Why is it so important for my plastic surgeon to know detailed information about my personal and family health history, even if I am only having a simple cosmetic procedure?

There is always risk with any surgical procedure. However, as a patient, you can play an important role in reducing your risk by providing a full and complete health history to your surgeon. Certain elements of your personal or family health histories may increase your risk of certain complications. This will be reviewed by the doctor prior to the surgery. How can I be sure that the anesthesia care I receive in my plastic surgeon’s surgical facility is adequate? Anesthesia care in an accredited or licensed facility has reached a level of sophistication that is absolutely comparable to the care received in the hospital. For maximum safety, ASPS recommends that: Any planned anesthesia should be administered by an anesthesiologist. I perform my procedures with a board-certified anesthesiologist (we can have a link here to my anesthesia data) on all but the most minor procedures at the surgery center. ... more

There is always risk with any surgical procedure. However, as a patient, you can play an important role in reducing your risk by providing a full and complete health history to your surgeon. The more information Dr. Zemmel has about you, the more accurately he can assess your needs. Certain elements of your personal or family health histories may increase your risk of complications. Dr. Zemmel will review your complete history prior to the surgery. ... more

There is always risk with any surgical procedure. However, as a patient, you can play an important role in reducing your risk by providing a full and complete health history to your surgeon. Before any type of anesthesia is used, the surgeon and anesthesiologist must take a full medical history. A physical examination and appropriate lab tests may also be performed. Your surgeon needs to know if you have any serious medical problems or have had previous adverse reaction to any other type of anesthesia. Also, you must let the anesthesiologist know about any medications you are taking (including herbal supplements), any known drug allergies, when you last ate and whether you smoke cigarettes or use alcohol or illegal drugs. ... more