What happens if you get sick with a cough or cold before surgery?

It’s not unusual for pre-operative breast augmentationpatients to develop cough and cold symptoms during the winter months of theyear. When this situation arises,patients should be carefully evaluated by both their plastic surgeon andanesthesiologist.Whencolds are minor, it’s probably reasonable to proceed with breast augmentationsurgery.Colds and coughs that areassociated with elevated temperatures, sputum production, signs of influenza,wheezing and signs of generalized illness should result in cancellation of theprocedure. Underthese circumstances, illnesses can progress and significantly complicate thepost-operative course.In some cases,secondary complications such as pneumonia, infection, bleeding and hematomacould result.In addition, a chroniccough can create significant discomfort in the post-operative period. Forthese reasons, it’s occasionally necessary to cancel breast augmentationprocedures and re-schedule at a later date.It’s important to remember that safety should always be everyone’s firstpriority.

If you get sick with a cough or cold before surgery, it's important to inform your surgeon as soon as possible. Your surgery might need to be postponed. If you're experiencing more significant symptoms such as fever, severe coughing, or respiratory distress, it could be unsafe to proceed with surgery.
The main concerns with being sick before surgery are the potential complications with anesthesia and healing. A respiratory infection can make anesthesia more risky and can lead to post-operative complications, including infections or pneumonia. Coughing after surgery can also be very uncomfortable and interfere with healing.
It’s always best to discuss your symptoms with your surgeon, who will consult with the anesthesiologist to determine whether it's safe to proceed. If in doubt, it's often better to postpone the surgery to ensure your safety and optimal recovery.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

If you get a cough or cold before surgery, it's essential to inform your surgeon. The impact on your surgery depends on the severity of your symptoms and the type of surgery planned. Mild colds may not require postponement, but significant respiratory symptoms, fever, or a severe cough can lead to surgery being rescheduled. This precaution is to avoid complications during anesthesia and to ensure your optimal recovery. Always consult your surgeon with any health changes prior to surgery to determine the best course of action.