I have a stomach virus. Should I postpone my surgery?

Question

I am due to fly to Poland tomorrow for a liplift under a local anaesthetic and have some kind of stomach virus. Should I postpone?

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

Great question. In general, if you don't feel well, you won't heal well either.  Remember that while your lip is swollen and stitches are in place, you don't want to feel like you are coughing/sneezing/vomiting/etc.  Specially with a stomach virus you won't get the adequate nutrition, etc.  I would contact the doctors office and let them know.

Rohit Seth, MD, MRCS(Ed), PhD · Answer

Thanks for your question.I would advise against any surgery if you are unwell - especially if you have a stomach bug - if this converts to diarrhoea and vomiting, then it will cause you more problems. Also, having surgery abroad, if there is a post-operative problem due to the bug and you get any wound healing problems, who will be looking after this for you?I carry out a lot of lip lift surgeries and I have patients coming over from all over the country and not just locally. I do advise them not to travel or have the surgery if they are not feeling well and I am always happy to reschedule the cases. To be honest, if a patient arrived at my clinic for surgery and was not well, I would be cancelling the case myself and rescheduling her. I suggest you contact your clinic and discuss this with them. I hope this is of help to you

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thanks for the question - it is not worth the risk of a post-operative infection for a surgery which can then end up causing more problems - especially if you are flying out to have the surgery - if you get problems following the surgery then who will be looking after you or able to carry out all your after care? I would be inclined to consider post-poning your surgery. We carry out many lip lift surgeries regularly in our clinic and we do advise our patients to not carry out any surgery if they are not well. I hope this is of help to youBW

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

I would recommend postponing until you feel better. It is elective surgery and you should feel your best going into it. The doctors office should be understanding and give you alternate dates to choose from. Best of luck and feel better.
Gary Linkov, MD

Piotr Osuch, MD · Answer

hi there,
if you have  stomach virus you should definitely postpone your surgery. This equally applies to people how have symptoms of cold/ herpex simples, etc. In such cases patient should wait until s/he feels good & then schedule a new surgery slot. best regards, 
Piotr Osuch

Greg Bran, MD, PhD · Answer

Hi there and thank you for your question. any kind of aesthetic surgery should only be performed when you feel well and you are healthy otherwise. Any stomachache can end up in significant cramps, that might increase your blood pressure. Increased blood pressure will not only increase the swelling after surgery, it can also lead to bleeding. If you get really sick and need to throw up, this will very likely be very difficult due to the sensitive, swollen upper lip. I would advise you to reschedule. Hope you feel better soon.

Kind regards,
GB

Kind regards, 
GB

I have a stomach virus. Should I postpone my surgery?

Answers (6)

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