Are You Ready for Plastic Surgery? Understanding Medical Safety and Contraindications

As BMI increases, so does the likelihood of various complications:

• Higher risk of surgical site infections
• Increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE)
• Delayed wound healing, with healing times potentially extending beyond two months
• Increased risk of unplanned hospital readmissions

Given these elevated risks, many plastic surgeons consider a BMI of 30/32 or higher to be a contraindication for elective cosmetic procedures. Patients in this BMI range may be advised to lose weight before undergoing surgery to improve their safety and optimize surgical outcomes.

Heart Conditions

Cardiovascular health is crucial for safe surgery:

• Uncontrolled heart conditions are contraindications for cosmetic surgery in Ireland.
• Patients with heart disease face higher risks of anesthesia-related complications.
• Poor blood flow can lead to wound healing issues and increased postoperative care needs.

Smoking or vaping

Smoking is a major risk factor for surgical complications:

• Increases risk of wound healing problems.
• Leads to poor scarring and tissue death.
• Higher risk of surgical site infections.

P.S. For bigger aesthetic surgery procedures in Ireland, like breast augmentation, breast reduction, tummy tuck, or facelift, patients must stop smoking at least four weeks before the surgery.

High Blood Pressure

Hypertension can significantly impact surgical outcomes:

• Increased risk of bleeding and blood clots during surgery
• May lead to delayed wound healing and other complications
• Can affect tolerance to general anesthesia

Other Contraindications

Several other factors can disqualify you from plastic surgery in Ireland:

• Uncontrolled diabetes (patients should maintain good control for at least six months).
• Active infections (even minor infections like Herpes simplex or a fever should be treated before surgery).
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding (hormonal fluctuations can affect surgical outcomes and recovery).
• Bleeding disorders like hemophilia and thrombocytopenia.
• Certain medications: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and estrogen-based medications.
• Blood thinners (anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications) should be avoided before surgery to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.

Blood Thinners to Avoid Before Surgery

• Antiplatelet Medications (Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Ticagrelor, Prasugrel) Stop 5-7 days before surgery unless the patient has a high cardiovascular risk.
• Anticoagulants Warfarin, Rivaroxaban (Xarelto), Apixaban should be stopped 5-7 days before surgery; INR should be normalized prior to surgery.

Other Medications with Anticoagulant Properties

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen and naproxen should be stopped 24-48 hours before surgery.
• Herbal Supplements: Some supplements, such as ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, and fish oil, can increase bleeding risk. Stop at least 1-2 weeks before surgery.

Important

For patients at high risk of thrombosis, short-acting anticoagulants (e.g., low molecular weight heparin) may be used temporarily while the primary blood thinner is stopped. Always consult your GP or specialist before making changes to your medications.

Conclusion

While plastic surgery in Ireland can be transformative, it’s not without risks. Your health and safety should always come first. If you have any of these conditions, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can never have surgery. Work with your primary care provider to improve your health and consult with an anesthetist to discuss your individual case.

Remember, the goal is not just to have surgery but to have a safe and successful operation. Your surgeon may recommend weight loss, smoking cessation, or better management of chronic conditions before proceeding with any cosmetic procedures.