How to Minimize Your Risk of Surgery Mishaps
Millions of people undergo plastic surgery every year and the procedure techniques are becoming more advanced all the time. It has become almost common place to know someone who has had plastic surgery. Despite the fact how mainstream plastic surgery has become, it can still be a scary thing. What if there are complications? What if the results aren’t what you hoped for? What if the procedure causes serious health issues?
The truth is that while the risks involved with plastic surgery have diminished significantly over the past decade, they have not and will never be completely eliminated. However, there are some things you can do that will minimize your risk of something going wrong with your procedure and make the experience a positive one.
Before Your Procedure
- Research, research, research – One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to spend some time looking into the procedure you’re interested in getting and the surgeon you’re considering to do it. This will help take some of the mystery out of the procedure and give you a better idea of what to expect from the process. Researching your doctor will also help minimize your risks, especially if you choose one who is well known for getting outstanding results in the specific procedure you’re interested in. Reviewing patient comments and critiques will give you a good idea of whether this doctor will be the best one for you.
- Schedule a patient consultation – Once you’ve done your research, you need to schedule an appointment with a doctor. This gives you the opportunity to have some one-on-one time to ask your questions and voice your concerns regarding the procedure. It also allows you to check out your potential relationship with your surgeon (Are they capable of satisfactorily answering your questions? Do they appear confident in their abilities? Do you feel comfortable and safe with them?). If the surgeon owns a private practice with their own surgical facility, you’ll also be able to see what kind of equipment they use and if the environment is safe and healthy.
- Follow your pre-surgery instructions – After you’ve chosen your surgeon, had your consultation, and made your surgery appointment, it will be extremely important that you follow the list of Do’s and Don’ts given to you. These can include anything from avoiding cigarettes and alcohol to the type of face wash you should be using. Even if some of them seem a little far-fetched, they need to be followed implicitly. These instructions are based off of years of research and experience and are designed to make the procedure as easy and as safe for you as possible.
- Communicate with your surgeon – If you have any questions or concerns leading up to your surgery date, even if it seems like something silly, talk about it with your surgeon. Chances are good that they know the answers and how to address them.
After Your Surgery
- Take it easy – Recovery from surgery can take a toll on a patient, especially if the procedure was fairly extensive or multiple procedures were being done. It’s important that you take the time you need to relax and let your body heal. Make arrangements to have someone help you around the house if you need it, or set up a special area for yourself at home designed specifically to help you relax.
- Be patient – Your body will need time to heal and it’s going to take as much time as it needs. Trying to speed up the process will only hurt you in the long run and could even delay your recovery more. Your results may not be visible right away, and that’s okay! Be patient with your body and with yourself to help keep your recovery as smooth as possible.
- Follow your post-surgery instructions – Like your pre-surgery instructions, these need to be followed to the letter to maximize your chances of a speedy recovery with minimal risks. These will include things like how to sleep, when to take your pain medications (if you have any), and what kind of nutrition you need.
- Communicate with your surgeon – Talking to your surgeon is just as important after surgery as it is before surgery. If you experience any issues with your recovery or you have questions about anything, be sure to talk to your surgeon. Their job isn’t over just because you walked out of their operating room; they will want to know how you’re doing and help you in whatever way they can.
The risks associated having plastic surgery are always going to be present and even if you follow all these steps, there is still a chance that something could go wrong. However, patients who take these precautions are far more likely to have a positive and successful outcome to their surgery than those who don’t.
If you have any questions about the surgical procedures offered by Dr. Paul Nassif at Spalding Drive Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA, you can contact him by calling (310) 275-2467.