About Risk
We want you to fully understand the risks involved in surgery so you can make an informed decision. Although complications are infrequent, all surgeries have some degree of risk. The staff at our office will use our expertise to avoid complications in so far as we are able. If a complication does arise, we will use those same skills in an attempt to solve the problem quickly. The importance of having a highly qualified medical team and the use of a certified facility cannot be over estimated.
In general, the least serious problems occur more often and the more serious problems occur rarely. If a complication does arise, you, Dr Thomas and his nursing staff will need to cooperate in order to resolve the problem. Many complications involve an extension of the recovery period rather than any permanent effect on your final result.
Normal Symptoms
- Swelling and bruising
- Moderate swelling and bruising are normal after any surgery.
- However, severe or tight swelling and bruising may indicate bleeding or possible infection.
- Discomfort and pain
- Mild to moderate discomfort or pain is normal after and surgery. If the pain becomes severe and is not relieved by pain medication, please call Dr Thomas at (503) 341-2555.
- Crusting along the incision line
- We usually treat this with antibiotic ointment.
- Numbness
- Small sensory nerves to the skin surface are occasionally cut when the incision is made or interrupted by undermining of the skin during surgery. The sensation in those areas gradually returns, usually within 3-6 months as the nerve endings heal spontaneously. Itching Itching and occasional small shooting electrical sensations within the skin frequently occur as the nerve endings heal. Ice, skin moisturizers, and massages are frequently helpful. These symptoms are common during the recovery period.
- Visibility of scars
- All new scars are red, dark pink, or purple. Scars typically become more visible for several months and then fade. They may take up to one year or longer to fade to the greatest extent possible.
Risks
- Hematoma
- Small collections of blood under the skin are usually allowed to absorb spontaneously. Larger hematomas may require aspiration, drainage, or even surgical removal to achieve the best result.
- Inflammation and infection
- A superficial infection may require antibiotic ointment.
- Deeper infections are treated with oral antibiotics.
- Development of an abscess usually requires drainage.
- Thick, wide or depressed scars
- Abnormal scars may occur even though we use the most modern plastic surgery techniques.
- Injection of steroids into the scars, placement of silicone sheeting onto the scars, or further surgery to correct the scars is occasionally necessary.
- Some areas on the body scar more than others
- Some people scar more than others. Your own history of scarring should give you some indication of what you can expect.
- Wound separation or delayed healing
- Any incision, during the healing phase, may separate or heal unusually slowly for a number of reasons. These include inflammation, infection, wound tension, decreased circulation, smoking or excess external pressure. If delayed healing occurs, the final outcome is usually not significantly affected, but secondary revision of the scar may be indicated.
- Sensitivity or allergy to dressings or tape
- Occasionally allergic or sensitivity reactions may occur from soaps, ointments, tape or sutures used during or after surgery. Such problems are unusual and are usually mild and easily treated. In extremely rare circumstances, allergic reactions can be severe and require aggressive treatment or even hospitalization.
- Increased risks for smokers
- Smokers have a greater chance of skin loss and poor healing because of decreased skin circulation.
- Injury to deeper structures
- Blood vessels, nerves and muscles may be injured during surgery. The incidence of such injuries is rare.
- More severe complications
- If they are severe, any of the problems mentioned above may significantly delay healing or necessitate further surgical procedures.
- Medical complications such as pulmonary embolism, severe allergic reactions to medications, cardiac arrhythmias, heart attack, and hyperthermia are rare but serious and life-threatening problems. (Failure to disclose all pertinent medical data before surgery may cause serious problems for you and for the medical team during surgery.)
Anesthesia risks
- Not really a risk but after anesthesia you may feel quite run down for longer than you anticipate.
- Post surgical nausea and vomiting.
- A very rare, but severe risk of anesthesia may include death.
Unforeseen risks
Your surgeon has compiled this list based on his knowledge, but even this extensive list is incomplete and there may be other risks that are not mentioned here. We have not discussed every possible problem that may occur, nor can you assume that a problem will not occur simply because it is not discussed here.
Unsatisfactory results and revision surgery
While the surgery is performed with a high probability of success, disappointments occur and results are not always acceptable to patients or the surgeon. Secondary procedures or treatments may be indicated. Secondary treatments/surgeries or emergency services are not covered by the initial surgical fee. You would be responsible for any emergency or other services even if a complication of surgery. Problems may occur that are permanent and not correctable.
I understand that still and video photography and audio recordings are important for James P. Thomas, MD in planning and evaluating surgery as well as in teaching. Photos, video and audio recordings may be labeled with my name when used in communication with other health care professionals. Photos, video and audio recordings will not identify me by name when used for teaching purposes without my written consent.
Communication
I agree to keep my doctor informed of any change in my permanent address, phone or email so that he can inform me of any important new findings relating to my surgery.
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