Excellent Plastic Surgery Results: Teaching Rigorous Surgical Self-Care
People seeking plastic surgery, especially procedures such as abdominoplasty, breast reduction and mastectomy with reconstruction, which require drain management and compression bandages, must learn and agree to excellent post-operative surgical care in order to obtain the most medically favorable, aesthetically pleasing results. Patients are hoping for beautiful results that they will be happy with each time they look in the mirror, but might not know just how much they can proactively assist their own recovery, leading to desirable outcomes. Diet, wound care, sleep and exercise are each opportunities to improve results. A pre-op and post-surgical anti-inflammatory diet may reduce pain and swelling as well as improve renal function, which is key in wound healing. Dr. Jon B. Turk, a facial cosmetic surgery specialist in New York City, recommends a very detailed pre-op and post-op diet high in vitamins C, K, and E as well as tissue building proteins and water. He instructs his patients to avoid foods containing neurotoxins, such as caffeine, sugar, aspartame and monosodiumglutamate, each of which can exacerbate pain and inflammation and slow recovery. Similarly, many medical specialists, like the Arthritis Foundation, encourage a diet high in polyphenols and anthocyanins found in dark pigment fruits like red and purple grapes, blueberries, tart cherries and strawberries because they reduce uric acid levels and inflammation. A 2015 study of rotator cuff tenofibroblasts, indicated that the cyanidin found in these foods protected tissues exposed to local anesthetics from cell death. Diligent wound care instruction before and after surgery will improve self-care and reduce the risks of incision rupture, infection and severe swelling. Many aspects of wound care are obvious to doctors but not patients. For instance, a patient may know to empty drain bulbs, but not remember to milk the drain tube or squeeze the bulb after draining it to recreate mild drain suction. Thoroughly washing hands before cleaning incisions and changing dressings reduces infection rates. Reminding patients to only gently wash surgical sites with plain soap and warm water and not peroxide, alcohol, or iodine prevents injury and irritation to incisions and sub-dermal tissues, according to The Cleveland Clinic. Finally, rest, good sleep and gentle exercise improve blood flow, reduce swelling and lead to speedier, more comfortable recoveries. Sharon Leslie, PT, DPT details specific exercise and rest recommendations for breast surgery recovery. These include not raising arms over one’s head but doing shoulder lifts, refraining from vigorous cardiovascular exercise but taking short walks around the patients home while their surgical drains are still in place. Such instructions are good examples of being specific with patients about what is beneficial and what they should avoid to encourage healthy healing for their specific procedure. Limited, low impact exercise is helpful to most recovery processes. To memorably impart information to patients try journalistic style. First, tell them in short punchy sentences and bullet points what you’re about to teach them. Then, detail it, one step at a time, using videos or pamphlets. Lastly, review it briefly and give them materials to take home as references for their care. Thorough patient communication not only improves medical and aesthetic surgical results, but also calms and empowers clients. In the long-run, the benefits of fastidious self-care instruction positively impact your reputation, with professionals in your field and in the wide-world of future clients. Whether you are a potential client or physician seeking an excellent surgeon to whom you can confidently refer patients, please contact us. During your consultation, Dr. Sherbert will answer your questions, and come up with a personalized plan to help you, or your patients, achieve the exciting results you’re...
Read MoreHow Does Breast Reduction Surgery Work?
Prior to any surgery, it is beneficial for patients to know what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. This will help the patient stay calm and collected throughout because he or she will already know what to expect. In this particular case we’ll be giving an overview of what happens during breast reduction surgery. Keep in mind that breast reduction surgery involves removing both skin and tissue in order to reshape and reduce the size of the breasts. It might also involve re positioning the nipples and areola, depending on the size difference that will occur through surgery. The surgeon starts off by making an incision and removing the excess tissue and skin in order to reach the desired new size. Then the incisions are brought together, and the smaller breast is formed. Sutures keep the incisions together and go from the deepest tissue to the skin. Although the incisions will leave permanent scars, these will fade over time. The surgery usually lasts between three and five hours and is an outpatient procedure. There is usually no need to stay overnight. Afterward, gauze is placed over the breasts, and the breasts are wrapped with an elastic bandage. There might also be a small tube attached to each breast to help with the draining of blood and other fluids for the first couple days. Stitches are usually removed in one to two weeks. Women often experience some pain for the first few days and might continue to feel discomfort for a week or two after that. Depending on a woman’s lifestyle, it can take her between two to four weeks to return to her regular activities. No matter what type of surgery you are thinking about getting, it is important to do your research and ask about any concerns you have. You should be comfortable with the procedure before going in. If you would like to further look into breast reduction surgery or another form of plastic surgery, feel free to contact us to set up an appointment. A consultation appointment will give you a better idea of what to expect and will help the surgeon understand what you hope to achieve through...
Read MoreAre You a Good Candidate for Breast Implants?
Making the decision to seek breast implant surgery is a personal one, but it is certainly a choice you should make with deep consideration. When you come in for a consultation regarding breast implants your doctor will assess you physically and emotionally to ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. Not sure if you are a good candidate for breast implants? This guide will help you decide. Physical Characteristics of Breast Implant Candidates The best candidates for breast implant surgery are those who are physically healthy with no serious medical conditions. Those under 18 are not typically considered for the procedure because the breasts are often still developing. Some patients come in for surgical reconstruction following breast cancer or breast reconstruction. In fact, some surgeons specialize in providing implants to reconstruct the breasts following a medical issue or previous implants. The ideal candidate for breast implants will have developed breasts that she is unhappy with in terms of size, shape, or volume. Many patients are unhappy with loss of shape and volume that often accompany weight loss, aging, or pregnancy. Some patients have asymmetrical breasts that they would like to look more similar. The goal of the procedure may simply be to provide balance. Emotional Characteristics of Breast Implant Candidates Emotionally, good candidates for this surgery have realistic expectations about the procedure. Part of your doctor’s assessment will include asking you why you are considering implants. Breast implants can provide a self-esteem boost, but patients should not expect that the procedure will provide a complete change in their lives. When you go to your consultation, your doctor may show you photos of before and after pictures so that you can build a solid understanding of expectations you should set. Do you have questions about breast implants? The best way to determine if you are a good candidate is to speak with a cosmetic surgeon with expertise in the field. Contact us to learn more about the...
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