|
More about Plastic, Cosmetic, and Reconstructive Surgery:
Definition Purpose Precautions Preparation Aftercare Risks Normal results Resources |
Some patients should not have plastic surgery because of certain medical risks. These groups include:
- patients recovering from a heart attack, severe infection (for example, pneumonia), or other serious illness
- patients with infectious hepatitis or HIV infection
- cancer patients whose cancer might spread (metastasize)
- patients who are extremely overweight. Patients who are more than 30% overweight should not have liposuction
- patients with blood clotting disorders
Plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgeries have an important psychological dimension because of the high value placed on outward appearance in Western society. Many people who are born with visible deformities or disfigured by accidents later in life develop emotional problems related to social rejection. Other people work in fields such as acting, modeling, media journalism, and even politics, where their employment depends on how they look. Some people have unrealistic expectations of cosmetic surgery and think that it will solve all their life problems. It is important for anyone considering nonemergency plastic or cosmetic surgery to be realistic about its results. One type of psychiatric disorder, called body dysmorphic disorder, is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with imaginary or minor flaws in appearance. Patients with this disorder frequently seek unnecessary plastic surgery.
— Rebecca J. Frey
