With plastic surgery, as with any surgery, there is always a risk of infection. One way you can help reduce this risk is by following your surgeon’s instructions carefully and completely before and after your procedure. Infection can set in and cause significant problems, including delays in healing, scarring, and even a need for more surgery.
Many people succumb to the temptation of going out in the sun or using a tanning bed too soon after surgery. This can cause problems with scars, including making them darker and more visible. If you must go out in the sun, be sure to use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your incisions.
What does the risk of infection mean?
The risk of infection after any surgery is always there, no matter how big or small the procedure. Whether you’re getting a simple mole removed or a more complicated facial reconstruction, there’s always the chance that something could go wrong and you could end up with an infection.
While the vast majority of plastic surgery procedures are performed without incident, it’s important to be aware of the risks before you undergo any type of surgery.
Cosmetic surgery and risk of infection
Most people associate the risk of infection with cosmetic surgery, but any type of surgery comes with a certain amount of risk. Infection can occur after any type of surgery, regardless of whether it’s performed for cosmetic or medical reasons.
The best way to reduce the risk of infection is to choose an experienced, qualified surgeon who takes precautions to minimize the chances of infection. You should also follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully before and after your procedure to help reduce the risk of infection.
What are the symptoms of an infection?
The symptoms of an infection can vary depending on the type of surgery you had and where the infection is located. Some common symptoms include:
-Redness
-Swelling
-Pain
-Fever
-Chills
– pus or drainage from the incision site
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your surgeon right away. Infections can often be treated with antibiotics, but if they’re left untreated, they can cause serious complications.
Tips to Reduce the Risk of Infection
There are a few things you can do to help reduce the risk of infection after plastic surgery. First, be sure to choose an experienced, qualified surgeon who takes precautions to minimize the chances of infection. You should also follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully before and after your procedure.
Before your surgery, be sure to ask your surgeon about any medications you should take or avoid before and after your procedure. Some medications, such as aspirin and other blood thinners, can increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided before surgery.
After your surgery, it’s important to keep the incision site clean and dry. You may need to use a special soap prescribed by your surgeon. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully to help reduce the risk of infection.
You should also avoid strenuous activity and exposure to sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light, such as tanning beds. Strenuous activity can increase the risk of bleeding and exposure to sunlight can darken scars.
Pre-operative Precautions
Before the operation, the patient should:
– Choose an experienced, qualified surgeon who takes precautions to minimize the chances of infection.
– Follow the surgeon’s instructions carefully before and after the procedure.
– Ask the surgeon about any medications to take or avoid before and after surgery.
– Avoid exposure to sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light for at least two weeks before surgery.
Post-operative Precautions
After the operation, the patient should:
– Keep the incision site clean and dry.
– Use a special soap prescribed by the surgeon.
– Follow the surgeon’s instructions carefully.
– Avoid strenuous activity and exposure to sunlight for at least six weeks.
– Contact the surgeon immediately if any symptoms of infection develop.
Taking Care of The incision site
It is important to keep the incision site clean and dry. You may need to use a special soap prescribed by your surgeon. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully to help reduce the risk of infection. The incision site heals with according to the strength of your immune system but you have to be extra careful.
You should also avoid strenuous activity and exposure to sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light, such as tanning beds. Strenuous activity can increase the risk of bleeding and exposure to sunlight can darken scars. The maintenance of the incision site is a serious concern and it must heal properly before you go back to your daily routine.
Types of Post-plastic surgery infections
There are different types of post-plastic surgery infections, which can be classified according to the causative agent, location, or type of infection.
The most common types of post-plastic surgery infections are:
1. Bacterial Infections:
Bacterial infections are the most common type of infection after plastic surgery. They can be caused by a number of different bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Symptoms of a bacterial infection can include redness, swelling, pain, fever, and chills. If left untreated, bacterial infections can cause serious complications.
2. Viral Infections:
Viral infections are less common than bacterial infections, but they can still occur after plastic surgery. They are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus or the human papillomavirus.
Symptoms of a viral infection can include redness, swelling, pain, and blisters. If left untreated, viral infections can cause serious complications.
3. Fungal Infections:
Fungal infections are relatively rare after plastic surgery. They can be caused by a number of different fungi, including Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus.
Symptoms of fungal infection can include redness, swelling, pain, and itching. If left untreated, fungal infections can cause serious complications.
4. Parasitic Infections:
Parasitic infections are relatively rare after plastic surgery. They can be caused by a number of different parasites, including roundworms and tapeworms.
Symptoms of the parasitic infection can include redness, swelling, pain, and diarrhea. If left untreated, parasitic infections can cause serious complications.
5. Infections of the Incision:
Infections of the incision are relatively rare after plastic surgery. They can be caused by a number of different bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Symptoms of an infection of the incision can include redness, swelling, pain, and fever. If left untreated, infections of the incision can cause serious complications.
Bottomline
The main aim of this article was to provide information about the different types of post-plastic surgery infections, their symptoms, and their treatment. Most plastic surgeons take good care of hygiene and cleanliness but it is important to remember that any infection can be serious and should be treated immediately. If you experience any symptoms of an infection after plastic surgery, you should contact your surgeon immediately.
Dr. Jim Brantner M.D. is a plastic surgeon in Johnson City, TN who specializes in breast reconstruction surgery. He has been performing this type of surgery for over 20 years and has helped hundreds of women regain their confidence after breast cancer. For more information about nipple reconstruction surgery, please contact us today.
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