Should a plastic surgeon advise of possible outbreak of shingles after surgery on a 70 year old?

This is almost never discussed as a possible byproduct of an operation. I personally have not witnessed a shingles outbreak after elective surgery. Nevertheless, stress of any kind can precipitate an outbreak.

Thank you for your question.  If you had chickenpox as a child this virus may remain latent in your body and become reactivated during episodes of stress as shingles.  This can be avoided with a newly developed vaccine, but as shingles outbreaks are uncommon after surgery, it is not routinely discussed as a possible side-effect of surgery, unless you have had a prior episode of shingles.  Voice your concerns with your surgeon, they can provide you with further reassurance.