Understanding Surgical Risks

By Dr. Surjit Rai

Media outlets are making a big deal out of the death of the former Miss Argentina, Solange Magnano, after complications from her cosmetic surgery. She had a buttock lift or perhaps buttock implants and reports say that she died from a pulmonary embolism – a blockage in the lungs.

Gluteoplasty is a low-risk procedure and apparently Magnano approached it as a non-event. News reports are not claiming that there was any surgical error. It is not known yet how her recovery period was progressing, other than the embolism.

All Surgery Brings Risk

Whenever the skin is cut or broken, the body is at risk. Protection is one of the skin’s most important functions. That is why surgeons and their assistants observe strict sterile technique – it is to prevent bacteria or other parasites from entering the body while the skin’s integrity is temporarily violated.

The best cosmetic surgeons screen their patients carefully to make sure that the procedure will be appropriate and safe for each person. Dr. Rai always talks to his patients to make sure they understand the procedure they are planning to have, its limitations, probable results, and possible complications. Patient education is a high priority at The Cosmetic Surgical Center.

Before your surgery, Dr. Rai will give you printed instructions for how to care for yourself during recovery. He will write any prescriptions necessary ahead of time so that you can fill them and have them ready when you arrive home after your surgery.

How to Maximize Your Cosmetic Surgery Results

1. Take time to prepare for your recovery with measures like arranging for someone to walk the dog, bring in the mail, pick up children, do a grocery run for you, etc. You can get the house cleaned, laundry done, and childcare arrangements made ahead of time. These measures will enable you to rest properly after your surgery, which is very important, especially if you had major surgery such as a tummy tuck or breast enlargement.
2. Follow Dr. Rai’s recovery instructions to the letter. For example, get up to walk a little only as he directs. Rest is important but so is a little exercise because using the leg muscles helps prevent blood clots from forming. This is how the lungs can be blocked, by a blood clot breaking free and traveling in the bloodstream to the lungs. Change any dressings only according to your instructions and do not take a shower or bath before that is advised.
3. Protect your treated area from any impact. The body needs time to heal incisions and a blow or premature exercise could re-open incisions, causing bleeding and potential infection.
4. Call Dr. Rai as soon as anything unexpected happens. If you start to bleed too much, or feel extra pain, Dr. Rai will address that so as to prevent any problem from developing.

Of course, the very first thing you should do to give yourself a good surgical outcome is to choose a fully-qualified and well-experienced cosmetic surgeon. Please read about Dr. Rai’s training and credentials and if you would like to have a free personal consultation with him, please call or email us today.