Postoperative
Cosmetic Surgery - Plastic Surgery - Aesthetic Medicine - Reconstructive Surgery
Surgery requires great vigilance. Postoperative
monitoring or care takes place after surgery. The primary aim of
postoperative care is to help the patient regain body balance, which is
disrupted after the surgery.
We can define a three-point aim for postoperative monitoring:
- Ensuring patient safety and comfort after return from the operating theatre.
- Preventing possible complications arising from surgery.
- Allowing the patient to recover as quickly and independently as possible.
Post-operative monitoring begins immediately after the
operating theatre, in the recovery unit and then on the ward.
Post-operative monitoring takes in:
-monitoring vital signs: breathing, the constants (pulse, temperature
and blood pressure), the state of consciousness, the appearance of the
skin and diuresis.
-monitoring drains and probes;
-monitoring of the incision and dressings;
-monitoring of drips and treatments, and
-monitoring of symptoms after surgery: patient anxiety, restlessness, pain, etc.
Postoperative monitoring can prevent complications that may arise as a
result of the surgery: shock, phlebitis, bleeding, pulmonary, renal
and digestive complications, risks of infection with an increase in
temperature and local complications in the wound and skin.
Do not forget that plastic, aesthetic or reconstructive surgery
involves uncommon, difficult procedures, requiring a lot of rigour,
carrying all the risks associated with any medical procedure
(anaesthesia and surgery) even when carried out under the most
favourable conditions, that is to say by a competent plastic surgeon.
Without overstating the risk, a proportion of risks exist. Turning to a
qualified plastic surgeon can prevent complications or help to treat
them effectively.