What Do Doctors Mean by "Good Health"?

Several different conditions and medications that might be taken by you could interfere with a good recovery and good result. Diabetes can increase the risk fo poor healing and infection, liver disease can affect the safety of the local anesthetic being used, high blood pressure can be elevated by the adrenaline in the local anesthetic, kidney disease and chronic pulmonary or heart disease could be concerns. Chronic skin infections, keloid formation and other history of skin problems could... more

Hi! Good question! In Manhattan, we go through a long check list to detect even rare conditions, but for most patients, good health means: 1) Normal heart, lung, and kidney function. 2) Normal blood pressure. 3) No obesity or diabetes. 4) No smoking.

Dear Mom, Your question at first glance seemed ridiculous. However, upon further reflection, I came to find it quite valid. A quick analogy for you is when I ask my patients if they exercise regularly. The affirmative response, on further questioning, ranges from a walk around the block a few times a week to cardio and weight training with a trainer 7 days a week. So, you are correct in identifying that your definition of "good health" may be different than mine. And perhaps,... more

The real key is what does the doctor that will be treating you - their definition as they will be responsible for you and part of the decision process. In my practice, good health means different things. The more expensive the procedures planned, the higher the standard. In general, local anesthesia & an in office, short procedure - good health means no allergies to the medication planned and normal blood pressure, etc. For more involved cases, patients are required to obtain a... more

When a surgeon says that they want the patient to be in good health to have surgery, they want the patient to be able to safely undergo the procedure and tolerate the anesthesia. This generally means, no heart or lung conditions, no bleeding disorders, to previous reactions to anesthesia, in relatively good shape (can walk up stairs) and not too heavy (obesity leads to many problems with surgery), no current infections and mentally able to understand the surgery. In plastic surgery,... more

Good health when it comes to plastic surgery may involve: Youth Good diet Exercises routinely Good cardio pulmonary function Non-smoker No substance abuse Zero to low alcohol intake' Near Ideal body weight Good mental status Great psychological outlook'

This is a great question! The definition of health by the WHO(world health organization) is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease. When surgeon use the term "healthy" it means that the patient does not have any medical condition that would prevent general anaesthesia or would lead to a higher risk surgery. Uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiac disease are one of the few examples of medical conditions that would... more