subject: Plastic Surgeons' Basis For Candidacy [print this page] Plastic surgeons do not immediately commit to surgery unless they have made sure that the patient is a good candidate for it. There are several factors that may cancel or postpone the operation. These factors are all usually based on the medical history, test results and discussions of the patient. The medical professional assesses all his findings and observations based on these and makes a judgment regarding the candidacy of the individual for the procedure.
Discussions
Discussions that the prospective patient usually has with the doctor outline the operation and the recovery period. The medical professional assesses the answers of the person according to what he deems suitable for the operation. The expectations of the prospective patient should be grounded realistically and should not have flights of fancy that may be dashed with the results of the procedure. Plastic surgeons are very skilled in their work and they often treat it as works of art that they are creating, but there are limits to the changes that they can make. Patients should be made aware of the degree of discomfort and change that can be done. The safest thing is to discuss the operation step by step in order to allow the individual to understand and appreciate the work that will be done. The length and duration of the recovery period needs to be explained well in order for the person to grasp the importance of following the recommendations and prescriptions.
Medical History
During these discussions, the medical history and the current state of the individual should also be discussed. It is important to the plastic surgeons that their patient be made aware of the risks and the possible complications that may arise if there are underlying conditions. Diabetes and heart issues should be well under control in order for the doctor to contemplate doing the operation. The professional may even consult the attending physician who is treating the underlying condition in order to assess the candidacy of the individual. The weight of the person may also be subject to scrutiny since the any major surgery may require that the weight be stable for at least six months to a year.
The use of recreational drugs and smoking can also be a hindrance to the procedure. The effect of recreational drugs may limit the effect of the anesthetics and other necessary medicines to be used during and after the operation. Smoking should be stopped for at least several weeks before and after the proposed procedure is to be scheduled. Plastic surgeons will explain that the effect of smoking is in the nerves and the arteries as well as in the skin of the smoker. The healing of the incisions and wounds may be prolonged if the individual does not abstain from smoking for the duration stated by the doctor. The skin is also susceptible to scarring if the person is a heavy smoker. Restricted blood flow due to the constricted blood vessels because of smoking can not only delay healing but also cause the incisions to scar.
Test results can show how healthy the individual is and are part of the basis of the plastic surgeons' decision.
