We have all heard recent stories in the media of deaths related to cosmetic surgery.  For both prospective patients and physicians skilled in the art and technique of cosmetic surgery, hearing of these terrible isolated events requires that we revisit some important issues regarding the safety of cosmetic surgery. 

Listed below are some common questions (with answers) about the safety of cosmetic surgery:

Q:  Is cosmetic surgery safe?

A:  Cosmetic surgery can, and should be safe surgery.
To avoid potential problems, prospective patients need to be thoroughly evaluated at their initial consultation to make sure there are not any medical conditions or illnesses that can increase the risk of surgery.  Risk factors include, but are not limited to: diabetes, heart disease, smoking history, blood clots, bleeding disorders, lung diseases, vasculitis, and disorders of the immune system.  If any of these factors are present, the physician should at least counsel the patient about the increased risks, and may decide not to offer the procedure to the patient.  It would be necessary for patients with these kinds of conditions to obtain medical clearance from their medical doctor prior to any elective cosmetic procedures.

Q:  Is it important to find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon?

A: Yes.
Only Board Certified Plastic Surgeons have undergone the comprehensive training and passed examinations by their peers to confirm they have the skills and knowledge to perform cosmetic surgery.  In general, Board Certified Plastic Surgeons are better trained to prvoide the public with safe cosmetic surgery procedures.  Be very wary of medical professionals that are not Board Certified, or who call themselves something other than a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Q:  Is it riskier to have cosmetic surgery if I am overweight or obese?

A: Absolutely!
Surgery on individuals that are overweight or obese is associated with higher rates of complications, especially such things as blood clots, wound healing problems, and respiratory problems (i.e. pneumonia).  It is necessary to speak with your doctor about how serious these risks are and whether the surgery should be postponed until some of the weight is lost. 

Q:  What should I ask my doctor to determine if my procedure can be done safely?

A:   Any person considering cosmetic surgery should ask their surgeon about his or her qualifications, and how often they perform the particular procedure.  In general, the more frequently the surgeon performs the procedure, the lower the chances there are for problems related to the outcome. 

Fortunately, by choosing the right surgeon and with the appropriate preoperative evaluation, the vast majority of patients undergoing elective cosmetic surgery have a safe experience and are extremely pleased with their results.

At the Plastic Surgery Center our surgeons are highly skilled in all cosmetic surgery procedures of the face and body.  We have a combined 30 years of experience and pride ourselves on safe and natural results.  Please visit us at www.looknatural.com for more information or to set up a consultation at one of our 9 offices throughout New Jersey and Manhattan.

Matthew R. Kaufman, MD, FACS

The Plastic Surgery Center

535 Sycamore Ave.

Shrewsbury, NJ 07702