I am scheduled for BA with lift tomorrow. I have chest congestion and cough. Can I go through surgery?

It is always best to approach your surgery in good health. When in doubt about a patient with a cold I have them come in to be looked at. Perhaps you could arrange this with your PS?. Safety must come first.Best wishes.

Hello and thank you for your question. I always ask my patients to come in to be evaluated by both myself and my anesthesiologist.  There needs to be a team approach to ensure your safety and health in the operating room.  Cases can easily be rescheduled.  Its not worth the risk.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Thanks for your inquiry, it is a decision you need to make with your surgeon, sorry for all your struggles and good luck.

although, it is totally understandable that you would like to go ahead with your surgery after having rescheduled twice already. But your safety should be highest priority, even if it means you will need to postpone again. You should see/discuss this with your surgeon and anesthesiologist.Hope this helps

Moshka81:
I would meet with your surgeon and the anesthesia provider and discuss your symptoms. Since cosmetic surgery is completely elective, there is no need to take on any extra risk. In my opinion, if there is any concern that you are sick with a virus or any other temporary ailment, I prefer to postpone elective surgery until you feel healthy again. I also worry about any current bacterial infection contaminating the clean implant which is another reason why I wait. I would meet with your doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms and the best course of action. Best of luck.

If you have a productive cough, you should speak to your surgeon, It is likely that they will have to reschedule you surgery. Good luck.

I believe is best to do surgery on the best health conditions. Even a little flu can be the tip of an iceberg and get a lot worst after surgery plus a post op recovery. I would not indicate surgery on you. Hope you get well soon!!! regards..

It's never ideal to go through surgery when you are sick. Your body is fighting a cold, which can make your recovery a little more difficult, especially with a cough and chest congestion. Your body needs all of it's energy to recover from surgery.  Your health and safety is a priority and you want your recovery to be the easiest possible. I would personally recommend rescheduling. 

It's crucial to communicate any changes in your health, such as chest congestion and cough, to your surgical team before your breast augmentation (BA) with lift procedure. They will assess your current condition and provide guidance on whether it's safe to proceed with surgery.
Here are some important considerations:
1. Respiratory Health: Chest congestion and coughing can indicate respiratory issues, such as a cold, flu, or respiratory infection. Surgery and anesthesia can put additional stress on your respiratory system, so it's essential to evaluate whether your symptoms could affect your ability to undergo anesthesia and recover safely.
2. Increased Risk: Having chest congestion and coughing may increase the risk of complications during and after surgery, such as breathing difficulties, lung complications, or the potential for postoperative infection. Your surgical team will weigh these risks against the benefits of proceeding with the procedure.
3. Consultation with Healthcare Provider: Contact your plastic surgeon or primary care provider as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms and seek their guidance. They may recommend rescheduling the surgery if they believe it's necessary to ensure your safety and optimize surgical outcomes.
4. Precautions and Treatment: Depending on the severity of your symptoms and your overall health status, your healthcare provider may recommend treatments to alleviate your chest congestion and cough before proceeding with surgery. This may include rest, hydration, over-the-counter medications, or prescription medications to manage your symptoms.
5. Informed Decision: Ultimately, the decision to proceed with surgery should be made collaboratively between you and your healthcare provider, taking into account your current health status, the urgency of the procedure, and the potential risks and benefits.
Remember, your breast augmentation surgery is an elective surgery and can be postponed in the interest of your health. It's essential to prioritize your health and well-being, and to communicate openly with your surgical team about any concerns or changes in your health before undergoing surgery. By doing so, you can work together to make informed decisions and ensure the best possible outcome for your breast augmentation with lift procedure.

Unless it is very minor congestion and a minor cough I would be concerned about proceeding with breast augmentation surgery and placement of a breast implant. This would be especially true if you have any fever or purulent drainage.  As inconvenient as it may be it is probably in your best interest to delay the surgery until you are perfectly well and in good health.  You should expect a call from the anesthetist who can help you make a decision tonight.Jon A Perlman M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)Beverly Hills, California