Safe surgery is nowadays a widely discussed topic. Several factors converge to good results, but perhaps the most important is the training of the surgeon, as it is the basis of everything else, including the decisions he makes every day. To train plastic surgeons, it is necessary to go through a long route (at least 13 years of training since the beginning of medical school), which is demanding and rigorous, and over which they acquire enough technical and scientific knowledge to reach the highest degree of predictability that is possible in a surgical procedure. In fact, there are excellent plastic surgeons in Portugal performing aesthetic surgery, but there are also some that are not specialists but insist on performing these procedures.
It is therefore important to check with the Portuguese Medical Association if the doctor consulting you is registered as a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. Just refer to the following website and enter his/her name (ex.: "João Nunes da Costa"):
https://ordemdosmedicos.pt/medicos-registados-na-ordem-dos-medicos/
Another important factor is the place where the surgical procedures are performed and their staff. The St. Louis Hospital and also its Clinica do Campo Grande (Lisbon) are locations that meet all requirements in safety, equipment and infrastructures for the procedures we usually execute.
Safety in Surgery
Pre-Surgery Care
Restrictions:
- Avoid smoking for a minimum of 3-4 weeks before surgery (this addiction, associated with surgery, greatly increases the risk of complications).
- Contraindication for taking aspirin, anti-inflammatories or other medicines that may interfere with blood clotting (Varfine®, Sintron®, AAS®, Ticlopidine®, Plavix®, Clopidogrel®, Pradaxa®, ... and many others)
- In case of pain you can take Paracetamol exclusively.
- It is forbidden to take natural teas and/or tablets 30 days prior to surgery (Giseng, garlic and many others).
- If applicable, stop hormone replacement therapy 4 weeks before. - Consult your physician before any change to prescription.
Indications:
- Food should be balanced in proteins and vegetables.
- Vitamin supplements (e.g., vitamin C) and iron (with folic acid) in the month prior to surgery. (NOTE: Do not take vitamin E supplements)
- Careful hydration with 2 litres of water per day (at least 15 days before surgery).
- In case the surgery is Abdominoplasty, the diet should preferentially be only liquid based the day before surgery.
- The skin regions to be treated should be hydrated and nourished with daily cream in the weeks leading up to the surgical procedure.
- You should perform regular physical exercise before surgery (minimum walk about 30 minutes a day).
- Restrict sun exposure to avoid burns and scalds.
- It will be advisable to buy and have at home Betadine Foam and 10x10 cm compresses for the period after the surgery.
