There is a health risk involved, even with the most minor surgery. However, at present there are no government requirements for plastic surgery clinics to tell their patients about the health risks. Many years ago, the government required cigarette companies to put a health warning on each and every pack. Now everybody knows that smoking carries risks. There are health warnings on alcoholic beverages reminding you not to drive under the influence. There is even a warning on your fast food coffee cup that says, "Be careful, it's hot!"
But advertisements for plastic surgery, which is a life changing operation, are not required to carry any health warning whatsoever. It's a little bit bigger deal than getting a lap-full of hot coffee, don't you think?
Plastic surgery clinics often advertise in fashion magazines and on late night TV. In their ads, they may make outrageous claims about what they can do, to change your life for the better. Some are not straightforward about the fact that this is a major operation, a major life changer, and carries potential risks to your health.
Plastic Surgery Is Major Surgery
Most plastic surgery operations can be done in a few hours or in an afternoon at the most. Anesthetic doesn't always have to be used. In a few short hours, you can be right back home again. But this does not mean that plastic surgery isn't a major surgical operation. There are quite a few risks and things to think about.
For example, there have been cases where breast implants have leaked, and this causes considerable health problems for those who have them. There are risks like this in any plastic surgery operation, and even if they are tiny risks, they should not be passed over.
There is always a period of recovery following plastic surgery, and many people don't realize that at this time they are at a higher risk of infection. This is because there is a scar tissue healing, making their skin and other tissue extra vulnerable to disease.
Even though most surgical operations are short, recovery time can be longer and more difficult than you might expect. This is something every potential patient should know and understand well before going under the knife. Any complication during the healing process can add more time to the recovery.
Another important point to remember is that most plastic surgery operations are irreversible. The change is for life, although other alterations can be made at a later time.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon
The key is choosing the right surgeon to perform your operation. During the consultation, the doctor should be thorough and open about the risks and potential problems. They should explain in detail what could happen during surgery and the recovery period.
If the plastic surgeon is evasive or avoids questions about risks and side effects then that is a sign that this is not the doctor for you. Head somewhere else and find a doctor who will be more up front about it. Any reputable doctor will tell you full details about the health risks.
For any claim that seems outrageous, get a second opinion. You can always have another consultation with a different doctor. If there is anything suspicious or if you feel that the doctor is trying to rush your decision, head somewhere else.
Look For Certification
There are no standards for health warnings in plastic surgery advertising, but there are very strict standards about surgeon certification. Always look for a plastic surgeon, who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This means that they attended a real, certified medical school and that they spent some time studying specifically about plastic surgery.
You may be surprised to hear that there are quite a few plastic surgeons, especially those on late night TV, who lack this certification. They may be practicing on another type of certification, but not the ABPS. You should always look for this.
You can check the American Board of Medical Specialties website (www.abms.org) for more information on certification.
In the future, the Government may impose more restrictions on plastic surgery advertisements. For now, there are no health warnings about the potential risks of plastic surgery. Be smart and know the risks before you decide!
Understanding the risks involved with the surgery is as important as undergoing it. Premier Plastic Surgery South Hills offers plastic surgery procedures to help you get back your body in shape and choose the right surgeon. Know about the risks involved at http://www.premierplasticsurgerypa.com. |
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