In elective surgery, “optional” doesn’t mean “risk-free.” Dr. Aycock explains her 6-point safety philosophy—from limiting surgery time to VTE prevention—to ensure your transformation is as safe as it is beautiful. Learn what it truly means to be a safe plastic surgeon.
In the world of plastic surgery, almost every procedure we perform is elective. This means these surgeries aren’t medically required to save a life, but are instead chosen to enhance it. However, “elective” is never a synonym for “risk-free.”
As a surgeon, I believe the elective nature of my work gives me an even greater responsibility to protect my patients. True surgical safety isn’t just about what happens in the operating room; it’s a comprehensive philosophy that starts the moment we meet. Here is how we ensure the safest possible outcomes for our plastic surgery patients.
1. The Foundation: Choosing and Preparing Healthy Patients
Safety begins with patient selection. This is the key to having the least surgical risk. Elective plastic surgery should only be offered to patients that have optimized their health before surgery.
- Smoking Cessation: I do not operate on active smokers, as nicotine severely restricts blood flow and compromises healing.
- BMI and Weight Cutoffs: Maintaining a safe Body Mass Index (BMI) reduces the risk of anesthesia complications and wound infections.
- Metabolic Control: For patients with diabetes, a hemoglobin A1c below 7 is non-negotiable for long-term safety.
- Post-Weight Loss Nutrition: For those who have undergone massive weight loss, we verify normal pre-albumin levels to ensure the body has the protein stores necessary to knit tissues back together.
Sometimes patients get angry at me and want to have surgery even when they don’t meet these guidelines but I would rather have someone angry at me for not doing their surgery than having a complication after surgery.
2. The Clock Matters: Limiting Total Surgery Time
The longer a patient is under general anesthesia, the higher the risk of complications. To mitigate this, I set a strict six-hour maximum for any single operative session.
For patients seeking comprehensive transformations—such as those following significant weight loss—this may mean “staging” procedures. While it requires more patience, breaking a Full Body Lift into two separate stages ensures we aren’t pushing your body’s physiological limits. This approach also allows for “fine-tuning” during the second stage for a more refined final result.
3. Preventing VTE (Blood Clots)
Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), which includes Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolisms, is a rare but serious risk. We use the Caprini Risk Assessment Model to calculate a personalized safety score for every patient.
- Prophylaxis: Patients with high scores receive preventative blood thinners.
- Procedure-Specific Care: I prescribe blood thinners for all Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) patients. While this carries a small risk of minor post-surgical bleeding, that is a treatable issue; a VTE is a life-threatening one.
- Early Mobility: I also get every patient out of bed and walking the very same day of surgery to keep circulation moving.
4. Advanced Pain Management (The Opioid-Sparing Approach)
Safety also means protecting you from the side effects of heavy narcotics. We utilize a “multimodal” pain plan:
- Nerve Blocks: Administered during surgery to numb the area before you even wake up.
- Scheduled Non-Opioids: We alternate acetaminophen and NSAIDs (like Celebrex or ibuprofen) to keep pain at a baseline low.
- Muscle Relaxants: These target the source of discomfort in procedures like Breast Augmentation or tummy tucks.
5. Facility Accreditation and Anesthesia Standards
I only operate in accredited surgery centers and hospitals. This is a vital distinction. A “Safe Surgeon” works with a dedicated Physician Anesthesiologist (MD/DO).
Beware of “red flag” facilities where the surgeon supervises their own anesthesia via a nurse or assistant to cut costs. A surgeon’s focus should be 100% on the procedure, and an anesthesiologist’s focus should be 100% on your vitals.
6. Communication: The 24/7 Safety Net
A safe surgery requires a well-informed patient. Our process includes:
- One-Hour Pre-Op: A careful deep dive into instructions, medications, and what to expect, plenty of time to make sure we haven’t missed anything.
- Multimedia Support: We provide printed guides, emails, and instructional videos.
- Direct Access: When you are my patient, you have a direct line to me. If you have a concern at 2:00 AM, I want to hear it.
How to Verify Your Surgeon
The absolute baseline for safety is Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This ensures the surgeon has completed a rigorous residency and passed comprehensive examinations.
Note: Be wary of titles like “Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon.” This is often a certificate from groups not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. You can verify your surgeon’s ABPS status here.
Your Intuition is a Safety Tool
Beyond the credentials, you should feel that your health is the priority—not the sale. If a surgeon dismisses your concerns or pushes you toward more surgery than you feel comfortable with, listen to that “gut feeling.” A safe surgeon is a partner in your health, not just a technician.
Prioritize Your Safety and Results
Choosing to have plastic surgery is a significant decision. You deserve a surgeon who values your safety as much as your aesthetic goals. If you’re ready to take the next step in a supportive, boutique environment, we invite you to schedule a personalized consultation.
