Infection after some form of procedure is often a possible risk and plastic surgery is no exception. While many plastic operations are performed to change or enhance some aspect of the appearance of a person rather than for medical reasons, such procedures often require making skin incisions. Since the skin offers a natural shield against infectious bacteria, any breach in the skin will leave the door wide open for unwanted bugs.
Infections during post-plastic surgery
An infection that grips after surgery may cause a person to get very ill. It can also have a huge impact on the final outcome in the case of plastic surgery — how you look afterwards. For example, if an incision gets infected, it may not heal properly, leaving an unsightly scar — not exactly what you’re looking for after a procedure designed to enhance your looks.
Often an infection following a procedure such as a tummy tuck involves reopening an incision to remove pus or contaminated fluid, causing a more visible and unsightly scar once again.And in the case of surgery involving an implant, such as breast augmentation or chin augmentation, the implant may have to be removed if an infection continues to spread from the incision to the implant. Some doctors will wait 3 to 6 months before attempting to insert a new implant.
Pre-operation precautions
Preventing infection after plastic surgery will actually start before the first cut is made by a surgeon. The room in which you will have your surgery will be washed and sterilized, the doctor and nurses will be dressed in appropriate surgical wear (scrubs, gloves, face masks), the body region will be prepared with an antiseptic — all part of what is called aseptic procedure.
When bacteria somehow find their way through an incision given such infection-preventive procedures, it’s probably not an issue: In most situations, the body’s own defense mechanisms can step in and kill the invaders before they can settle in and multiply.
Many individuals are more vulnerable than others, like those with diabetes, smoking, taking steroids, or having other diseases of the vasculature. The longer a treatment, the higher also the risk of infection.
Take Away
Your plastic surgeon will have detailed instructions on how to prepare for your procedure. Join them! For example, if you smoke and are told to stop doing so. The safer you undergo surgery, the better the immune system can kick in if need be.
