In cosmetic surgery, a significant advantage is the good physical health of most patients. They do not require many of the preoperative considerations necessary in other fields where the elimination of pathological developments is the desired goal.

After a pre-op history and physical exam certain tests are performed, such as a complete blood count, a bleeding and clotting test, EKG and chest x-ray for those over 40. This is to assure that normal healing can be expected and to warn the surgeon of potential complications.

Patients should not smoke cigarettes for a period of time before surgery since smoking irritates the lungs and may reduce their functions during and after surgery. This directly interferes with healing, and impairs blood flow to all tissues.

Patients are asked not to eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before surgery. This restriction will reduce the possibility of vomitting. Don't trust any surgeon who would operate without all these safety precautions.

Anesthesia

With present methods of anesthesia, you are asleep if desired with no pain during any operation. There is usually only moderate discomfort for a short time afterward. Hospitalization is not necessary.

As with most surgical procedures, some complications may occur. The majority of these are minor problems and are easily treated. Keep in mind that you will be constantly monitored during surgery to prevent, correct and immediately treat any deviations before they become complications.

Most procedures described here are performed with the patient lightly asleep, using Xylocaine and Marcaine for local or spinal anesthesia. General anesthesia for some procedures is available with an additional fee. Occasionally, the patient is allowed to stay awake through a procedure on special request.

General anesthesia is a relatively safe procedure with the trained personnel and equipment presently available. Still, there is a slight risk of fatality, estimated to occur once in 10,000 operations. However, since the patients treated in our facility are ordinarily in good health, the risk is even less. The Tahoe Clinic has never had a life-threatening complication in over 40,000 operations.

Scarring

Complete removal of scars is impossible since it is the body's natural response in the healing process. Inconspicuous scar tissue, the desired end point of all healing, must be carefully cultivated. A trained plastic surgeon minimizes unfavorable scar development by eliminating all known obstacles to primary healing.

Surgical incisions are placed within the normal tension lines and natural skin folds to camouflage scars. Surgical closure of incisions is performed with meticulous care, usually with hidden, dissolving sutures.

It is impossible to accurately predict the exact character of the final healing. Complete resolution for most scars requires a minimum of six to eight months. Under some circumstances, the final healing may take twelve months and possible longer.

Postoperative care is important in the formation of scar tissue. Protective dressings and restriction of activity is necessary to promote good healing. Application of additional wound care measures, extending beyond the basic requirements, may also improve the degree and character of scar formation. This is standard treatment with trained, experienced board certified plastic surgeons such as those at the Tahoe Clinic.

Recovery

Patients must play an integral part in their own treatment program by adhering strictly to postoperative instructions, and using good common sense. This is just as critical as the technical performance of the surgeon. These instructions are directed toward avoiding injury and distortion during the recovery period which will stimulate excessive scar formation. Follow-up examinations can be performed to monitor the progress of healing.

Most procedures allow the patient to return to non-strenuous activity in one to two weeks. The more extensive operations, of course, will take longer.

Although the patient may feel well enough to resume normal activities in the first week, this is inadvisable. Healing is generally a very reliable and predictable process, but it is not instantaneous.

Most wounds regain sixty to seventy percent of their normal tensile strength in six weeks. This means that premature activity will cause them to stretch or widen, therefore it is imperative that the patient be very careful in the first few weeks after surgery. But that doesn't mean to stay in bed after the first day. Most patients stay only a few days at Tahoe. Expert follow-up care is available in most major cities through-out North America and Western Europe. Our toll-free nationwide telephone number keeps you in touch with your surgeon wherever you live. It's 1-800-SHAPE-UP.