Preparing for Surgery – Preoperative care
Planning a Cosmetic or Plastic Surgery? Are you aware about the safety and risks of Plastic Surgery? It is important that you be educated as a consumer before you seek medical care and do your homework before you plan to go for it. Choosing to have cosmetic / plastic surgery is an important decision.
Here are a few things we recommend you to know about the safety measures as well as risks factors associated with Cosmetic Surgery.
Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon, you can trust
As a safety measure, it is always recommended that you must choose a skilled, experienced and board certified plastic surgeon for best results, whether its cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery. A doctor with more than six years of surgical training and experience, and at least three years specifically in plastic surgery makes them uniquely qualified to perform your cosmetic or reconstructive procedure.
Dr. Ravindranath Bhyri, M.S, M.Ch, at HCS is a dedicated and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with 13 years of surgical experience, and expertise in complex reconstructive & life-saving procedures. He’s also certified by reputed institutions such as Pan Asia Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
Know the risks and safety measures of Plastic Surgery
The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal and must not be imposed on you. You must be aware of your goals and the benefits of that surgery you’re planning to have.
It is equally important to know if the risks and potential complications are acceptable to you. Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You should not be pregnant, have a fever, an upper respiratory infection (a cold, bronchitis) or a urinary tract infection at the time of surgery.
Sign a Consent Form
After a detailed discussion with your surgeon/staff, you will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks and potential complications.
Be sure to ask questions
It’s very important to ask your plastic surgeon questions about your procedure. No question is unimportant. Whether it’s a feeling of anxiety about pre-surgical stress or excitement about your anticipated outcome, never shy away from clarifying your doubts or sharing your feelings with your surgeon.
Maintain a regular schedule of Follow-up Appointments
You end up establishing a long-term relationship with your surgeon, that will continue post-surgery for a long time. So maintaining a regular schedule of follow-up examinations will help you enjoy the benefits of continued quality care. It will help you reach out to your surgeon if there are any changes as you age, or experience any complications.
Ask for Before-After pictures or videos
Browse through before and after photos to see the kinds of improvements surgical and minimally invasive procedures can make. These photographs represent typical results, but not everyone who undergoes plastic surgery will achieve the same results. It depends on individual health conditions, personal preferences and goals.
Discuss about the Anesthesia options and associated safety and risks, your medical history, lifestyle habits, allergies etc.
Before undergoing surgery requiring sedation or general anesthesia, a full medical history including diagnostic tests is recommended. Be candid with your medical history and general health that include:
- Disclose complete health history including any illness, previous surgery of any kind and if there have been any kind of complications from past surgery.
- If you are currently taking any medications under a physician’s recommendation, please let us know so that we can determine if they will interfere with the surgery. In most cases, you should continue your other usual prescribed medications (blood pressure medications, diabetes medications).
- Talk about all types of allergies and any reaction to anesthesia previously.
- Discuss the current medications, the use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
- The use of oral contraceptives by women
- Before surgery, you must follow all of your plastic surgeon’s instructions. This may include:
- Cessation of smoking
- Follow the advice of your surgeon regarding taking or stopping certain types of medications that may increase your risk of abnormal bleeding.
- On the day of surgery, you may be asked to:
- Avoid eating or drinking anything within a defined time period prior to surgery
- Follow all postoperative instructions carefully, including cleansing and at-home treatment regimens, and avoiding sun exposure.
Your cooperation is essential and will influence the outcome of your surgery.
Ensure that your Surgery is done in an Accredited Facility
Your surgery may be performed in a hospital setting or in an out-patient or day surgery center. An accredited facility is one that must meet strict national standards for equipment, operating room safety, personnel and surgeon credentials.
Clothing on the day of Surgery
Check with your surgeon regarding your clothing on the surgery day.
- Wearing comfortable top which buttons easily in front.
- Do not wear any kind of jewelry.
- Confirm your post-operative appointment
- Be well aware of postop care.
- Provide the office with you mobile phone number and a valid e-mail address
Check the cost of the surgery and if supported by Health Insurance.
Though most cosmetic surgeons are not supported by Health Insurance, some reconstructive surgeries are insured. Check with your surgeon the approximate cost of the procedure and additional/hidden costs if any, during the initial consultation.
We look forward to helping you through your consultation and surgical journey (pre and post)!