Plastic Surgery

Smoking directly impacts wound healing as a result of vasoconstriction, which significantly increases the risk of skin necrosis during and after surgery. We therefore strongly recommend not smoking three weeks before and three weeks after surgery. This will minimize the risk of potential complications.

Normally general anesthesia is only used for rhinoplasty and breast surgery, or those where the patient has any condition that warrants its use. Depending on the case, all other procedures are conducted either under local anesthesia plus sedation or regional anesthesia (epidural block). An anesthesiologist carries out all methods and patients remain under their supervision and monitoring before, during and after surgery.

Patients usually experience some level of discomfort following surgery, but by using advanced surgical techniques and the latest analgesic medications, it is usually minimal. This also speeds up the recovery process and allows patients to return to the majority of their normal activities within the week following surgery.

The patient should understand that while plastic or reconstructive surgery offers enormous benefits, no surgery is able to achieve absolute aesthetic perfection. All surgeries, aesthetic or reconstructive, involve the formation of a scar, that will vary in size, shape and location related to the procedure performed. However by using advanced surgical techniques, we are able to achieve excellent cosmetic results and place incisions in non-visible locations so that any scarring will go largely unnoticed.

The patient is recommended to follow the specific instructions of their surgeon, however most wounds should be cleaned with unscented soap and warm water to avoid the proliferation of microorganisms. Wounds should be dried well before applying the topical antibiotics and bandages prescribed by your doctor. A compression garment (girdle) may also be necessary depending on the procedure. Patients usually need to perform this daily ritual for 2 to 3 weeks until the wounds have had time to fully close and any scabbing has subsided.

The placement of implants does not affect the sensitivity level of the nipples because the nerves that give sensitivity to this area are not compromised. Likewise augmentation does not interfere with the possibility of breastfeeding, since milk ducts remain virtually intact, thus ensuring the same quantity and quality of milk produced by the breast prior to surgery. It is advised that a doctor conduct periodic monitoring through imaging studies to check the implants’ proper placement and functional status every 2-3 years.