July 28, 2020 | Preparing Yourself for a Surgery Consultation
3 minute read
3 Minute Read:
Your surgical consultation is a vital part of your plastic surgery process, and full honesty is essential. To achieve the best results and safeguard your health and safety, you need to have a frank discussion with your surgeon about several things:
- Why are you considering plastic surgery?
- What are your expectations of plastic surgery?
- How will the desired procedures help you reach your goals?
- Does your medical history present any risks?
- Are you willing and able to follow the doctor’s orders for prep and recovery?
You should ask your doctor questions, too. He’ll describe the procedure and explain the surgical risks. Be sure you understand the process and what’s expected of you. Voice any issues or concerns you may have. Be honest throughout. What may seem like a small omission to you could have dire consequences.
Why Is My Medical History So Important?
Some medical issues or conditions pose increased risks during surgery. For example, anemia can cause excessive bleeding. Failure to build up your iron before surgery could lead to the need for a transfusion. The more information your doctor has about your health and medical conditions, the better he can prevent dangerous complications.
Can I Minimize My True Alcohol Intake?
If you are a heavy drinker, you need to reveal that to your plastic surgeon. Alcohol can severely impact your surgical outcome due to how it affects your body. One result is excessively dry skin. Your surgeon needs to stretch your skin during a tummy tuck or breast augmentation. Dry, cracked skin makes stapling or suturing more difficult, which can cause scarring.
Alcohol also acts as a natural blood thinner. Thin blood is dangerous during surgery. Plus, the sedative effects of alcohol makes anesthesia unpredictable, complicating things for your anesthesiologist.
Drinking after your procedure can lead to swelling. And it’s unsafe to mix liquor with powerful pain medications. So, be honest with your doctor about your liquor intake. That way, he can accurately determine your risk factors and instruct you on how best to proceed safely.
Is It Okay to Lie About Smoking if It’s Only an Occasional Habit?
If you want your plastic surgery incisions to heal properly, smoking is out during your preparation and recovery. Nicotine wrecks havoc with wound healing. Smoking also restricts blood flow, limiting oxygenation of your organs and tissues. Other possible detrimental effects include more pain, infection, and implant loss (for breast augmentation). If your surgeon isn’t aware of your “occasional” smoking habit, he can’t advise you on the risks. Plus, he won’t know that he needs to demand a smoke-free pre-surgery period.
While some patients may only believe that this warning goes for smoking cigarettes, it also includes vaping. Vape contains nicotine, which is the element responsible for the increased risk. Whether you smoke an occasional cigarette or engage in social vaping, it is essential to stop before your surgical treatment and inform your surgeon of this habit.
Interested in Learning More?
Call 775-828-7400 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation at Louis A Bonaldi Bonaldi Aesthetics in Reno, Nevada. We offer virtual consultations for more convenience.
