Plastic Surgeons: What You Need to Tell Your Doctor

When most people think about their first meeting with plastic surgeons, they consider the information they need from the doctor. Questions they want to ask. While this is very important for anyone considering a procedure, it is also important that the doctor get some information from the patient. While relevant information should be requested in forms that you fill out while at the office, don't count on these forms being read as carefully as they should be. The following information is important enough for you to bring up yourself, even if you've already marked the appropriate box on a form.

Do You Smoke?

Smokers face greater risks when they go in for surgery of any kind. Some plastic surgeons refuse to perform certain procedures on smokers. The risk of infection and poor recovery are too prescient. The presence of nicotine in the blood can slow blood flow to an injured spot, and circulation may be cut off to the point where the injury is unable to heal. Many doctors will strongly advise their patients to quit weeks before having a procedure. Of course, no doctor is going to give you a drug test, so the choice is really up to you in the end. Be aware, however, of your increased risks if you choose to go through with it while still smoking.

Your Medications

If you take medications of any kind, plastic surgeons need to know. This isn't something they're going to gloss over when reading your forms, but if you're never asked for the information make sure you volunteer it. Patients will often assume that if a doctor never asks for a piece of information, it means it has no relevance. While this is often true, you can't count on this being the case. It takes seconds to bring up any medications you are taking, but it could mean a world of difference in how things proceed.

Health History

Plastic surgeons need to know what kinds of health problems you've faced in the past, as they can illuminate problems that could arise in the surgery. A doctor's goal is not only to give you the best results possible, but to avoid complications and minimize risks. Help them do this by being open and honest about your health history.

Your Expectations

People get cosmetic surgery for different reasons and everyone expects something slightly different from their procedure. Make sure your doctor knows exactly what you want when you walk out of the clinic.