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Plastic surgery aims to restore harmony and well-being to patients showing signs of aging or physical deformities, helping to rebuild their self-esteem and facilitating their reintegration into their social circles. The specialty has gained enormous importance in modern society, as a good appearance can have a significant influence on various areas of social, professional, and even personal life. When we improve our appearance, we boost our pride and self-esteem—this maximizes our performance in all aspects of life. Ultimately, the philosophy of plastic surgery is to help patients improve their quality of life.
The Doctor's Visit: Choosing Your Doctor
The boom in cosmetic surgery has made it difficult to identify a qualified plastic surgeon. Whereas cosmetic surgery used to be performed exclusively by plastic surgeons, today many other doctors offer cosmetic procedures. The search for a qualified plastic surgeon is just one of the challenges you will face. Careful planning and an organized approach are essential if you want a satisfactory result. Don’t skimp on time, money, or effort. Many patients spend more time and money shopping than they do choosing their doctor. Be careful: it’s your body—you’ll be looking at it for the rest of your life!
How to Choose a Doctor
A plastic surgeon’s training is the factor that most influences the quality of the final outcome of plastic surgery. Basic training includes six years of medical school, two years of general surgery, and three years of residency in plastic surgery. Some even pursue a subspecialization for one or two years, reaching the highest level of specialization a physician can achieve in a particular surgical field. Therefore, look for a doctor who has trained at a recognized institution—ask about their specializations, their experience, whether they teach classes and courses, if they have contributed to publications, who they have worked with; in short, interview them as if you were the HR manager of a company seeking the best professional. Look for a specialist in the specific surgery you want; in other words, if you plan to have nose surgery, make sure they are a nose specialist.
Following the recommendations of people who have had surgery performed by that doctor is a good way to make the right choice when selecting a healthcare professional. In addition to checking the results, ask the person about all stages of the treatment and how the doctor behaved before and after the surgery. Hospital staff—including nurses, receptionists, and other doctors—are excellent sources of information, as they observe the surgeon’s work in their daily routine, as well as their behavior in the operating room and with patients…
Introduction
Anesthesia is a critical procedure for maintaining the patient’s health during surgery. It must be administered by a licensed anesthesiologist who is a member of the state’s medical society. The anesthesiologist must have practical experience with all procedures and emergency management, and must be certified in the proper operation of equipment, ensuring the patient receives surgery with the highest possible level of safety.
The pre-anesthesia visit
The preanesthetic consultation is the patient’s first meeting with the anesthesiologist. During this brief interview, the patient’s medical and surgical history is discussed in detail, along with any current medical conditions and medications. The anesthesiologist must review the preoperative test results, explain the stages of anesthesia, and describe typical reactions upon waking. At the end of the consultation, the patient (who must have fasted for at least 8 hours) receives a pre-anesthetic medication to induce sleep and reduce memory retention regarding the initial steps of anesthesia in the operating room, making the patient more comfortable.
The operating room
The operating room must be equipped with modern, reliable equipment that is comfortable for both the patient and the medical staff. Among the necessary devices, cardiac monitors, blood pressure monitors, digital pulse oximeters, and warming systems are now the minimum monitoring requirements for any surgical procedure. These devices must be checked daily to ensure that surgery is performed safely.
Types of anesthesia
There are three main types of anesthesia used in plastic surgery: combined local anesthesia (local anesthesia combined with sedation), regional anesthesia, and general anesthesia. Combined local anesthesia can be used for a variety of procedures, ranging from minor procedures—which are the most common—to longer surgeries. This technique is typically reserved for patients who are in good health and are emotionally and physically stable…
Plastic Surgery - Decision-Making
Even so, any surgical procedure carries some risk of complications. Plastic surgery is not an exact science, and sometimes, even when performed by a skilled professional who follows the necessary procedures to the letter, the body may react in unexpected ways. Don’t blame the doctor in this case—he’ll likely be just as upset as you are. Fortunately, less serious complications tend to be more common, while more serious complications are rarer. Furthermore, most of them result in little more than a longer recovery period, without compromising the final outcome of the surgery.
A competent and caring surgeon knows how to resolve the complication and will stay by your side until everything has been resolved. Ultimately, you are the doctor’s calling card. The most important thing in this situation is for the doctor to discuss the causes of the problem and possible solutions honestly and clearly, in order to minimize the patient’s anxiety. Be grateful if your doctor has the humility to realize that they are unable to resolve the problem and refers you to a specialist. If you feel uncertain, you should seek the opinion of two or three doctors to ensure you choose the best course of action and gain confidence.
Important Care Instructions
Undergoing surgery is not a routine experience for most of us. Consequently, this stage of treatment is invariably accompanied by some degree of anxiety. Understanding all the stages of treatment can help provide greater comfort and peace of mind. The most important thing, however, is to carefully follow your doctor’s instructions to ensure a successful outcome.
Ultimately, satisfaction with the results of plastic surgery depends not only on the planning. Certain steps taken by patients before and after surgery can help prevent potential complications and lead to a more satisfactory aesthetic outcome. The patient’s full cooperation—following the surgeon’s instructions—and the actions of healthcare professionals play a crucial role in the outcome of the surgery.
Tell your doctor about any chronic conditions or medications you take regularly, as some medications may increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery. Therefore, be sure to read the package insert! Do not take aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or any of its derivatives, arnica, ginkgo biloba, or homeopathic medicines containing herbs for 2 weeks before and after surgery. Medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and dipyrone (Novalgin) are appropriate alternatives.
Following the recommendations of people who have had surgery performed by that doctor is a good way to make the right choice when selecting a healthcare professional. In addition to checking the results, ask the person about all stages of the treatment and how the doctor behaved before and after the surgery. Hospital staff—including nurses, receptionists, and other doctors—are excellent sources of information, as they observe the surgeon’s work in their daily routine, as well as their behavior in the operating room and with patients…
Addressing your concerns is the first step toward making an informed decision.
Our medical team is here to help you, with no obligation.
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