Each major aesthetic surgery procedure requires pre-operative examinations. In a local anesthesia procedure a basic blood count and a haemogram (blood coagulation parameters) are required. The total anesthesia procedure required complete blood count and an IM examination.
Seven days prior to surgery blood thinning medication, mostly derivatives of acetylsalicylic acid (Ticlopidin) should be stopped. Long -term administration of Orfarin or Warfarin should be switched for administration of injection of low-molecular heparins. This part of pre-operative preparation phase should be consulted with your internist. Women should undergo surgery immediately before or during monthlies. In case a general anesthesia procedures has been selected it is recommended one months prior to surgery to stop hormonal contraception. Otherwise injections of low-molecular heparins are administered by injection as prophylactic to elevated blood coagulation.
A procedure can be carried out in local or general anesthesia. Ask your doctor which is the best one for you. Under local anesthesia the patient is fully conscious and can go home the same day the procedure was finished. The most often used local anesthetic is Mesocain. Always inform doctor about past allergic reactions on administered medication or disinfectant. Prior to major surgery patients are often pre-medicated by sedatives. Since sedated person cannot concentrate well, it is recommended to leave after surgery in the company of another person.
General anesthesia involves several pre-operational stages as well as a short post-operational follow-up of the hospitalized patient. At least 6 hours prior to applying general anesthesia patients are not allowed to eat, drink and smoke.
The procedure’s typical side-effects are haematoma, bruises and swellings. They are connected especially with face surgery and liposuctions. They are not complications. They disappear spontaneously, depending on the disturbed areas, usually within 2-3 weeks. The recovery from rhinoplasty can take several months.
Resorption of large-area haematoma (mainly after reductive breast surgery, face lift or liposuctions) may 2-5 days after surgery temporarily lead to elevated body temperature or fever, in spite of administered antibiotics.
No aesthetic surgery should be performed on persons younger than 16. Developmental defects, mainly protruding or deformed ears, traumatizing the child are indicated from the age 5-6. Breast corrections are indicated after age 18.
Aesthetic surgeons are trained to master a fine surgical technique with minimal traumatization. However, each incision made leaves a more or less visible scar.
A satisfactory outcome also depends on the location. A scar usually takes 6 to 12 months to fully mature.
During the first months scar have mostly typical red coloration and feel hard. Gradually they loose both color and hardness. Scars should be creamed, massaged and protected against sun light by high factor sun protection. An ideally healed scar is barely visible and inconspicuous. It should be mentioned that scar healing may be accompanied by certain abnormalities, such as the formation of hypotrophic, hypertrophic or even keloid scars. Abnormal healing can be expected in predisposed individuals, with typical topicity (face, shoulders, sternum…) during puberty.
The majority of breast implants are being inserted under the pectoral muscle, most often through a submammary approach. Similarly the subglandular implant placement disturb neither the lactiferous duct connected with the nipple nor the ability to breastfeed.
A good plastic surgeon always finds time to answer all your questions concerning the envisioned surgical procedure. Usually there is more that one way to reach the goal. Sometimes not even surgery can help.
Talk about the surgery plan with your surgeon. Let him explain all possible approaches to the solution of your problem, their advantages and drawbacks. Ask about post-op recovery, risks and possible operative and post-operative complications.