Plastic surgery procedures include a range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, from facelifts to breast reconstructions. A board-certified plastic surgeon at Somerset Plastic Surgery will follow appropriate precautions to make your procedure and recovery as safe as possible. Here are four key aspects related to safety in plastic surgery:
1. Health History and Conditions
To begin the process, you will undergo a consultation with a plastic surgeon. This step enables the surgeon to assess whether the procedure is suitable for your anatomy and health history. They will perform an examination of the area, seeing if there are underlying health conditions that could impact your candidacy for the procedure.
Before the consultation, you will be required to fill out an intake form that includes your health history. A surgeon at Somerset Plastic Surgery will review your information during the consultation and ask questions about your general health and family medical history. This includes any previous conditions you have experienced, illnesses you have had, or possibly genetic conditions in your family line. Health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues can come with higher chances of complications. If necessary, the surgeon will review alternatives for your procedure.
Your surgeon will ask you about your allergies to determine if you are allergic to certain types of medications or anesthesia. List the current medicines that you are taking. They may also inquire about your lifestyle habits, including alcohol and drug intake. Ask any questions you have about the surgery, including how long the procedure will take. The surgeon will answer your questions and review potential risks and complications with you. They can also discuss the possibility of safely combining procedures, such as nose shaping and a facelift.
2. Surgery and Anesthesia Preparation
You’ll receive surgery preparation instructions from the doctor to help prevent complications during the procedure. Make sure to follow all instructions. These may include:
- Quitting smoking or recreational drug use.
- Avoiding medications that increase the risk of bleeding.
- Fasting after midnight the day before.
- Finding someone to give you a ride home from surgery.
On the day of the procedure, make sure to come early. The medical team at our clinic may perform blood work tests and review whether you followed pre-surgery instructions. This allows the team to make sure your health is stable and that you are prepared for surgery.
The medical team selects the type of anesthesia based on the nature of the procedure, as well as your safety and comfort. Types of anesthesia include local anesthesia and general anesthesia. General anesthesia allows you to sleep through the procedure, while local anesthesia numbs the area being worked on. An anesthesiologist can review the anesthesia process with you.
3. Vital Sign Monitoring
During procedures, trained surgeons use high-quality techniques and equipment to promote safety. The surgeons will monitor your vital signs, which include your heart rate and breathing, throughout the procedure. This allows them to make sure you are comfortable and reacting well to the procedure.
4. Follow-Up Care
After your surgery, you may need to spend a day or two in the clinic for monitoring purposes. When you are ready to go home, you will receive post-surgery instructions to follow, which will help you heal. These instructions often include taking prescribed antibiotics to prevent infections, avoiding strenuous activities, and performing safe methods of managing swelling. A surgeon can recommend supportive therapies if needed, such as physical therapy or specialized wound care. They’ll also let you know when you can return to your former activities.
Post-surgery care is customized to your needs. The care team can adjust your treatment plan and schedule according to your progress. Part of your post-surgery process includes follow-up care and visits with your surgeon. These visits allow the doctor to offer wound care, such as checking and changing dressings and removing stitches. They also help the surgeon prevent infection and monitor your healing process.
During a visit, the surgeon can check the state of any swelling and offer additional healing recommendations. Wearing compression garments and applying cold compresses are some possible suggestions. The number of appointments you will need to attend depends on the type of procedure you have undergone, along wth your individual healing process. A facelift patient may have a longer interval between visits than a breast reduction patient.
Find a Trained Plastic Surgeon
At Somerst Plastic Surgery, we have a qualified team that offers procedures for the breasts, face, and body. Our surgical options include breast augmentation and reconstruction, abdominoplasty and liposuction, rhinoplasty, and eyelid surgery. Somerset Plastic Surgery also provides Botox and Juvederm injections to help smooth wrinkles. A before-and-after gallery is available on our website to allow you to see examples of available surgeries and our work. To meet with a plastic surgeon and discuss your safety questions, complete our appointment request form today.