Although cosmetic surgical procedures are generally considered to be safe, no operation can be made entirely risk free. Dr. Howard Tobin and his staff make every effort to keep your operation as safe as possible. Our surgical center is fully accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care – the nation’s leading outpatient accreditation organization. We are state licensed and undergo continuing efforts in quality assurance and improvement. Our staff is highly trained and dedicated to patient care.
Dr. Tobin spends far more than the required time in continuing education, both in the role of student and teacher. Our entire staff is committed to your safety during surgery and afterwards.
Still, complications can occur with any operation. The chapters in this book attempt to mention some of the more common risks involved with surgery, but of course, you will learn more during your personal consultation.
SMOKING AND COSMETIC SURGERY
Repeated studies have confirmed that smokers are at much higher risk of complications following surgery. Smoking results in the body absorbing nicotine and carbon monoxide that deprive the tissues of needed oxygen and interferes with wound healing. By stopping smoking before surgery, some of these effects can be reversed, although smoking also results in damage to small vessels that is long lasting, if not permanent. Patients who elect to have surgery must stop smoking at least two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Also remember, that “the patch” is not acceptable since it is another source of nicotine. Failure to do so threatens their chances of normal healing.
At the end of this book, we have included a copy of the standard operative consent form that is provided to patients who are planning surgery at our Center. Prospective patients should read the form so that you might ask any questions that you have about risks or complications at the time of your consultation or at any time prior to surgery.