Friday, September 13, 2013

Take The Time To Heal Following Cosmetic Surgery

Andrea L. Algar
Contributing Author

Most patients would be surprised to know that many post-surgical complications can be avoided!

According to San Antonio plastic surgeon Dr. Robert N. Young, "In my thirty year career, I've seen enough hematoma, seroma, pain in the incision area, and other post-surgery complaints to know that many may have been avoided if the patient had taken reasonable steps to follow their physician's instructions about activities following surgery.  Even though my patients are instructed to refrain from physicial activities including exercise, lifting and household chores for periods of time following their surgeries, we find that some do not follow these instructions closely enough. "

Photo Credit: loveyourlook.com
Examples of these types of complications frequently show up on social media sites such as realself.com, where readers write in with questions which physicians can respond to. You might read about a woman three days post-op from a Breast Augmentation who has developed sudden breast pain. She then volunteers that she was looking after her toddler and felt a sharp pain when she picked him up.  Or, the week-out face lift patient who developed pain following some active sex with her husband.

Dr. Young elaborates, "Athletes often have difficulty refraining from their routine physicial workouts. One of the more common questions I am asked is 'When can I return to my workouts?'. Athletes, in particular, feel because their bodies are accustomed to these activities, they won't have any problems. But, surgery is something that everyone should take seriously, even though it may be an elective, cosmetic procedure."

Not everyone has a complication when they step outside the instructions given to them by their doctors. However, cosmetic plastic surgery is a big investment, and it is probably best to err on the side of caution when it comes to returning to "normal" activities. Be prudent and check with your surgeon if in doubt. If he/she advises you to wait, it's probably advice worth listening to.

ABOUT DR. YOUNG

Robert N. Young, founder of Aesthetic Enhancement Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center, is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years experience. A native of San Antonio, Dr. Young graduated from the esteemed U.S. Military Academy at West Point and his medical training from Tulane University School of Medicine. Dr. Young retired from the military in 1990 after having served as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Brooke Army Medical Center. He has extensive experience both as a reconstructive plastic surgeon and a cosmetic plastic surgeon, and over the past twenty years has become known as the breast doctor of San Antonio. His practice includes a fully accredited outpatient Surgery Center staffed with qualified Registered Nurses, Anesthesiologists and surgical technicians. As a leading plastic surgeon in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Young is a member of the following professional organizations:

- ABPS Diplomate - Board Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
- Member, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
- Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- Fellow, American College of Surgeons
- Member, Texas Medical Society (TMS)
- Member, San Antonio International Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (SAISPRS)
- Bexar County Medical Society (BCMS)
- Accreditation by the American Association for Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea Algar is an author who writes on a topics that interest her. Over the last 30 years she has written articles on a variety of topics including psychology, health, dentisty, fashion and beauty, music, cosmetic surgery, antiques and restoration, as well as performance and classic cars. Prior to the Internet, she published a national subscription newsletter, edited two books, and produced works in photography and video. She currently contributes to several blogs on a regular basis.