10 Plastic Surgery Don’ts: Debunking Common Myths and Misconceptions
In the world of plastic surgery, misinformation and myths often abound, leading to confusion and potentially harmful decisions for patients. With advancements in medical science, it’s crucial to debunk these myths and provide accurate information to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals undergoing cosmetic procedures. In this blog post, we’ll delve into 10 plastic surgery “don’ts” to clarify misconceptions and offer guidance for a safe and successful surgical experience.
1st of 10 Plastic Surgery Don’ts: Using Marijuana for Postoperative Pain Control
Contrary to popular belief, using marijuana for pain control after plastic surgery is not recommended. While some may tout its effectiveness, marijuana can interact with anesthesia and pain medications, leading to adverse effects and complications. In addition, marijuana may have deleterious effects following liposuction due to its heterogeneous effects on the vasculature. Specifically, its vasodilatory effects may result in unnecessary bleeding especially following lipo 360 in which irritation of the microvasculature in the skin occurs globally. It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s prescribed pain management plan for a safe recovery.
2nd of 10 Plastic Surgery Don’ts: Vaping Before Surgery is Safe
Many patients assume that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes and thus before surgery. However, both vaping and smoking can have detrimental effects on the respiratory system and overall health, increasing the risk of complications during and after surgery. It’s essential to refrain from all forms of smoking or vaping to promote optimal healing and reduce surgical risks. Moreover, nicotine is the most detrimental component of smoking and is prevalent equally in cigarettes and vaporizers.
3rd of 10 Plastic Surgery Don’ts: Gaining Weight Before a Brazilian Buttock Lift
Contrary to popular belief, gaining weight before a Brazilian Buttock Lift (BBL) is not recommended. While it may seem logical to have more fat available for transfer, excessive weight gain can lead to health issues and complicate the surgical process. In addition, when you gain weight, you don’t create more numbers of fat cells, rather you increase the size of each fat cell. The problem with this consequence,
is that larger fat cells will have a lower viability following transfer. Poor fat graft viability for larger fat cells, results from the fact that larger fat cells can mechanically get damaged when traveling through the cannulas and making more difficult to establish vascularity. Your surgeon will assess your body composition and recommend the most suitable approach for achieving desired results without compromising your health.
4th of 10 Plastic Surgery Don’ts: Using Ride Share for Transportation After Surgery
While convenient, relying on ride-sharing services for transportation after surgery may not be the safest option. After undergoing anesthesia and surgical procedures, patients may experience drowsiness, dizziness, or discomfort, making it unsafe to travel alone. It’s advisable to arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you home or utilize a designated driver service recommended by your surgeon. Moreover, in some states, it is against the law to place a client who has been placed under the effect of anesthetic, in the care of a third party personal.
5th of 10 Plastic Surgery Don’ts: Avoiding Walking After Surgery
While rest is essential for recovery, avoiding walking altogether after surgery is not advisable. Gentle movement helps promote blood circulation, reduce the risk of blood clots and prevent stiffness in the muscles and joints. Specifically, when muscle tissue contracts, it enables the lining cells of your vessels to release a hormone that helps prevent any clots from forming. Follow your surgeon’s guidance on gradually increasing activity levels to aid in the healing process safely.
6th of 10 Plastic Surgery Don’ts: Returning to Physical Activity Within One Week of Surgery
Engaging in physical activity too soon after surgery can jeopardize your recovery and increase the risk of complications. While light activities like walking may be encouraged, strenuous exercises should be avoided for a specified period determined by your surgeon. Unnecessary physical activity will have two deleterious consequences. This first involves increase risk of infection as skin bacteria may be able to enter into your body through created surgical incisions. Additionally, unnecessary mechanical motion may result in unnecessary shear stress result in compromising incision line healing. Follow your postoperative instructions diligently to promote proper healing and avoid setbacks.
7th of 10 Plastic Surgery Don’ts: Using a Pillow After Brazilian Buttock Lift
it has been hypothesized that utilizing a pillow for support and comfort after a Brazilian Buttock Lift is crucial to protect the newly transferred fat cells and maintain optimal positioning. First, your pillow does not protect your fat cells because when you sit upright, you are sitting on your bony ischium which is not an area routinely grafted. In addition,
it is doubtful that an external cushion will protect your fat cells from dying out. Remember, that your skin is more sensitive to death than your underlying soft tissues. This is why a pressure sores first develop in the skin before affecting the underlying soft tissues. In Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on how to position yourself when sitting or lying down to minimize pressure on the buttocks and promote successful results.
8th of 10 Plastic Surgery Don’ts: Drinking Fluids Prior to Surgery
Maintaining hydration is essential for overall health, but it’s important to follow preoperative fasting guidelines provided by your surgeon or anesthesiologist. Drinking fluids beyond the specified time frame of four hours prior to surgery can increase the risk of aspiration during anesthesia induction, potentially leading to respiratory complications. Adhere to fasting instructions that include both solids and liquids to ensure a smooth and safe surgical experience.
9th of 10 Plastic Surgery Don’ts: Not Wearing Compression Garments 24-7 After Liposuction
Compression garments play a crucial role in promoting proper healing and contouring after liposuction. They help reduce swelling, minimize bruising, and support the treated areas for optimal results. Failure to wear compression garments around the clock as recommended by your surgeon can compromise the outcome of the procedure and prolong recovery time.
Although liposuction patients may adhere to wearing their garments devoutly at first, they can become non-compliant and feel that they can remove their garments for a few hours a day. Unfortunately, even a brief removal of your garments will result in influx of unwanted inflammatory cells and fluid which will not be easily eliminated when your wear put on your garments again. So please, don’t remove your garments until advised by your surgeon.
10th of 10 Plastic Surgery Don’ts: Using Heating Pad After Surgery for Relief
While heat therapy can provide comfort and alleviate soreness, it’s essential to use heating pads with caution after surgery. Excessive heat can increase inflammation, hinder wound healing, and potentially cause burns or tissue damage. Consult with your surgeon before using a heating pad and follow their recommendations for safe and effective pain management techniques.
Conclusion: 10 Plastic Surgery Don’ts
Navigating the world of cosmetic surgery can be overwhelming, especially with the abundance of misinformation circulating online. By debunking common myths and misconceptions, we empower patients to make informed decisions and prioritize their safety and well-being throughout the surgical journey. Both preoperative preparation as well as the recovery period are critical to achieving the most from your plastic surgery procedure. Remember to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon for personalized guidance and adhere to their recommendations for a successful outcome. We hope that you have found our top 10 plastic surgery don’ts helpful.