Hi, I'm 26 and a single mother to a 4 year old daughter. I have elected to get breast implants. My surgery is in 4 days (This Friday). I have wanted to get them done for a couple of years. I am healthy for the most part. I had asthma as a child but I don't have to take anything for it now as an adult. I have difficulties breathing with the weather change but that's it. I am a smoker and I have smoked up until today. I have a awful fear of dying from anesthesia and surgery. Is this normal?
September 26, 2012
Answer: Very Worried About Anesthesia!!
Dear Debby26, Many patients are fearful of general anesthesia. The reality is, the risk of anesthesia in a young, otherwise healthy patient is extremely low. Your smoking and history of asthma as a child should be discussed with your surgeon and the anesthesia provider, but should not change your surgery plans. The smoking is more of a concern for wound healing but we have not seen any major problems with our patients who smoke and have breast augmentation. Stop smoking if you can. Good luck and enjoy your new look.
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September 26, 2012
Answer: Very Worried About Anesthesia!!
Dear Debby26, Many patients are fearful of general anesthesia. The reality is, the risk of anesthesia in a young, otherwise healthy patient is extremely low. Your smoking and history of asthma as a child should be discussed with your surgeon and the anesthesia provider, but should not change your surgery plans. The smoking is more of a concern for wound healing but we have not seen any major problems with our patients who smoke and have breast augmentation. Stop smoking if you can. Good luck and enjoy your new look.
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May 25, 2016
Answer: Need to worry about the health effects of smoking, which is more dangerous by far than your anesthesia.
No it is not unusual at all, just as many of us have a fear of crashing when we go on plane trips. But you cannot live life without taking any chances. You just need to make sure the odds are well in your favor by (1) having an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon and (2) having your surgery in an accredited or licensed surgery center or hospital. Sounds like your asthma is mild and could be treated if you developed any wheezing. I would recommend you stop smoking for good. Your chance of dying from lung cancer greatly exceeds the chance you will die during surgery, and you want to be around for your grandchildren. Quit now and in 5 years your increased risk due to past smoking will be just about nil.
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May 25, 2016
Answer: Need to worry about the health effects of smoking, which is more dangerous by far than your anesthesia.
No it is not unusual at all, just as many of us have a fear of crashing when we go on plane trips. But you cannot live life without taking any chances. You just need to make sure the odds are well in your favor by (1) having an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon and (2) having your surgery in an accredited or licensed surgery center or hospital. Sounds like your asthma is mild and could be treated if you developed any wheezing. I would recommend you stop smoking for good. Your chance of dying from lung cancer greatly exceeds the chance you will die during surgery, and you want to be around for your grandchildren. Quit now and in 5 years your increased risk due to past smoking will be just about nil.
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