Surgical Risks

It is possible, though unusual, to experience a bleeding episode during or after surgery. Should post-operative bleeding occur, it may require emergency treatment to drain accumulated blood or blood transfusion. Do not take any aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications for ten days before or after surgery, as this may increase the risk of bleeding. Non-prescription herbal and dietary supplements can increase the risk of surgical bleeding.

Although infection is unusual after procedures that we perform, it may appear in the immediate post-operative period or at any time. Should an infection occur, treatment including antibiotics or possible drainage of the infection might be necessary. In a setting like the Egrari Plastic Surgery Center, infections are rare and almost nonexistent. We do not perform contaminated cases and the chance of acquiring an infection is nearly zero. With our immaculate techniques and the maintenance of our operating facility you can rest and be assured that infections are astronomically low.

All surgery leaves scars, some more visible than others. Excessive scarring is uncommon. Although good wound healing after a surgical procedure is expected, abnormal scars may occur within the skin and deeper tissues. Scars may be unattractive and of a different color than the surrounding skin tone. Scar appearance may also vary within the same scar. In some cases, scars may require surgical revision or treatment.

Fluid may accumulate in an area following surgery, trauma or vigorous exercise. Additional treatment may be necessary to drain fluid accumulation. This is very rare in most operations that are done.

Both local and general anesthesia involves risk. There is the possibility of complications, injury, and even death from all forms of surgical anesthesia or sedation.

In rare cases, local allergies to tape, suture material and glues, blood products, topical preparations or injected agents have been reported.

You will experience pain after your surgery. Pain of varying intensity and duration may occur and persist after any surgery. Chronic pain may occur very infrequently from nerves becoming trapped in scar tissue or due to tissue stretching.

Some bruising and swelling normally occurs after any operation. The skin in or near the surgical site can appear either lighter or darker than surrounding skin. Although uncommon, swelling and skin discoloration may persist for long periods of time.

Most surgical techniques use deep sutures. You may notice these sutures after your surgery. Sutures may spontaneously poke through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that requires suture removal.

Body and the face is not symmetrical in everyone. Despite the best techniques available, lack of symmetry will linger and perhaps become exacerbated. Please know that achieving 100% symmetry is not possible.

You may experience a diminished or loss of sensitivity of the skin of area that has been operated on. After several months, most patients have normal sensation. Partial or permanent loss skin sensation may occur occasionally.

There is the potential for injury to deeper structures including nerves, blood vessels and muscles and lungs (pneumothorax) during some surgical procedure. The potential for this to occur varies according to the type of procedure being performed. This is a rare event that has not been seen in this practice.

Wound disruption or delayed wound healing is possible. Some areas of the surgical incision may not heal normally and may take a long time to heal. This is rare in most procedures but is seen in some of the major breast and body contouring that is performed. Smokers have a greater risk of skin loss and wound healing complications.

Pulmonary complications may occur secondarily to both blood clots (pulmonary emboli), fat deposits (fat emboli) or partial collapse of the lungs after general anesthesia. Pulmonary emboli can be life-threatening or fatal in some circumstances. Inactivity and other conditions may increase the incidence of blood clots traveling to the lungs causing a major blood clot that may result in death. It is important to discuss with us any past history of swelling in your legs or blood clots that may contribute to this condition. Cardiac complications are a risk with any surgery and anesthesia, even in patients without symptoms. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment. If you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or unusual heartbeats, you should have this evaluated immediately.

In rare circumstances, your surgical procedure can cause severe trauma, particularly when multiple or extensive procedures are performed. This is a rare and unseen event in the types of procedures that we perform. If surgical shock occurs, hospitalization and additional treatment would be necessary.

Urine output is one of the most important measurements of the body’s performance during anesthesia. For surgeries that last more than 3-4 hours it is recommended and important that a urinary catheter be placed for both monitoring and drainage. Bladder catheterization is done while the patient is asleep and is performed by our nursing staff or Dr. Egrari. There are risks involved with catheterization which include infection, bleeding, damage to urethra, irritation, need for urologic evaluation, and further procedures.

It is important to inform your plastic surgeon if you use birth control pills, estrogen replacement, or if you suspect you may be pregnant. Many medications including antibiotics may neutralize the preventive effect of birth control pills, allowing for conception and pregnancy.

Surgery involves coagulating of blood vessels and increased activity of any kind may open these vessels leading to a bleed, or hematoma. Increased activity that increased your pulse or heart rate may cause additional bruising, swelling, and the need for return to surgery and control bleeding. It is wise to refrain from sexual activity until your physician states it is safe.

There are many adverse reactions that may occur as the result of taking over-the-counter, herbal, and/or prescription medications. Be sure to check with your physician about any drug interactions that may exist with medications that you are already taking. If you have an adverse reaction, stop the drugs immediately and call us for further instructions. If the reaction is severe, go immediately to the nearest emergency room. When taking the prescribed pain medications after surgery, realize that they can affect your thought process and coordination. Do not drive, do not operate complex equipment, do not make any important decisions and do not drink any alcohol while taking these medications. Be sure to take your prescribed medication only as directed.

It is important that all patients seeking to undergo elective surgery have realistic expectations that focus on improvement rather than perfection. Complications or less than satisfactory results are sometimes unavoidable, may require additional surgery and often are stressful. Please openly discuss with your surgeon, prior to surgery, any history that you may have of significant emotional depression or mental health disorders. Although many individuals may benefit psychologically from the results of elective surgery, effects on mental health cannot be accurately predicted.It is important that all patients seeking to undergo elective surgery have realistic expectations that focus on improvement rather than perfection. Complications or less than satisfactory results are sometimes unavoidable, may require additional surgery and often are stressful. Please openly discuss with your surgeon, prior to surgery, any history that you may have of significant emotional depression or mental health disorders. Although many individuals may benefit psychologically from the results of elective surgery, effects on mental health cannot be accurately predicted.

Second-Hand Smoke Exposure, Nicotine Products (Patch, Gum, Nasal Spray, Chew, Vape) Patients who are currently smoking, use tobacco products, or nicotine products (patch, gum, or nasal spray) are at a greater risk for significant surgical complications of skin dying and delayed healing. Individuals exposed to second-hand smoke are also at potential risk for similar complications attributable to nicotine exposure. Additionally, smoking may have a significant negative effect on anesthesia and recovery from anesthesia, with coughing and possibly increased bleeding. Individuals who are not exposed to tobacco smoke or nicotine-containing products have a significantly lower risk of this type of complication. It is important to refrain from smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery and until Dr. Egrari states it is safe to return, if desired. A urine test may be performed prior to surgery that will prove the presence of nicotine. If positive, your surgery may be cancelled and your surgery, scheduling fee, and other pre-paid amounts may be forfeited.