Learning the pros, cons, and risks of plastic surgery

Emily de la Iglesia | Writer

Photo Caption: Two surgeons operate on patient with lights overhead. Credit: Saúl Sigüenza via Pexels.com

The risks associated with altering the body remain a topic of interest. Plastic surgery has its benefits, however, all surgeries come with a risk. 

“Dr. Christopher Sanders says the only way to truly have no complications is to have no surgery at all,” said Yardley Oley, a physician assistant at St. Luke’s Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 

According to Oley, no matter how much a surgeon tries to prepare a patient and limit any chances of complications during and after surgery, some things are beyond their control. A patient may still have infections or become septic. The patient may also have a post operative bleed which would require them to go back to the operating room as soon as possible. Blood clots are another major and potentially fatal complication. 

Although plastic surgery has many risks, it also has some benefits.

Since plastic surgery can be both reconstructive and cosmetic, the benefits are restoring form and function of the body. Plastic surgery can boost self-esteem and confidence, whether the surgery is for cosmetic and aesthetic purposes or for medical reasons, like reconstruction after cancer treatments.

Oley stated, “Some pros of plastic surgery are giving women their identities back after a mastectomy, or really making anyone whole again after cancer treatments.”

In preparation for surgery, a patient needs to focus on optimal nutrition. They need to take in about 60 grams of protein a day prior to surgery. They need to be off any nicotine products and steroids as they can affect wound healing. They also need to have a Body Mass Index (BMI) as close to normal as possible. The optimal number is under 25, however, low to mid-twenties is prime. 

Dr. John Trangucci said, “the least concerning person to operate on would be someone who is fit with no other medical issues and coming in for cosmetic purposes.”

To minimize complications, surgeons recommend that patients walk around after surgery and not lift heavy weights. Silicone sheets and scar massages help the healing process. 

If you are considering having plastic surgery, schedule a consultation to talk with a surgeon about the potential risks of the operation and what a feasible outcome would be.