Plastic Surgery and Infection Can Be Prevented with Proper Care
Plastic surgery and infection are two words you never want to hear mentioned in the same sentence. Although the risk of infection is low after plastic surgery, there is still a chance one can develop while you are recovering. Choosing who the surgeon, where the procedure is performed, and how well you follow your at-home post-surgical instructions all play a significant role in how well you respond to surgery.
When considering our Gatineau, QC clinic for plastic surgery or body contouring to improve your appearance, Dr. Patricia Berbari will take the time to meet with you to discuss the procedure in detail and explain all the pre-surgical and post-surgical instructions involved so you can achieve desirable results. She will also explain the possible signs of infections. Knowing what to expect beforehand and how to handle it in advance will minimize your discomfort.
How Common Is Infection after Plastic Surgery?
With the advancements made in the technologies and techniques used in the plastic surgery industry, the risk of infection has significantly dropped over the years. Surgeons and clinics follow strict sterilization guidelines to ensure the safety of their patients. Though the risk is low, there are key factors that can place you in jeopardy. Choosing an inexperienced surgeon unfamiliar with proper sterilization, or having your procedure performed in an unclean or unaccredited surgical facility can increase your exposure to harmful bacteria.
Even if a surgeon follows the strictest guidelines during surgery, an infection can still develop during the weeks after surgery if you return home to an unclean environment and fail to follow your post-surgical instructions. Knowing what to do beforehand can reduce your risk of infection.
How Can I Prevent Infection?
Below are a few steps to follow to help promote a smooth recovery:
- Avoid smoking. If you smoke, you will be asked to stop at least two weeks before and after surgery
- Keep your home clean. Make sure your bed has fresh sheets and your bathtub and shower are thoroughly disinfected. You could even go so far as to have your house professionally cleaned before undergoing surgery. This allows you to walk into a freshly cleaned environment.
- Change bandages as directed. Keeping your incisions clean and any bandages fresh will also minimize your risk for infection.
- Attend your follow-up appointments. When you do so, your doctor will be able to detect even the smallest concern at the earliest stage to prevent it from developing into something more serious.
What Are the Signs of Infection?
Warning signs of infection are important to know beforehand so that should any develop, you can contact your doctor as soon as possible. Doing so can prevent the issue from worsening. Common signs of infection include:
- Excessive redness or swelling around the incision
- Skin hot to the touch
- Fever
- Pus or fluid leakage
- Abnormal pain
- Chills
- Increased fatigue
Contact our Office
For more information on the body contouring procedures we provide and how to best prevent an infection from developing, we encourage you to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Berbari. She will thoroughly explain the procedure and answer all your questions. You can reach us online.