As You Heal

Family and Friends
Support from family and friends is very helpful, but because they may not understand what constitutes a normal post-operative course, their comments may unintentionally create emotional turmoil for you. We will tell you honestly how you are doing and what we expect your result to be. Please trust in our knowledge and experience when we discuss your progress with you.

Although plastic surgery has certainly “come out of the closet” in the past decade, your friends and family may still be reluctant to bring up and discuss what they believe is a private matter. Patients occasionally feel upset that “no one noticed” or “said anything.” If you feel comfortable discussing your surgical experience, do so openly. When people ask how you are, respond by saying, “I feel wonderful. I just had cosmetic surgery and I’m recovering.” This lets people know that they may talk freely with you. Often when patients are open, they find that their friends and acquaintances are very interested in discussing the subject.

Depression
Not commonly patients experience a brief period of “let down” or depression after cosmetic surgery. Some may subconsciously have expected to feel and look better “instantly” even though they rationally understand that this will not be the case. Patients commonly question their decision to have surgery during the first few days after surgery. As the healing occurs, these thoughts usually disappear quickly. If you feel depressed, understanding that this is a “natural” phase of the healing process may help you to cope with this emotional state. Healing
Everyone has the capacity to heal themselves to one degree or another. Clearly this ability is variable and depends upon a number of factors such as your genetic background, and your overall state of health and lifestyle (exercise, diet, smoking, drinking, etc.). Many people believe the surgeon “heals” the patient. No one person can make another heal. Dr. Gordon can facilitate (but not accelerate) the healing process. Your cooperation and close attention is extremely important and in your best interest.

Follow Instructions
Another major factor in the course of healing is whether you follow the instructions given by Dr. Gordon verbally and in the pre-operative booklet. Such guidelines are designed to promote the healing process and to prevent the occurrences of anything which may interfere with recovery. It is imperative that you recognize that you are a partner in this process and have a responsibility to follow instructions carefully. The instructions, based on broad experience, are designed to give you the best opportunity for healing without delay or surprise.
 

Complications
Unexpected occurrences are very infrequent. When they occur, it is seldom a consequence of malpractice. It is far more likely to be a result of the variable healing capacity. Rest assured, we will assist you in any way possible with regard to such events. Should the unexpected occur, it is in your best interest to ally yourself with Dr. Gordon and the staff. We will support you through any difficulties and assist you in reaching your goal.

General Anesthesia
When general anesthesia is used, you will be sound asleep and under the care of the anesthesia personnel throughout the operation. Once you are settled on the operating table, you will be connected to several monitors and an intravenous catheter. A quick-acting sedative will be given through the intravenous tubing after you have breathed pure oxygen for a few minutes. Once you fall asleep, the anesthesia personnel will usually slip an endotracheal tube through your mouth into your windpipe to guarantee that your breathing is unimpeded. An anesthetic gas that you will breathe and other medications that will be given through the intravenous catheter will keep you asleep and pain free.

Many patients have an instinctive fear of general anesthesia. Extremely sensitive monitors used during surgery have greatly reduced the risks of general anesthesia. A minute change in the oxygen level in your blood, in the amount of carbon dioxide you breathe out, in the percentage of anesthetic gas being administered, in your heart rate, or in your blood pressure, would be reported immediately. Most complications of anesthesia in the past have occurred because of “simple” problems that were not recognized quickly enough. The sophisticated monitoring now used makes recognition and treatment of problems with anesthesia almost immediate.

The anesthesia personnel spends all of their time during the procedure ensuring your safety. Any significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital functions are treated immediately. The anesthesia personnel are board certified anesthesiologist, and you will never be left unattended.