Plastic Surgery And Your Heart

In a culture consumed by image, plastic surgery is most certainly on the rise. The number of procedures performed in 2007 was 25% greater than in 2000. Plastic surgery includes reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Although it's becoming extremely routine, plastic surgery is major surgery and it comes with all the associated risks. Those risks have been discussed at length on many a plastic surgery forum. The risks may even be greater if you have heart disease. Patients with heart disease have a higher risk of developing a blood clot that can form after surgery and create a dangerous blockage in the bloodstream. The anesthesia required to keep surgery patients unconscious during surgery can also cause problems if your heart is not strong enough.

It is recommended by The American Heart Association that prior to any surgery a patient receive a full clinical evaluation by a cardiologist. The cardiologist will consider such factors as health problems, your age, and the urgency of the surgery. Cosmetic procedures, including cheek implants, nose jobs and face lifts, may not score high on the list of being urgent, however, reconstructive surgery may be considered more necessary. Also a factor will be the type of cosmetic surgery you may be planning to have. Abdominal procedures are among the many surgeries considered to be a higher risk for heart patients. Your medication will also need to be considered. You may need to stop taking blood thinners, if you are on them, as your surgery date approaches.

Even after you have received the tenuous OK from your cardiologist, be sure to bring up your heart issues with your cosmetic surgeon. Cosmetic surgeons often have concerns about operating on someone with your condition. In some states, legislation is underway that will mandate cosmetic surgeons to require a full physical evaluation as a prerequisite for all their patients. Another important thing to know: The heart risks of cosmetic procedures are not limited to those associated with the scalpel. An injection to collapse spider veins causing them to fade from view, known as sclerotherapy, is not recommended for heart disease patients. Even chemical peels can result in serious problems. The phenol which is used for dead skin removal can cause blood pressure elevation and arrhythmias after it is absorbed.

The bottom line is that you should ask your cardiologist and your plastic surgeon to help you understand the risks in your specific case. The risks may be worth the benefits, but you'll want professional input to be sure.