Photo by: Anna Shvets
As a trusted Massachusetts cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Mark X. Lowney is responsible for helping thousands of patients achieve their desired appearance through creative treatment solutions. Occasionally, he determines that an individual patient should postpone their desired cosmetic surgery procedure or avoid it altogether. These decisions are based exclusively on the health and safety of the patient.
Read on to learn more about common reasons why some patients are advised to postpone or avoid cosmetic surgery.
SMOKING
Smoking can cause very bad cosmetic surgery outcomes and raise the risk of complications during and after the operation. Most cosmetic surgeons won’t operate on a patient that smokes regularly; they usually require the patient to quit smoking at least a few weeks prior to surgery and avoid smoking during recovery. Smoking cessation education and tools are available from most cosmetic surgeons to help patients stop smoking.
PREGNANT OR NURSING
Women that are pregnant or nursing are not suitable candidates for surgery and must postpone treatment until after they have healed from delivery and weaned the breastfeeding baby.
SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Sometimes, pre-operating examination or testing reveals a medical condition that requires further testing or intervention. Depending on the condition, it may need to be resolved before proceeding with cosmetic surgery.
Symptoms of illnesses like the flu or a cold need to be reported to the cosmetic surgeon’s office prior to surgery. The surgeon may recommend postponing surgery until the illness has passed, to prevent complications or avoid raising the risks of surgery.
UNREALISTIC GOALS OF TREATMENT
Setting realistic expectations and goals for treatment is essential to a successful experience. Cosmetic surgery can improve a person’s appearance, but it can’t fix all of life’s problems. Cosmetic surgery is not recommended to anyone who believes it can fix deep-seated psychological problems or interpersonal relationships.
SIGNIFICANT ANXIETY OR DOUBTS ABOUT TREATMENT
It is normal to have some nerves about undergoing surgery. However, individuals that suffer from significant anxiety or doubts about treatment are encouraged to postpone treatment until they can manage those concerns (with the help of their surgeon).
DISCUSS YOUR COSMETIC SURGERY OPTIONS WITH DR. LOWNEY
If you are interested in having cosmetic surgery to improve your appearance and would like to explore your candidacy for surgery, Dr. Lowney is happy to consult with you. Please contact Advanced Body Sculpting of New England today by calling or sending us an email.
