Cosmetic Surgery And Medical Malpractice: Some Common Questions
Why does my full medical history need to be disclosed prior to cosmetic surgery?
To alleviate the risk of drug interactions and medical malpractice claims, your doctor will want to know which medications, supplements and herbal remedies you are taking. You should disclose whether you drink alcohol, smoke or take diet pills or narcotics. Smoking, for instance, increases the risk for certain side effects.
Your health condition has a bearing on plastic surgery risk. Diabetes, heart trouble and some allergies also play a part. So does age, since some treatments are not recommended for those under 18 or the elderly. Pregnant women should not undergo plastic surgery procedures because the chances for fetal damage via drug interactions are too high.
Is my family medical history important when considering plastic surgery?
Genetics can affect your outcome. Hereditary conditions such as diabetes, mentioned above, raise your risk for contracting pneumonia, heart attack, stroke and blood clots during or after the surgery.
Be sure to r inform your doctor about any similar surgeries performed in your family. For example, cosmetic surgery candidates with relatives who have experienced implant rejection may have a genetic risk for these immune-system problems.
What are the risks of procedural and postoperative problems?
If general anesthesia is used, undesirable reactions may include: nausea and sore throat, and rarely, seizures, heart attack and fatal temperature elevation.
Postoperative bleeding and build-up of fluid is common at the site of incisions. Hematomas occur when blood builds up beneath the skin, and seromas form when fluid attempts to replace tissue that has been removed.
The wound site may become infected or reject sutures, creating a granuloma or abscess. In addition, you may sustain some scarring or damage to remaining tissue or nerves.
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