What is the best time of day for surgery?

Question

My face and neck lift is the second surgery of the day (afternoon) the surgery will be 4 hours long, I’m worried the surgeon will be tired especially towards the end is surgery.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Surgeons will anticipate how many procedures they can comfortably perform within a day.  This may different depending on the length of the procedure. It is very unlikely that a surgeon will be tired by the second surgery of the day.  I would not be worry about this.  All The Best

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

The time of the surgery shouldn't effect the result of the surgery, it is the surgeon's responsibility to make sure that all surgeries are thoroughly planned and fitted into their scheduled well in order to give the best possible results no matter what the start time is.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Multiple procedure days for busy Facelift Surgeons are fairly routine.  Assuming that your Surgeon has performed at least 500, this shouldn't be an issue.  Probably a better focus to learn and follow the postop instructions than have concerns about your Surgeon being tired.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Most surgeons are used to doing multiple surgeries in a day. Trust that your surgeon knows how much surgery he or she is comfortable with and that more would not be scheduled. be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Christopher C. Chang, MD · Answer

Hey Greystones,
Thank you for your question.

Not to worry. A surgeon would not schedule a procedure if they couldn't handle the time and attention it required. 
Every surgeon is different and their workload can vary but I would not be concerned about them being too tired to do a good job. Express your concerns with your physician and I'm sure he/she will reassure you.

Good luck to you!

Best,
Dr. Christopher Chang
Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC

David A. Caplin, MD · Answer

Experienced surgeons can always anticipate the amount of surgery they can comfortably perform in one day.  If you have confidence in your I would not be concerned about being scheduled as a second case.

Lucas Bryant, MD · Answer

Good question! Most busy and SAFE surgeons frequently have multiple cases per day, and they do this because they know they can offer the same level of excellence to each patient they treat. Some patients are afraid of being the first case of the day because they want their surgeon to be "warmed up". Others, like you, are concerned their surgeon may "wear out" before they can finish their case. While it makes complete sense for you as a patient to wonder about this, I would offer you strong re-assurance that (with very, very few exceptions), NEITHER of these concerns will truly be an issue for you on your surgery day.
The main reason some people prefer to be the first case is so that they can be NPO (not eat) over night and then go directly to surgery. Instead of being awake and fasting, they sleep through the fasting period before their surgery.
While you should certainly communicate your concerns to your surgeon, you can also find confidence in knowing that there is no difference in surgical outcome based on the order your surgery is performed in. Your surgeon and their team will do a great job of taking care of you on YOUR surgical day no matter when your case starts! Warm regards.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

No one stays fresh all day long.  I think you concern is legitimate. You are the boss.  Don't buy into the myth of the surgeon being so busy that they can't accommodated you as the first case. Tell them you want to be the first case of the day or you will cancel your surgery.  You  might have to wait longer to have surgery.  That will give you time to shop other surgeons. Don't confuse busy with good.

Avron Lipschitz, MD · Answer

A board certified plastic surgeon literally trains their mind and body to perform complex surgeries during residency and then in practice. A full day of surgery can include up to 18 and more hours of surgery. Make no mistake top surgeons are like athletes and are physically and mentally capable of the intense focus required. 
Is your surgeon one of these surgical athletes?

John Zavell, MD, FACS · Answer

For most surgeons, operating in the morning and the afternoon is common.  Having your facelift done in the afternoon should not adversely affect the results as most surgeons are comfortable with performing multiple surgeries on the same day.  Good luck

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