When considering plastic surgery, it’s essential to consider all the risks, the potential outcomes, and what pre-existing factors can affect the outcome of plastic surgery. Two of the biggest factors that influence plastic surgery outcomes are pre-existing medical conditions and habits that contribute to certain medical conditions.
Medical conditions can have a significant impact on the outcomes of plastic surgery procedures. These conditions can range from relatively minor issues, such as allergies or high blood pressure, to more serious conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. Other lifestyle factors that affect a person’s health, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, can also impact medical conditions and the outcome of a plastic surgery procedure.
If you’re considering a plastic surgery procedure, it is important to disclose any medical conditions you have or any lifestyle habits that affect your health to your plastic surgeon before undergoing surgery. This information can help the surgeon make informed decisions about the best course of treatment and whether you’re a good, healthy candidate for surgery.
It’s also important to be informed before any plastic surgery procedure since the decision to undergo surgery isn’t one to be made lightly. Being informed about how certain medical conditions or habits you may have can impact the outcome of your procedure and the potential risks it may create helps you make an informed decision and have realistic expectations.
In this article, we will go over certain medical conditions that can impact the outcome of plastic surgery procedures, certain lifestyle factors that can affect your health and surgery outcomes, and how to move forward.
Diabetes
One of the most common medical conditions that can affect plastic surgery outcomes is diabetes. Diabetes is a medical condition that affects the body’s ability to process glucose properly. Diabetic patients are at increased risk of complications during and after surgery, such as infections, slow healing, and poor wound healing. They may also experience numbness or tingling in the area around the incision site.
A primary reason having diabetes can impact plastic surgery outcomes is poor blood flow. Diabetes can damage the blood vessels, which can lead to poor circulation. This can make it harder for the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the surgical site, slowing down the healing process. Additionally, diabetes can also affect the body’s ability to fight off infection, which can increase the risk of complications such as wound infections.
To reduce these risks, diabetic patients may need to be closely monitored by their surgeon during the surgical process and recovery period. Additionally, patients with diabetes should be prepared for a longer recovery period and may need to take additional precautions to prevent infection and manage pain and discomfort. If you have diabetes, before moving forward with surgery, your doctor and a licensed plastic surgeon should evaluate your condition to determine if it is safe for you to undergo surgery, what you can expect, and how to get the best outcome.
Heart Disease
Another medical condition that can significantly impact plastic surgery outcomes is heart disease. Patients with heart disease are at a higher risk of complications related to the anesthesia used during surgery, such as heart attack or stroke. They may also experience increased blood loss during the procedure and require more postoperative care and monitoring. The risk of complications from plastic surgery is higher in patients with heart disease, as the stress of surgery can place additional strain on the heart. To reduce these risks, patients with heart disease may need to undergo further testing or have a cardiologist consult with a plastic surgeon before surgery to determine that it’s safe to undergo surgery.
After surgery, patients with heart disease may need more frequent check-ins with their surgeon to ensure they’re healing properly and that no complications arise. Plastic surgery patients with heart disease should also consult their surgeon on their postoperative care plan and prepare accordingly to ensure a smooth recovery.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can significantly impact the outcomes of plastic surgery procedures. Patients with hypertension are at an increased risk of bleeding and blood clots during surgery and may experience other complications, such as delayed or poor wound healing. The increased blood pressure can cause blood vessels to constrict, which can limit the blood flow to the surgical site, resulting in complications or a more extended healing period.
Hypertensive patients may also have more difficulty tolerating general anesthesia, which can lead to complications such as respiratory distress or arrhythmias. Additionally, hypertension can increase the risk of complications such as infection, tissue death, and other adverse outcomes.
To avoid these complications and achieve a positive outcome from plastic surgery, patients with high blood pressure may need to have their blood pressure controlled before and after surgery and be closely monitored during the recovery period. This may include taking blood pressure medication before and after surgery and monitoring blood pressure regularly during recovery. The plastic surgeon may also need to take additional precautions during the surgery, such as adjusting the patient’s anesthesia or using special equipment to monitor the patient’s blood pressure.
Additionally, if you have high blood pressure and are considering plastic surgery, you should have a consultation with a plastic surgeon and a medical evaluation to determine if your condition disqualifies you from surgery.
Allergies
Allergies can play a role in plastic surgery outcomes, particularly for patients allergic to anesthesia or other medications. Allergic reactions can cause various symptoms, including itching, hives, or difficulty breathing, and can lead to serious complications, if not properly managed. Allergies can also affect the patient’s ability to tolerate anesthesia and their ability to heal after surgery.
Patients with known allergies should inform their surgeon and anesthesiologist before surgery and may need additional testing or take special precautions during the procedure. For example, if a patient is allergic to a certain type of anesthesia, the anesthesiologist may choose to use a different type of anesthesia or may give the patient a pre-medication to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
Additionally, patients with allergies to certain medications, such as antibiotics, should inform their surgeon, as they may need to take special precautions during surgery and recovery. This may include switching to a different type of medication or taking a pre-medication to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
If you are unsure if you’re allergic to certain anesthetics or medications and are considering plastic surgery, it may be a good idea to see an allergist for testing as a precaution.
Other Medical Conditions
Other medical conditions can impact plastic surgery outcomes, including lung disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and autoimmune disease. These conditions can affect the patient’s ability to tolerate anesthesia and their ability to heal after surgery. Patients with these conditions may need to undergo additional testing or have a specialist consult with the plastic surgeon before undergoing surgery.
The Bottom Line
Plastic surgery outcomes can be affected by a variety of medical conditions. Patients need to disclose any medical conditions they have to their plastic surgeon before surgery, as this information can help the surgeon make informed decisions about the best course of treatment and help to reduce the risk of complications. By working closely with their surgeon and other specialists, patients with medical conditions can still achieve good outcomes with plastic surgery while minimizing their risks.
It is important to note that the above-mentioned medical conditions are just examples. Every patient has a unique medical history, so it is crucial to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon before any procedure. If you’re considering plastic surgery and want to learn if you can achieve your desired outcome with a specific medical condition, schedule a consultation today with Ivy League-educated, board-certified surgeon, Dr. Rogers. Dr. Rogers and his team can answer all your in-depth questions and more.
