Plastic surgery can be an effective way to achieve your desired physical appearance – who doesn’t want to look their best? The reasons for having plastic surgery are personal, and whether your wish is to have a youthful appearance in the face or a more toned appearance of the body, the first step is to consult a qualified plastic surgeon who can provide you with satisfying results.
As with any elective surgery, there are risks of having plastic surgery. As a patient, it is crucial to learn and discuss these risks with your plastic surgeon. A highly reputable, board-certified plastic surgeon takes patient satisfaction and safety seriously.
What Are the Goals of Plastic Surgery?
Plastic surgery aims to improve the appearance or function of a specific part of the body. Some of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the US are:
- Breast augmentation
- Liposuction
- Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty)
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
- Facelift (rhytidectomy)
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
- Breast lift
Some plastic surgeries, such as breast reduction or rhinoplasty, can offer a solution to physical discomfort or health issues. One of the benefits of abdominoplasty is it strengthens the core and improves control of bodily functions.
What Risks Are There for Plastic Surgery?
Like any medical procedure, plastic surgery carries a risk of complications and side effects. Some of the most common risks include infection, excessive bleeding, and complications from anesthesia. Depending on the type and extent of the surgery, other risks may include poor wound healing, scarring, or nerve damage.
What Can Patients Do to Lower Their Risk of Complications from Plastic Surgery?
Choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgery team is the most critical step you can take to reduce the risks of complications:
- Always research your plastic surgeon. Visit the doctor’s state medical board and American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ (ASPS) websites. These resources allow you to verify if your surgeon is board-certified.
- Verify the anesthesiologist. In many cases of plastic surgery complications, the anesthesiologist is usually a nurse anesthesiologist and not a medical doctor certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology.
- Check the history of the medical doctor to see if they have a history of disciplinary action or malpractice lawsuits brought against them.
- Check the facility where they perform the surgery. If it’s an ambulatory center, it should be accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). It should also be within close distance to a hospital for emergencies.
- Disclose your medical history and ask questions during the consultation phase. Follow all instructions provided by your care team, including pre-operative preparation and post-operative care.
- Get healthy for your surgery. Eat a balanced diet, avoid smoking, reduce alcohol intake, and optimize your body’s healing.
- Have a trusted companion or caregiver take you from the surgery facility back to your home and have them stay with you during the first few days for assistance and monitoring.
What Do Plastic Surgeons Do to Enhance Patient Safety During Plastic Surgery Procedures?
Plastic surgery requires thorough planning and preparation. Board-certified plastic surgeons take various measures to enhance patient safety during plastic surgery procedures, such as:
1. Preoperative Assessment
They conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s medical history to determine suitability and rule out any risk factors that can increase the chance of complications and a poor surgical outcome.
2. Educating the Patient
The best plastic surgeons provide detailed information about the procedure and make sure the patient understands the expected outcomes and instructions for pre- and post-operative care.
3. Surgical Facility Accreditation
Plastic surgeons operate in accredited surgical facilities that meet stringent safety standards. These facilities have the necessary equipment, trained staff, and protocols in place for emergency situations.
4. Anesthesia Safety
Plastic surgeons work closely with qualified anesthesiologists and work together to monitor the patient’s vital signs throughout the procedure.
5. Enhanced Infection Control
Surgeons follow strict sterile techniques to minimize the risk of infection. This includes proper hand hygiene, use of sterile instruments, and adherence to protocols for preparing the surgical site.
6. Effective Communication
Effective communication among the surgical team is crucial for patient safety. Plastic surgeons work in a team that may include other doctors, physician’s assistants, anesthesiologists, and nurses.
7. Post-Operative Care
Plastic surgeons provide detailed post-operative care instructions to patients, which cover pain management, incision care, food and drink recommendations, and the scheduling of follow-up visits.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Atlanta, GA
If you are looking for a certified and highly qualified plastic surgeon in Atlanta, choose Dr. Gregory Mackay. He has over 20 years of experience and success in creating natural-looking results through plastic surgery.
Dr. Mackay is board-certified and fellowship-trained in plastic surgery, specializing in cosmetic procedures of the face and body. We have a highly skilled team operating in our AAA certified operating room with an overnight recovery suite, located on the campus of Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital, across from Northside Hospital.
In addition to our qualifications and skill, we also practice compassionate, patient-centric care. We listen to our patients and communicate openly with them about their desires and goals. We are also honest about what they can expect.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Mackay, call our office today at (404) 777-9791 or use our online form.