Plastic Surgery Complications

Although fortunately quite uncommon, complications can occur with any surgery, and cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures are no exception. Most complications are relatively minor, and tend to settle without the need for further surgery, but occasionally, secondary surgery may be necessary.

Patient selection is paramount, as I tell all my patients that a successful outcome is really a partnership: I will be the best plastic surgeon I can be, but then the patient also needs to be the best patient they can be! In this regard, I do not operate on patients who are significantly overweight for their height, or who are in poor general health. Smoking is a major potential cause of complications, and indeed, I will not perform facelifts or tummy tucks on patients who continue to smoke around the time of the surgery – a minimum complete abstinence from smoking of 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after the surgery are required for these surgeries, in order to be considered a suitable candidate.

Some potential complications are discussed below. Please also refer to the ADVICE page

Scarring: This may be good, bad or ugly! It is really a “material” issue, rather than an “operator” issue. Every incision will leave a scar, which, in most cases, will be well sited (relatively “hidden” in natural body creases etc) and will tend to fade over time to become barely visible. Some patients do not react well to incisions, and may form thickened scars (called hypertrophic scars or keloid scars). These are relatively unusual, but can occur in certain people after surgery (more often in darker skinned races). It is important to note that scars undergo several changes until maturation (usually takes at least 1 year) and I encourage all patients to use external taping (micropore tape or silicone tape) to support the scar for the first 3 months to give the best chance of a good final scar. Smokers tend to make poorer scars.

Bleeding: Cosmetic surgery operations are very controlled, and under normal circumstances, operative bleeding is kept to a minimum. Occasionally, however, in the hours that follow the surgery, some bleeding may occur, and if small, this will result in a bruise. If the bleeding is more substantial, it may form a collection called a haematoma, and should this occur, one may have to return to the operating room, and have this evacuated, and the bleeding stopped. This is never to such an extent that a blood transfusion is needed. To minimize the risk of bleeding, it is vital that you AVOID all of the following for at least 2 weeks prior to the surgery:

• Aspirin or any aspirin containing medication (many cold & flu medication have aspirin)
• NSAIDS e.g. Ibuprofen, voltaren, indocid
• Arnica, herbal tablets, supplements of any sort, vitamins, minerals, omega oils, ginseng etc etc. If unsure, please email me and check. All these supplements may be beneficial AFTER the surgery, but all increase your likelihood of bleeding intra-operatively.

Infection: Uncommon after most plastic surgery operations, and most often simply treated with oral antibiotics. To minimize your risk, it is advisable to use an anti-septic body wash and shampoo for 2-3 days pre-operatively (e.g. Bioscrub, Hibiscrub, Betadine shampoo etc). Infection can be a real problem if prostheses of any sort become infected, as this may result in the need to remove the implants for 3-6 months.

Wound problems: Most wounds heal by “primary intention” – e.g. all the incisions heal perfectly. Occasionally however, the wounds may not heal perfectly, and may even open slightly. The reasons for this are multiple (smoking for one!). When this does occur, it tends to be minor, and most often may require some topical ointment for a couple of weeks post op. Major wound breakdown is fortunately very uncommon indeed, and would necessitate further surgical intervention. Vitamins (taken after the surgery) are useful to assist the body in healing, as is a balanced diet in the post operative period. Most wounds are stitched using slow absorbing material (6 months to complete absorption) placed in the deep layer of the skin. This is to support the wound as it heals. However, occasionally, these sutures may “work their way” to the skin surface, and if this happens, they will need to be removed. They may become obvious as a little pimple / red area on the skin, or feel like a little hair sticking through the skin – removal is then needed.

Bruising & Swelling: Rather than a complication per se, these represent a consequence of surgery. Everyone should expect some swelling and variable bruising after any surgery, the extent of which will vary from person to person and procedure to procedure. Arnica is useful help with resolution of bruising if taken AFTER the surgery, NOT BEFORE!!

Damage to local structures: Nerves, blood vessels, organs, muscles etc may all be inadvertently injured during the surgery. This is most uncommon, but nevertheless can result from aberrant anatomy and other factors related to the specific nature of the surgery.

Read Further: Plastic Surgery Complications

 

Caution – Bad Effects of Plastic Surgery

When people think about having plastic surgery procedures, they think about how beautiful they will look once they have healed. They anticipate how much better their life will be when they have finally had the rhinoplasty or breast augmentation that they had been dreaming about, but did you know that many cosmetic surgeries have “undesirable outcomes?”

An undesirable outcome in plastic surgery is when something goes wrong, and your results are not perfect. Perhaps too much collagen was used and the look is unnatural. Since every body is different, cosmetic surgery is simply not an exact science. 40% of all rhinoplasty surgeries are corrective surgical procedures that are needed to fix the undesirable outcome.

Does this mean that your surgery will have a bad effect? Not necessarily, but you will want to do all that is in your power to avoid that from happening to you. First of all, make sure that your surgeon is board certified as a plastic surgeon. A doctor who is board certified as a podiatrist has no business performing plastic surgeries, so make sure you do your research when it comes to selecting a qualified surgeon. Surgeons become board certified when they have had more than six years of surgical training and experience.

Make sure that you follow your doctor’s post-surgical instructions. If your surgeon tells you that you cannot get out of bed for the three days following your surgery, then listen to him. Not heeding your surgeon’s advice can cause you not to heal properly leaving you with puckered skin or some other undesirable outcome.

Even if everything goes well after your plastic surgery, you may still have bad effects later on. As time passes, your body changes. You age too, so you will still have lines and wrinkles. Breast implants can get misshapen or lumpy, and they do not last forever and will need to be replaced at some point.

Source: Ezine Articles
South Africa Plastic Surgery

Advice on How to Mentally Prepare for Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery

requires thoughtful preparation. Take plenty of time, learn as much as you can and make the right decision for you. The following advice will assist you in mentally preparing for plastic surgery.

Mentally Prepare for Plastic Surgery With Research

If you are considering plastic surgery, it’s important to make an informed decision. Start with some self-directed research on the procedure of interest to you. Internet research offers a wealth of resources for answers to the many questions and concerns you may have.

Refer to Web sites like DocShop.com for informative articles and recent news about plastic surgery. Discover the risks and benefits. Find out about cost and financing options. You can also get assistance locating a plastic surgeon in your area.

Know What Makes a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery

Contrary to a misguided notion, a good candidate for plastic surgery possesses a positive self-image. Dissatisfaction with a particular aspect of appearance is a normal occurrence. The best candidate views plastic surgery as beneficial, not detrimental.

Plastic surgery can restore confidence and maintain self-image. However, the proper candidate has realistic expectations and a firm understanding for the benefits and limitations of the cosmetic procedure at hand. Physical health and emotional well-being are necessary elements for success with plastic surgery.

Mentally Prepare for Plastic Surgery With a Consultation

A consultation with a medical professional is required prior to plastic surgery. Be forthright and explain your dissatisfaction and desired outcome. Proper communication ensures that you and the cosmetic surgeon are on the same page.

Confidence in the capability of your cosmetic plastic surgeon, the medical staff and operating facility is crucial in order to prepare for plastic surgery mentally. Verify credentials and check for board certification through an accredited organization, such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Ask the plastic surgeon for details regarding his or her experience with the specific procedure at hand. It may be helpful to look at a portfolio of plastic surgery photos as a demonstration of the surgeon’s expertise.

Preparing for Plastic Surgery: Realistic Expectations and Mental Stability

The cosmetic surgeon will explain the benefits of plastic surgery in terms of realistic results. Following a thorough medical exam, the doctor will explain potential risks in detail. Ask questions about any thing that is unclear.

Be prepared to answer personal questions regarding work, home and relationships. The doctor will want to evaluate emotional stability in order to move forward with the procedure. Cosmetic plastic surgery is not recommended for patients under considerable stress or in the midst of traumatic events.

Mentally Prepare for Plastic Surgery: Understand the Recovery Period

Depending on the plastic surgery procedure, recovery can prove somewhat challenging. In some cases, there may be discomfort, including bruising and swelling. Certain surgical procedures require that patients remain in bed for a number of days, followed by limited activity.

Following postoperative directions and being prepared for emotional challenges can ensure a positive recovery. Post surgical depression is a common experience for many patients. In most cases, depression subsides within a few days. Patients must also understand that results from plastic surgery occur gradually.

Mentally Prepare for Plastic Surgery: Emotional Support

Enlist the support of a trustworthy friend during the early postoperative period. Physical assistance around the house may be necessary to guarantee that you receive the appropriate amount of rest. However, emotional support is just as vital for a more positive recovery experience.

Though cosmetic plastic surgery is an elective procedure, it should be taken seriously. Understand the permanence of the procedure and think carefully before making a decision. Visit DocShop.com for more advice on how to prepare for plastic surgery mentally.

Source: Article Base
Plastic Surgery in Cape Town

Abdominal Contouring Surgeries

This covers a spectrum of surgeries ranging from liposuction only, to liposuction + mini tummy-tuck, to full tummy tuck / abdominoplasty. These procedures are customised to address specific problems of abdominal contour, and will deal specifically with combinations of excess skin, fatty deposits and muscle weakness.

Liposuction is generally reserved for younger patients with elastic skin and moderate fatty deposits. In addition, good abdominal muscle tone is important to ensure a good liposuction result.

Mini-Tummy Tuck:

A mini-tummy tuck is performed when problems of excess skin and muscle weakness are present (this often being the case following pregnancy). This operation is generally done under spinal anaesthetic, as a day case, and initially involves liposuction of the entire tummy area. Then a variable amount of lower abdominal skin is removed, exposing the muscles, which are then tightened from the belly button down towards the pubis. This gives a very favourable contour to the lower abdomen, and adds longevity to the result. The belly button is not moved in this operation. Most caesarian section scars are removed , although you will be left with a lower abdominal scar somewhat longer than a caesarian scar (but this is well hidden in a bikini)

Full Tummy Tuck:

A full tummy tuck is done when there is muscle weakness along the full length of the abdomen (from breast bone to pubis), and there is a significant excess of fat and skin. I usually will not do liposuction to the abdomen (as this may cause problems with the circulation to this region) although often do liposuction to the flanks at the same time. All the skin and fat between the belly button and pubic region is removed, the muscles are then tightened from breast bone to pubis, and finally the skin is closed, and belly button repositioned. A long lower abdominal scar will be present, as will a scar within the belly button. This is a major operation, done under spinal anaesthesia, and will require a 2-3 day hospital stay. Complications are fortunately rare, but can be potentially serious, and so patient selection is important. Generalised obesity, cigarette smoking, previous venous thrombosis or poor general health are some contra-indications to a full tummy tuck.

Summary:

All the above procedures are designed to give the patient an improved abdominal contour, and greater confidence in clothing and swim-wear. Good patient and procedure selection, and a thorough understanding of all the risks and benefits of the various options, should ensure a favourable outcome.

If you have any questions about this, feel free to email me

Learn more about tummy tucks

Learm more about procedures.

Where You Should Begin When Considering Plastic Surgery

Have you considered plastic surgery but were too intimidated to start the process? There are two very important steps to take initially. The first is to choose the right plastic surgeon and the second is to ask the right questions. Anyone with a medical degree and a valid license to practice medicine can call themselves a plastic surgeon. Do you want someone who specializes in hip replacement doing your abdominoplasty or performing your face lift? You need to do your research to ensure a positive outcome.

So how do you make sure the doctor you are interested in is really a plastic surgeon and not just a doctor performing plastic surgeries? Check whether he or she has a plastic surgeon’s certification and experience. You can check with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) online at Abplsurg to verify their status. It should be a warning sign to look somewhere else if your surgeon is not a member.

What type of training do plastic surgeons certified through ABPS have? How does their training differ from that of non-members? At the bare minimum, they must have completed a 2 or 3 year training program in cosmetic plastic surgery from an approved medical institution. Board certified plastic surgeons are qualified to perform plastic, reconstructive, cosmetic or aesthetic surgery.

Once you have chosen a qualified surgeon, the next step is your first visit to his or her office. During your visit, you most likely will be asked to fill out your medical history for the surgeon to review. He or she will ask you a series of questions, but most of this first visit should be you asking a number of important questions of your own. There are some standard questions you should ask during your first plastic surgery consultation.

This is a comprehensive list of questions to ask your surgeon. How often have you performed this type of plastic surgery procedure? Where will my surgery be performed? Are there any medical tests that need to be performed prior to the procedure, and are they included in the pricing? Approximately how long will my surgery take? What kind of anesthesia will be used? Are there any potential side effects, and if so, how have you dealt with them? What type of pain should I expect and what medications are used to treat it? Are the benefits of this procedure permanent? How long after surgery can I return to work? When can I resume normal activities like exercise, sex, etc.? How many check-ups will I have with the doctor after surgery?

However, there are some instances when plastic surgery can be performed by doctors who are not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. These are typically doctor-specific procedures, such as having eyelid surgery done by an ophthalmologist. You also need to know what will happen if an emergency should occur. Are there resources available to deal with the situation quickly? Cosmetic surgery is a serious elective medical procedure, so doing your research prior to going under the knife only makes sense.

Source: Ezine Articles
South Africa Plastic Surgery