I am planning on having Facelift/neck lift, upper and lower blepharoplasty with fat transposition, endoscopic eyebrow lift and fat injections to face. I had minor foot surgery 3 weeks ago to remove screw from previous bunionectomy and a pin placed in a previous hammertoe repair to straighten the toe. The pin is still in place otherwise everything else is healed over well. Is it necessary to have that pin removed prior to face surgeries? Ideally the foot doctor wants it to remain another week.
March 6, 2024
Answer: Pin in toe During surgery, surgeons often use electrocautery to stop bleeding. Monopolar cautery utilizes a grounding pad, typically placed on the leg, to allow for the same passage of electricity through the body. However, there is a potential risk of the electricity arcing through other metal through the body. Sometimes, metal cannot be removed such as certain piercings and other body modifications. In these situations, surgeons will often tape over these areas to decrease the chance of the electricity arcing. There is often a separate area of consent or documentation performed to inform the patient of this possibility and the increased risk of burn, fire, or injury.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
March 6, 2024
Answer: Pin in toe During surgery, surgeons often use electrocautery to stop bleeding. Monopolar cautery utilizes a grounding pad, typically placed on the leg, to allow for the same passage of electricity through the body. However, there is a potential risk of the electricity arcing through other metal through the body. Sometimes, metal cannot be removed such as certain piercings and other body modifications. In these situations, surgeons will often tape over these areas to decrease the chance of the electricity arcing. There is often a separate area of consent or documentation performed to inform the patient of this possibility and the increased risk of burn, fire, or injury.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
March 25, 2024
Answer: Postoperative Recovery While having a pin the toes is not a direct contraindication to proceeding with facial surgery, it is advisable that patients recover from one surgery prior to pursuing another. The recovery after a facelift surgery, especially with adjuncts like brow lifts, fat transfer and blepharoplasties, is quite challenging and requires a certain amount of mobility.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
March 25, 2024
Answer: Postoperative Recovery While having a pin the toes is not a direct contraindication to proceeding with facial surgery, it is advisable that patients recover from one surgery prior to pursuing another. The recovery after a facelift surgery, especially with adjuncts like brow lifts, fat transfer and blepharoplasties, is quite challenging and requires a certain amount of mobility.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
