How important are post op appointments?

Post op appointments are sometimes equally as important as the quality of the surgery.  Patients sometimes misunderstand post operative instructions and unfortunately do exactly the wrong thing.  These can be corrected easily by a surgeon who sees his or her patients often during the first couple of weeks.  Micromanaging a post operative patient is good for both the patient and the surgeon.  Neither patient nor surgeon want complications, and these can be avoided if the surgeon who has done hundreds, if not thousands, of these types of surgeries is in control.Unfortunately, well meaning patients and/or their caregivers can cause a complication unwittingly.  One example is where a patient wanted to make sure her armpits were clean after a transaxillary breast augmentation.  She washed them three times per day vigorously with antibiotic soap, which not only killed bacteria but also killed healing cells and opened her armpits.  A good plastic surgeon sets aside time in each day to see his or her post operative patients.  A good patient doesn't skip these appointments as they are an essential part of the surgery.  

Part of the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic was to halt all non-urgent surgical procedures in order to preserve hospital capacity, personnel and equipment for a potential surge of coronavirus patients. In addition the governor of California gave similar instructions to be followed until May 15th. During this time our office has provided urgent care for wounds and infections among other urgent patient-related issues.  We have treated patients with no insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare with no reimbursement services by insurance. I have continued in-office follow-ups for serious issues with only one patient in the office at a time; less urgent issues are resolved through emails, Skype, or telephone conversations. Our number one priority is patient safety as we continue to take these precautions.

Thank you for your question.  Post op appointments are very important to make sure everything is healing OK.  If they aren't able to see you in the office then I would recommend asking for a virtual followup .  Best of luck to you.  

Post op appointments have a definite value. If problems develop, there is benefit to early diagnosis and treatment. If in person appointments are not feasible due to the  COVID-19 restrictions your surgeon may still be able to follow you with phones calls, exchange of photos, or virtual appointments. Discuss your options with your surgeon. 

Thank you for your question.Post-op visits are very important. It sounds like you are doing well if you are considering not going to follow up at all. There is a lot going on now due to the quarantine, I would recommend letting them check you out at least one more time when things go back to normal.

Due to stay at home orders and restrictions on nonessential surgery, many plastic surgeons have had to temporarily close or work with very minimal staff. Routine follow up care is important but considered nonessential during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you believe that you are experiencing a complication such as a seroma then that should be evaluated. Otherwise, I am sure your plastic surgeon will be in touch when restrictions are lifted. 

Dear SimplyCassy,
every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. Post-operative appointments are very important for prevention of complications and smooth post-op period and recovery. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Your follow up is important to make sure fluid hasn’t accumulated under the skin since your drain was removed and you weren’t seen since. If you have the sensation that there is fluid under the skin like a water balloon you need to be seen.

Cassy I Appreciate your concerns and frustrations and I assume that the reason your appointments keep getting canceled is because of the Covid pandemic. If you do not have any issues or concerns, you can probably hold off until travel restrictions are eased. However, if you do have issues, travel restrictions are lifted for doctor visits. Call your plastic surgeon and seek advice. Good luck.

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Post-operative appointments are very important and can help identify and treat early complications before they become a bigger issue. Consult with your board certified plastic surgeon to review your options. I hope this helps. Best of luck!