I found out I'm pregnant 2 days before septo/rhinoplasty. Is it safe to have surgery?

Question

I found out I'm pregnant two days prior to surgery. I plan to speak to my doctor but wasn't sure what the protocol is. Since I am early on in pregnancy (1 week max) would you perform septo/rhino on a patient fully aware of the affects surgery can have? I would be willing to sign a consent form and take all responsibility. I have breathing problems that wold make pregnancy difficult. Would any doctor consider performing the surgery? thank you for your time/ response.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

If you are pregnant when you are scheduled for nose surgery, you should cancel the surgery!  It's not worth the risk to the baby.  For that matter, don't reschedule until you have delivered and nursed for a while.  Breathing problems (through the nose) are annoying, but in the big picture, not all that bad...

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Since you just found out you are pregnant before your scheduled rhinoplasty, you should definitely cancel this and postpone it until after pregnancy and after breast feeding, if you are going to be doing that.  You should contact your surgeon as soon as you can to cancel your procedure.

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

If your doctor says it's okay to go ahead, don't do it anyway, and if it'll make you feel better, get a second opinion from an obstetrician, who will tell you absolutely not!!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I am pretty sure your surgeon will cancel your surgery, if you go a ahead with surgery your pregnancy will probably not be jeopardized but I don’t think the surgeon it anesthesiologist would take the risk. I certainly would not.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear kalliopelazos,
most plastic surgeons will suggest you to postpone the surgery. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon prior to surgery. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Michael B. Lyons, MD, FAACS · Answer

You should call and cancel your procedure, even if you withhold this information, the morning of the procedure the anesthesia department will probably order an HCG test on you and if positive they will cancel your procedure. IF you terminate your pregnancy this test will still be positive for a few weeks afterwards which will again postpone your surgery. Enjoy your pregnancy and nurse your newborn and when you are finished you can reschedule your elective Septorhinoplasty at a convenient time.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Absolutely not, you need to cancel your surgery and reschedule it for several months after you have delivered your baby and are done with breast-feeding.  It is not a good idea to undergo general anesthesia while being pregnant.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

Elective surgery should be delayed until after completion of pregnancy.Robert Singer, MD FACSLa Jolla, California

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and it certainly would be safest to wait till after your pregnancy is completed to have surgery on your nose.  Dr Corbin

I found out I'm pregnant 2 days before septo/rhinoplasty. Is it safe to have surgery?

Answers (9)