Dublin Cosmetic Surgery Centre
Factors Common to All Surgical Procedures
Every surgical procedure carries a risk. This section highlights the postoperative complications that can occur with any surgical operation.
Scars
All surgical incisions heal with a scar. It is wrong to think that scars will be invisible or that they will completely fade to nothing in time. Wound healing is a complex, biochemical process involving many variables and for this reason results cannot be accurately predicted.
In general, scars take six to eighteen months (or even longer) to mature and there will always remain a permanent mark, no matter how inconspicuous, where an incision has been made.
Pain and Discomfort
Surgical procedures result in pain and discomfort for the patient. The degree and duration of this will depend on the nature of the operation/procedure and the patient's pain threshold. Appropriate medication is given to patients to alleviate discomfort in the immediate post operative period as well as on discharge from hospital.
Bruising and Swelling
Every surgical procedure is followed by a period of bruising and swelling. This is the body's natural response to injury and the amount will depend on the nature and extent of the surgery. Many surgeons recommend a course of arnica tablets before and after surgery to help reduce post-operative bruising and swelling.
Bleeding and Haematoma
Sometimes bleeding can continue after the end of the operation or restart again several hours after. Blood can either track to the surface and become noticeable as localised bruising or, more commonly, can collect in a space or pocket deep in the skin. Such a collection of blood is called a haematoma and if it becomes large enough, it will require a further procedure to remove it.
Infection
Infection can occur after any surgical procedure. Most commonly the wound (incision site) is affected. If the infection progresses, the surrounding tissues can become affected. This condition is known as cellulitis. Rarely further progression of the infection may lead to the formation of a localised deep pocket of pus (abscess) which will require further treatment.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
This results when a blood clot develops in one or more deep veins in the calf. It is possible for the clot to become dislodged from its origin in the calf and be transported by the bloodstream to the lungs (pulmonary embolus) where it can have very serious consequences. Females taking oral contraceptives may run a slightly increased risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis after some operations. Every patient will be assessed individually and advised accordingly as to whether it is advisable to stop the oral contraceptive pill prior to surgery.
Allergic Reactions to Drugs
Various drugs are given to a patient during the course of a general anaesthetic or hospital stay. It is important to avoid giving any drug to a patient who might be allergic to it. Severe allergic responses have to be dealt with promptly and effectively to avoid serious consequences.
