SAFETY · PLASTIC SURGERY

Safety in
Plastic Surgery.

Safe surgery is now a widely discussed topic. Several factors contribute to good results, but perhaps the most important is the surgeon's training, as it underpins everything else — including the decisions made every day.

TRAINING

Choose a specialist.

Training as a plastic surgeon requires a long route — at least 13 years of training from the beginning of medical school — which is demanding and rigorous. During that training, technical and scientific knowledge is acquired to reach the highest degree of predictability possible in a surgical procedure.

There are excellent plastic surgeons in Portugal performing aesthetic surgery, but there are also doctors who are not specialists and nevertheless perform these procedures. It is therefore important to verify with the Portuguese Medical Association that the doctor you consult is registered as a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.

Check the Portuguese Medical Association register
SURGICAL SETTING

Facilities and team.

Another important factor is the place where surgical procedures are performed and its staff. The clinics and hospitals where we operate meet the safety, equipment and infrastructure requirements appropriate to the procedures we usually perform.

BEFORE SURGERY

Preoperative care.

The guidance below reproduces the general preoperative care presented on the original Safety page.

RESTRICTIONS
  • Avoid smoking for a minimum of 3–4 weeks before surgery, as smoking associated with surgery greatly increases the risk of complications.
  • Do not take aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs or other medicines that may interfere with blood clotting, including Varfine®, Sintron®, AAS®, Ticlopidine®, Plavix®, Clopidogrel®, Pradaxa® and others.
  • In case of pain, Paracetamol may be taken exclusively.
  • Do not take natural teas or tablets during the 30 days before surgery, including ginseng, garlic and others.
  • If applicable, stop hormone replacement therapy 4 weeks before surgery.
ImportantConsult your physician before making any change to prescribed medication.
INDICATIONS
  • Food should be balanced in proteins and vegetables.
  • Vitamin supplements, for example vitamin C, and iron with folic acid during the month before surgery. Do not take vitamin E supplements.
  • Careful hydration with 2 litres of water per day, for at least 15 days before surgery.
  • If the surgery is an Abdominoplasty, the diet should preferably be liquid-based on the day before surgery.
  • The skin regions to be treated should be hydrated and nourished with daily cream in the weeks leading up to surgery.
  • Regular physical exercise before surgery — at least a 30-minute walk each day.
  • Restrict excessive sun exposure to avoid burns and scalds.
  • It is advisable to have Betadine Foam and 10×10 cm compresses at home for the period after surgery.