Conditions that May Prevent Patients from Being Good Plastic Surgery Candidates

Not every person who wants to have plastic surgery is a good candidate for these procedures. That is why it is important for patients to understand what makes someone a good candidate and what makes for a bad candidate. While most of plastic surgery procedures are less invasive and less dangerous than other types of surgery, lifestyle, health, and other issues may preclude a person from being a viable candidate, and it’s important for individuals to heed the warnings of doctors.

What conditions might make a patient a poor candidate for plastic surgery? Of course, it is necessary for a patient to to discuss any relevant medical history with the plastic surgeon, but here is a general list of conditions that may prevent patients from being good plastic surgery candidates:

• A bleeding disorder - If a patient has a disorder that prevents blood coagulation and makes it difficult for a person to recover from cuts and bruises, the condition may preclude that person from having plastic surgery. Because of the nature of surgery, it is usually not a good idea for someone who cannot heal properly to undergo elective surgery. Patients with bleeding disorders should let plastic surgeons know of the condition before scheduling any type of surgery, minimally invasive or not. 
• Very severe allergies - Patients who have allergies to latex, plastics, and certain metals might find themselves precluded from plastic surgery, especially the types of surgery that include inserting or injecting something into the body. If a person is allergic the materials, this could be a very serious situation and is usually not a risk a plastic surgeon wants to take.
• High blood pressure - A person with high blood pressure is usually not a good candidate for any type of surgery. Like those who have bleeding disorders, this issue makes it difficult to heal after surgery and plastic surgery could put undue strain on the body. Patients should disclose blood pressure history when consulting a plastic surgeon.
• Diabetes - Individuals who suffer from diabetes usually have issues with healing. A significant surgery leaves these individuals vulnerable to infection, scarring, and a longer, more painful healing process, one that probably will not provide them with the results they want.
• Any other significant disease - From high cholesterol to heart disease to cancer to alcoholism or addiction of any kind, these diseases make it more difficult for a person to recover properly from surgery and may make their behavior of their body under anesthesia unpredictable.

All that said, patients should discuss any known conditions with their plastic surgeons in order to determine whether or not they are good candidates for surgery.

For more information about conditions that may prevent patients from being good plastic surgery candidates, please contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery. Any of our staff members will be able to answer patients’ questions as well as schedule time for consultations and appointments. Our staff looks forward to helping all patients with their needs.