Q & A: How do surgical revisions work?
Posted April 25, 2018
I posed a question to Dr. Antimarino about the possibility of surgical revisions after the initial surgical procedure. This was his response:
As advanced as we are as surgeons and even with the latest surgical techniques, sometimes after surgery the tissue does not heal in the same manner as we had planned. Plastic surgery is a science. It is not like the building of a house where a contractor is dealing with materials such as wood, metal, plastic, and glass. Those objects stay as they are cut or molded and the finished product remains the same as when it was first constructed. In surgery, surgeons are working with living tissue that heals by forming scar tissue which may be influenced by age, genetics, hormones, smoking, existing medical conditions and daily activities. Therefore, as much as we try to avoid the need for touch-ups or “revisions”, these are a normal part of plastic surgery.
In the vast majority of cases, the revisions are minor and can be done under local anesthesia or sedation. A surgeon should never diminish the burden to the patient associated with these revisions as it is understood there may be fees associated with another surgery, time off work and activities as well as the needed recovery time. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict pre-operatively who would most likely need a revision and our human nature tends to have us believe it will never happen to us.
Communication is key.
The discussion between the surgeon and the patient can be difficult on both accounts. The patient may be reluctant to express concerns with the surgeon as they may feel their complaints unnecessary and the discussion would diminish their relationship with the surgeon. The surgeon may also be reluctant to discuss the need for a revision as it may be perceived as if the desired surgical outcome was not met or their surgical skills were under scrutiny. Communication remains key to a patient-surgeon relationship to ensure the desired surgical outcome is reached.
Patients need to be aware that, although the need for revisions is low, they are a possibility in any procedure.
Want to learn more?
You can call Bellissimo Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa today (844-496-6647) or request an appointment online to schedule your complimentary surgical consultation. We are located in Shadyside, Monroeville, Greensburg and Robinson Township.
Read reviews about our board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Antimarino.
