Plastic Surgery and your Health
With all the talk about cosmetic procedures by celebrities and the media many people have the impression that plastic surgery is as easy as going to a spa or salon. However, cosmetic surgery is still surgery and often this is not stressed enough when you are considering having a procedure done yourself. There are always some risks involved and your body should be in good shape in order to safely have surgery and recover without problems.
What should you before having surgery?
In order to ensure that you are as healthy as can be, your plastic surgeon may ask for you to get medical clearance before operating. Your internist or family physician usually does this. He or she will review your medical history, do a complete physical exam, order blood tests and perhaps even an EKG to check your heart. For women having breast surgery, a recent mammogram may be required.
This is usually done a few weeks before your procedure and can sometimes be essential to having a safe surgical experience. You don’t want to discover potential issues like anemia or a heart problem while in the operating room or during your recovery. And if you have an ongoing medical problem like high blood pressure or diabetes, your doctor can make recommendations on how best to manage your medications to minimize potential complications.
If you don’t have a doctor that you regularly see, your surgeon can refer you to someone. One of the many advantages of working with a group like WESTMED is that I have a wide selection of primary care doctors and specialists that I can refer patients to who work together as a team to ensure your best health and safety. Most surgeons recommend that if you are over 40 years old, you should have a clearance letter from your physician. If the person performing your surgery doesn’t feel that’s important then you should consider finding a board certified plastic surgeon who does.
Your health and safety should always come first. So, before having plastic surgery, make sure you have a full medical exam and that your surgeon is aware of any medical conditions you may have. This can help make your elective cosmetic procedure a safe and happy experience that will improve your quality of life.
