Avoiding the Risk of Infection after Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery addresses cosmetic imperfections and allows patients to achieve their aesthetic goals. That is why facial plastic surgery to minimize the signs of aging, breast surgery to perfect the bust line, and body contouring procedures to enhance the figure are so popular. Under the care of a skilled and experienced surgeon, such as Dr. Suzanne Yee, most plastic surgery procedures are completely safe and effective. Still, it is important for patients to have a complete understanding of the potential risks of plastic surgery before committing to treatment.

Although it is rare for a patient to experience plastic surgery complications, it is a possibility. Infection is one of the most common post-surgical complications. Here, Dr. Yee discusses the risk of plastic surgery and infection for her Little Rock, AR patients, and also provides tips for preventing this complication from developing.

How Common is Infection after Plastic Surgery?

Infection is one of the most common plastic surgery complications. However, the risk of complications after plastic surgery is extremely low, so the majority of plastic surgery patients will not develop an infection. Depending on the specific surgery that is performed, the risk of infection after plastic surgery is about two to four percent.

Signs of Infection

Even if an infection does develop, it can likely be treated before it becomes a serious concern. However, it is important to treat infections early. To ensure that patients seek the care they need in a timely manner, they must recognize an infection when it develops. Below are common signs that an infection may be present:

• Increased pain at the incision site
• An increase in redness or warmth at the incision site
• Discharge from the incision
• Foul odor coming from the incision site
• Fever

Any of these symptoms should be reported to Dr. Yee immediately. With early intervention, most infections can be treated with an oral antibiotic.

Preventing Infection

Although it is important to understand that plastic surgery carries a risk of infection, most patients can avoid this risk by following the pre- and post-operative care instructions that Dr. Yee provides. Some care tips that are especially important to avoid infection after plastic surgery include the following:

• Prepare the skin for surgery by cleaning it with an antiseptic solution (patients will likely be provided with antiseptic wipes to use before surgery)
• Avoid shaving the surgical site before surgery, as this can create micro-tears in the skin
• Eat a healthy diet that is rich in nutrients in the weeks before and after plastic surgery
• If you smoke, refrain from doing so in the weeks before and after surgery
• Clean and care for the incision as directed in post-care instructions
• Take any prescribed antibiotics as directed

Schedule an Appointment

Plastic surgery is a safe, effective option for patients who are looking to enhance their natural beauty. If you would like to learn more about the cosmetic treatments offered by experienced plastic surgeon Suzanne Yee, schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.