Many people are reluctant to undergo plastic surgery because of the potential complications. If you’re interested in a procedure but are having trouble committing due to risk-related worries, here are some ways to greatly minimize your chances of complications from plastic surgery.
Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
It is very important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon for your surgical procedure. You may have heard about board-certified cosmetic surgeons, and they are very different from plastic surgeons.
Board-certified plastic surgeons are guaranteed to have training in cosmetic surgery, general surgery, and reconstructive surgery. This means that they have experience in correcting both the body’s appearance and function.
Cosmetic surgeons are only trained in aesthetic surgeries. You can be sure that a board-certified plastic surgeon will prioritize your health and safety.
Being board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery requires extensive training and education, along with gold-standard patient care. To get a certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, residents must complete five years of clinical general surgery training. This requirement also allows plastic surgeons to become certified by the American Board of Surgery.
Another requirement is a minimum of three years of plastic surgery training for independent programs and six years for integrated programs.
You can verify your surgeon’s board certification here.
Be Honest About Your Medical History and Lifestyle
Before undergoing plastic surgery, you will be asked about your complete medical history to determine your eligibility for the procedure. This will help Dr. Jacobson confirm that the likelihood of complications is as low as possible.
If candidates hide pre-existing medical conditions, especially those that affect clotting, swelling, or bruising, they are putting their overall health at risk. Even something as simple as hiding being a smoker can increase the chance of surgical and post-surgical complications.
Be Aware of the Possible Complications
Candidates are encouraged to be aware of the complications that could occur before deciding to go under the knife. Potential complications include hematomas, seromas, blood loss, and infection. Plastic surgery can also lead to nerve and organ damage if you do not choose a board-certified plastic surgeon.
It’s important to remember that plastic surgery complications are typically very rare. A 2018 study shows that fewer than 1% of 25,000 plastic surgery procedures experienced complications.
Follow Dr. Jacobson’s Recovery Directions
The likelihood of complications is much lower for patients who carefully follow Dr. Jacobson’s recovery instructions after their procedure. If a patient is careless and performs strenuous activities, smokes, or does not take medications as prescribed, then problems can occur. Proper incision care is vital for avoiding infections, and getting plenty of rest is key.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you’re interested in learning more about the best ways to avoid plastic surgery complications, visit Dr. Jacobson, a board-certified plastic surgeon you can trust. Contact Jacobson Plastic Surgery and schedule a consultation today.