Your safe and successful surgery is our top priority. Listed below are some of our recommendations for the best possible surgical experience. Please schedule a consultation for more tips on a smooth surgical journey.
Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Any physician can practice cosmetic surgery regardless of qualifications (or a lack thereof). A surgeon will not necessarily advertise lack of board certification through a credible board such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Ensuring that your surgeon is certified by the ABPS and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is an easy way to avoid a potentially unsafe situation.
Read more about the rigorous requirements to achieve board certification through ABPS here.
Ensure Your Surgery Is Performed At An Accredited Facility
There are several accrediting bodies for surgical facilities, such as the Joint Commission, AAAHC, and AAAASF. Each of these have a shared goal of improving patient safety. Make sure that the surgical facility chosen for you operation is certified by one of these organizations.
Establish Open and Honest Communication With Your Surgeon
A good surgeon has your best interests in mind. In order to provide you with the safest and the best outcome, honesty is critical. Past operations and treatments, trauma to the area of concern, medications, supplements, and substance use are all very important factors in planning your treatment or avoiding treatments that could be harmful.
Make Sure You Are Supported After Surgery
A successful recovery is an important part of your surgical journey, and crucial to a successful recovery is support. Care the evening of surgery, assistance in certain activities, and transport to early appointments are some of the ways in which you will be likely to need assistance during your recovery. Making sure that you have help is critical.
Stop Nicotine
Tobacco and other forms of nicotine have harmful effects on surgical healing. Nicotine reduces blood flow in small blood vessels that are responsible for bringing oxygen and other nutrients to tissues. For some operations, such as facelift, breast lift, and tummy tuck, the risks of surgery while on nicotine outweigh the benefits, and Dr. McDaniel requires at least 4 weeks off of all forms of nicotine before surgery. In addition, smoking may increase the risk of anesthesia complications.