Steps in Cosmetic Surgery: Closure
September 17th, 2012
13.8 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in the United States in 2011, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). There are four universal steps to follow for all cosmetic procedure involving surgery. As I have previously discussed so far, step one is incision, followed by dissection and sculpting. This brings us to discussion of the final step, which is wound closure.
In elective cosmetic surgery cases, taking extra time to do an aesthetic closure is possible. The first phase in wound closure is suturing (sewing) the skin and deeper tissues back together, also known as tissue approximation. How well this is done will determine the physical appearance of the scar.
Alcohol Use Before Surgery
July 23rd, 2012
Pre-surgery instructions include many do’s and don’ts. We take considerable care to help patients understand their responsibility in preparing for cosmetic surgery.
One of the most frequent questions I hear relates to alcohol use before and after surgery. I advise my patients not to have any alcoholic drinks (including beer and wine) for one week before surgery, also to refrain from having any alcoholic beverages for two days after your surgery date and to not resume as long as you are taking prescription medications.
Numerous studies have been done about the effects and risks from alcohol and drinking prior to surgery. Alcohol interferes with anesthetic medicines and may contribute to excessive bleeding. If you might have difficulty in complying with these restrictions, it is important to address your concerns with your physician prior to surgery.
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