Sore throat, Will my surgery need to be rescheduled?

Question

I've got a bit of a sore throat! Will my surgery need to be rescheduled? It's due in 4 days!

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

This decision is usually made between your plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist. If you don't have a fever or productive cough or significant redness of the back of the throat, often you can proceed with surgery.

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

This all depends on how ill you are and the duration of your surgery. A simple common colds with sore throat that does not include superinfection and compromise of the airways with a short (45 min) breast augmentation anesthesia is tolerable. However for a longer breast reduction or augmentation mastopexy or an infection with purulent coughs, or a sore throat with crypts and fever, it it best to reschedule the surgery.
Hope this helps,
Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Great question! A sore throat would not necessarily cause your scheduled #BA to be postponed. I recommend that you let your #BCPS know as soon as possible so that they are aware of any possible illness. Illness can have negative effects while undergoing healing, so if it is postponed, it would be for your benefit. If there isn't any fever or other symptoms, your PS and anesthesiologist may go ahead with the #BA. Your physician will determine what is best for your. Best wishes!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

You should let your chosen surgeon know your current symptoms immediately to determine if you will be okay for surgery.Regards,

William Townley, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Dear samkelsall. I am sorry to hear that you are feeling ill just before your op. Ultimately, the decision to postpone surgery will be made by your anaesthetist and surgeon together - so I would make sure you speak to them straight away. The decision will be made with your safety as a number one priority but it may be possible to go ahead with surgery. Good luck!

Nana N. Mizuguchi, MD, FACS · Answer

I would contact your surgeon now before you breast augmentation.  As long as you do not have a fever, it should be ok and resolve in a few days.  Your surgeon may want you to go and see your primary care.Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi, MD

Nora Nugent, FRCSI (Plast) · Answer

Dear samkelsall,
Thank you for posting your question. Going ahead with your surgery will depend on whether your anaesthetist is happy to proceed with a general anaesthetic and your plastic surgeon is happy to place breast implants while you have a sore throat. It ultimately will depend on whether your symptoms resolve quickly and are mild or if they persist or you are sick. If you are sick, it is usually better not to take the risk with elective surgery and to reschedule. I would recommend contacting your plastic surgeon immediately to discuss this directly with them.
Best wishes,

Dario Rochira, MD · Answer

particularly when a general anaesthetic is contemplated for your surgery, it is recommended to postpone your surgery. For a minor surgery like mole removal or upper blepharoplasty under local anaesthetic, a sore throat without any other symptoms and with clear lungs the decision to carry on with surgery may be taken in conjunction with the anaesthetist.

Mo Akhavani, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Great Question and a situation I am faced with almost weekly. In my opinion there is no such thing as "just" a sore throat. Any upper airway infection can affect your lungs under anaesthesia and it needs a proper assessment by your PS and his/her anaesthetic colleague. If they feel its OK then the surgery might go ahead. Safety first, questions later.

Jeffrey Claiborne, MD · Answer

Samkelsall:
I would contact your surgeon and the anesthesia provider. Since cosmetic surgery is completely elective, there is no need to take on any extra risk. In my opinion, if there is any concern that you are sick with a virus or any other temporary ailment, I prefer to postpone elective surgery until you feel healthy again. I would meet with your doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms and the best course of action. Best of luck.

Sore throat, Will my surgery need to be rescheduled?

Answers (13)

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