According to the May issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, obese patients are 35% more likely to visit the ER following common plastic surgery procedures than non-obese patients. The study researched the outcomes of 48,000 patients who were undergoing liposuction, abdominoplasty, breast reduction, or blepharoplasty surgery. Four percent of the patients studied were found to be medically obese. Among the obese patient population, 7% made a visit to the ER within thirty days following their surgeries, compared to only 3% of the non-obese patients.
Obese patients were also found to have to pay more for post-operative care, with obese patients paying, on average $7,000 more for breast surgery post-operative care than non-obese patients.
Obesity had long been known to increase the risk for surgical complications among plastic surgery patients. While the results of the study don’t indicate that obese patients should simply stop having plastic surgery, the results suggest that patients and their plastic surgeons should take the time to discuss the increased risk and the potential for greater costs during the recovery time. Patients who are properly aware of the risks and costs can then better make informed decisions about whether to proceed with plastic surgery.
Additionally, many insurance providers may not pay for care that is needed as a result of a plastic surgery complication. Patients should take the time to review the details of their policies to understand their rights and responsibilities prior to making important health care decisions.
Other studies corroborate these findings. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, obese women saw a twelvefold increase in complications following plastic surgery to the breast. Complications included inflammation, hematoma, and pain following surgery. The research for this study was limited to procedures that were covered under health insurance, so aesthetic surgery wasn’t considered. Many of the women in the study were undergoing breast reduction surgery.
When it comes to breast augmentation surgery for aesthetic reasons, patients should take the time to speak to their doctor about any possible complications and risks. Each patient’s case is unique and certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of infection or a longer recovery period.
Dr. Leonard Grossman, M.D. is a skilled plastic surgeon in NYC who takes the time to review each patient’s medical history prior to embarking on a course of treatment. Dr. Grossman considers each patient’s aesthetic goals and takes the steps to ensure that patients enjoy speedy recoveries and get the best results. In most cases this requires pre-operative care consisting of a specialized diet, vitamin and protein supplementation as well as other measures to ensure the best possible outcome. Dr. Grossman has been performing plastic surgery for over 20 years. As a result, he has the skill and experience to produce excellent results with low complication rates.
If concerns about plastic surgery complications are stopping you from achieving your best look today, schedule a consultation with Dr. Leonard Grossman’s office in NYC today. For many women, Dr. Grossman is able to mitigate the risks and produce effective, low-complication results.
