Complicating factors | Delayed consequences | Additives that should not be used
Complicating factors
The main and most common factors causing complications that negatively affect the recovery period after plastic surgery are diabetes mellitus, hypertension and smoking.
This should be watched for during the early postoperative period.
Complications can occur both immediately after the end of the surgical intervention, and after some time. The main cause of complications that arise immediately after surgery is smoking. It is a risk factor for increasing the rate of blood clotting, which leads to a decrease in its amount entering the area of the postoperative suture. It is important that there is sufficient blood flow to the injured area to bring oxygen, which is necessary for the immune system to function properly, which creates an obstacle to the development of infection.
The main cause of complications that arise immediately after surgery is smoking.
For the fastest healing of sutures, for additional insurance against possible divergence of postoperative sutures and necrosis, we need patients not to smoke for at least three weeks before and three weeks after surgery.
During the three preoperative weeks, the patient’s body is cleared of nicotine tar, and the postoperative three-week period is the minimum required for wound healing. Most patients find it difficult to quit smoking, because of this it is necessary to be aware of the possible risks. In the event that it seems to you that you will not be able to hold out for so long without smoking, it may be worth choosing another plastic surgery that will be less traumatic, without surgery. Of course, this method may be less effective, but it is safer for you, which is more important.
Delayed consequences
More distant negative consequences are complications in the healing of stitches. Will people around you notice your seams, or will they be so invisible that no one will pay attention to them? Contrary to popular belief, this is influenced not only by the skill of the operating surgeon. Genetic characteristics and skin color are also quite significant — with dark skin, the scars seem larger than with light skin.
It is very fortunate that at present there are enough methods for reducing postoperative scars — injections of steroids, the use of silicone applied to the sutures as plasters or gels, the use of a laser.
Diabetes mellitus can also affect the state of the immune system, weakening it and creating obstacles for the body in effective wound healing. People with diabetes are required to stabilize their condition before being allowed to undergo surgery. Likewise, people suffering from hypertension should achieve the stability of their disease in order to be admitted before surgery.
Medicines and food additives that should not be used
Another cause of complications is the use of medicines to thin the blood — aspirin, coumadin, and the like. Patients should stop using these drugs immediately before surgery, as they can cause bleeding and bruising.
The use of dietary supplements can also be a factor contributing to blood thinning — fish oil, gluten, garlic, and most dietary supplements can have a negative impact on the postoperative recovery period. Accordingly, if the surgeon asks you before the operation what medications you are taking, it is necessary to inform about nutritional supplements, for the greatest success of the operation and in order for you to be satisfied with its results.