Keeping Cosmetic Surgery Safe

Lifestyle Factors Play An Important Role

Julio L Garcia, MD FACS

Some individuals seeking cosmetic surgery are considered poor candidates because of specific lifestyle factors that can seriously impact their safety in the operating room and during recovery. As plastic surgeons are first and foremost physicians, and it is in all of our professional interest is to help patients achieve a better quality of life by improving both the way they look and the way they feel. To that end, a new patient education initiative by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery encourages patients to adopt daily habits that promote good health, both in preparation for and following cosmetic surgery.

Serious medical conditions make cosmetic surgery unadvisable for a small number of patients. For example, overweight individuals or smokers also may be told “no” or “not yet” when seeking cosmetic surgery from a board-certified plastic surgeon. When a patient is overweight or obese, the potential risks associated with surgery and anesthesia can be greater. In some cases, I may recommend postponing surgery until the patient has reduced his or her weight.

Smoking, as well as chronic exposure to secondhand smoke, can make someone a poor candidate for cosmetic surgery. Smoking will decrease the blood flow to the skin and deeper tissues and that can make wound healing following surgery may be impaired. It also increases the risks associated with sedation and general anesthesia. I advise all of my patients to quit smoking for a four-week period before and after surgery. (Of course, I would like to see my patients who smoke give up the habit entirely and often may refer patients to smoking cessation programs, as smoking can also affect skin aging as well as the already know risks of cancer and heart and lung disease.)

Doctors must use good judgment when evaluating patients for surgery, and patients must assume responsibility for following pre- and post-surgical instructions designed to increase safety and avoid complications. I believe that patients should carefully select their plastic surgeon on the basis of appropriate plastic surgery training and American Board of Plastic Surgery certification. Board-certified plastic surgeons are committed to patient safety and to helping patients adopt healthier lifestyles.

Some of the lifestyle factors that may be discussed during the plastic surgery consultation include:

• Current weight and history of weight fluctuations
• Nutrition and vitamin supplements
• Exercise frequency and type (aerobic/non-aerobic)
• Smoking habits and exposure to secondhand smoke
• Alcohol consumption
• Sun exposure
• Sleep patterns
• Stress level and coping mechanisms

Lifestyle factors are not only a consideration in terms of whether a patient can safely undergo cosmetic surgery, but they often determine the quality and longevity of surgical results. For example, if patients have not learned to control their weight before undergoing liposuction, the odds are they won’t maintain the full benefits of the procedure and may gain fat in other areas that were not treated. In the case of patients who have undergone facial rejuvenation, it’s essential that they learn proper techniques of sun protection to avoid accelerating the skin’s aging process and undoing the positive results of surgery.

We plastic surgeons are increasingly advocating for our patients is an “anti-aging” lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight, stopping smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, getting plenty of sleep, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and reducing stress all have been shown to improve health and, in many cases, lengthen life.

A large portion of those who come to me for cosmetic surgery already are very health-conscious. Many of my patients see cosmetic surgery as just another aspect of self-maintenance. My goal is to encourage all my patients to think about looking good and living a healthy lifestyle as part of the same continuum. I invite you to come in for a confidential consultation and see what cosmetic enhancements may match your desires.

Julio L Garcia, MD FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a practice devoted to cosmetic surgery and age management therapies. Learn more about his practice by visiting www.lvcosmeticsurgery.com