra pounds can put us at risk for serious medical problems. Some of the problems include diabetes, heart disease, and many forms of cancer. The sedentary lifestyle associated with being over-weight also contributes to a score of health risks. Reduced physical activity increases a women’s risk for osteoporosis. Severe obesity contributes to joint problems, serious skin conditions and increased blood pressure. Extra abdominal weight also increases the risk of gastric reflux or heartburn. Reflux of stomach acid or gastric juice aspirated into the lungs may lead to life threatening pneumonia.
Anesthesia and sedation during surgery carry increased risks for heavier patients, as well. 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, but not eliminate them. Obese patients have a more difficult time walking right after surgery, thus increasing their risk. Walking after surgery is critical to reduce blood clots in the legs, as clots can break free and become lodged in the lung, resulting in sudden death. Ease of mobility is an important factor. Healthy patients usually have an easier recovery from surgery and suffer from fewer complications.
Check back tomorrow for Lipo as weight loss? Part 3
Mirror, Mirror. Unrealistic Expectations?
May 24th, 2010
There is an old saying among general surgeons, “If you don’t operate, you will not have complications.”
The same can be said of cosmetic surgical results. On occasion, the results of surgery do not go according to plan. All surgeons have surgical results that are less than optimal. Occasionally some surgery may benefit from a secondary surgery to improve the result.
The causes of less than optimum results are complex. Complications such as unwanted bleeding or infection may occur, compromising recovery and healing. Sometimes patients do not follow after care instructions as carefully as they could, which can lead to problems. Pre-existing medical conditions may also interfere with healing and scarring. The surgical design may just not work out for a particular patient. Generally, the final outcome is a combination due to some or all of these factors.
Revision surgery is often difficult. Changes in anatomy are normal following surgery, so that must be taken into account when planning revised surgery. Feelings of disappointment and possible misgivings by the patient are not to be over-looked. Expectations of perfection may present undue anxiety during recovery, as a result of unrealistic goals. It is necessary to understand the limitations of the procedure. Even the most talented surgeon is unlikely to transform prospective patients into their Hollywood idols. Communication between patient and physician is key to maintaining healthy expectations of having surgery.
Surgical results are rarely perfect. The decision to perform revisional surgery is generally based on the likelihood of improvement, weighed against the risk of making things worse.
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