General Surgical Risks
The following are general guidelines for surgical risks.
Procedure specific information & risks are included along with procedure specific pre-op & post-op information
in the Patient Resources section.
ABOUT RISKS
We want you to understand fully the risks involved in surgery so that you can make an informed decision. Although complications are infrequent, all surgeries have some degree of risk. All of us at our office will use our expertise and knowledge to avoid complications as much as possible. If a complication does occur, we will use those same skills in an attempt to solve the problem quickly. The importance of having a highly qualified medical team and the use of a certified facility cannot be overstated.
In general, the least serious problems occur more often and the more serious problems rarely occur. If a complication does arise, you, Dr. Meltzer, and the medical staff will need to cooperate with one another to resolve the problem. Most complications involve an extension of the recovery period rather than any permanent effect on your final result.
NORMAL SYMPTOMS
SWELLING AND BRUISING
Moderate swelling and bruising are normal after any surgery.
Severe swelling and bruising may indicate bleeding or possible infection.DISCOMFORT AND PAIN
Mild to moderate discomfort or pain is normal after any surgery. If the pain becomes severe, and is not relieved by pain medication, please call us at 866-876-6329 or locally at 480-657-7006.
CRUSTING ALONG THE INCISION LINES
Any crusting that may occur along the incision line is usually treated with an antibiotic ointment.
NUMBNESS
Small sensory nerves to the skin surface are occasionally cut when the incision is made or interrupted by undermining of the skin during surgery. The sensation in those areas gradually returns, usually within three to six months, as the nerve endings heal spontaneously.ITCHING
Itching and occasional small shooting electrical sensations within the skin are common symptoms as the nerve endings are healing. Ice, skin moisturizers, and massages are helpful during your recovery period.
REDNESS OF SCARS
All new scars are red, dark pink, or purple. Scars may take up to one year or longer to fade completely.
COMMON RISKS
HEMATOMA
Small collections of blood under the skin are usually allowed to absorb spontaneously. Larger hematomas may require aspiration, drainage, or even surgical removal to achieve the best results.
INFLAMMATION AND INFECTION
A superficial infection may require an antibiotic ointment. Deeper infections are treated with oral antibiotics. Development of an abscess usually requires drainage.THICK, WIDE OR DEPRESSED SCARS
Abnormal scars may occur even though the most modern plastic surgery techniques are used. Injection of steroids into the scars, placement of silicone sheeting onto the scars, or further surgery to correct the scars is occasionally necessary. Some people scar more than others and some areas on the body scar more than others. Your own history of scarring should give you some indication of what you can expect.
INJURY TO DEEPER STRUCTURES
Blood vessels, nerves and muscles may be injured during surgery. The incidence of such injuries is rare.
RARER COMPLICATIONS
If they are severe, any of the problems mentioned under Common Risks may significantly delay healing or necessitate further surgical procedures.
Medical complications such as pulmonary embolism, severe allergic reactions to medications, cardiac arrhythmias, heart attack and hyperthermia are rare, but serious and life-threatening problems. Having a board-certified anesthesiologist present at your surgery reduces these risks as much as possible.
Failure to disclose all pertinent medical data before surgery may cause serious problems for you
and for the medical team during surgery.UNSATISFACTORY RESULT & NEED FOR REVISIONAL SURGERY
All plastic surgery treatments and operations are performed to improve a condition, a problem or an appearance. While the procedures are performed with a very high probability of success, disappointments occur and results are not always acceptable to patients or the surgeon. Secondary procedures or treatments may be indicated.
Rarely, problems may occur that are permanent.POOR RESULTS
Asymmetry, unhappiness with the result, poor healing, etc. may occur. Minimal differences are usually acceptable. Larger differences frequently require revision surgery.
OTHER RISKS
We have outlined the common and not-so-common risks of surgery in general. The specific risks and complications of each surgical procedure have been explained elsewhere in this preoperative packet. We have not discussed every possible problem that may occur, and you cannot assume that a problem will not occur simply because it is not discussed here.
Please e-mail us at info@tmeltzer.com for more information,
or call our office at 1-480-657-7006 or toll-free at 1-866-876-6329.
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