Pain Management for Chronic Back Pain

What is Pain Management?

Pain management, also known as pain medicine, draws on many disciplines in science and the healing arts to systematically study pain, its prevention, evaluation, diagnosis and treatment, as well as the rehabilitation of painful disorders.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will examine your back and assess your ability to sit, stand, walk and lift your legs. Your doctor might also ask you to rate your pain on a scale of zero to 10 and talk to you about how well you’re functioning with your pain.

These assessments help determine where the pain comes from, how much you can move before pain forces you to stop and whether you have muscle spasms. They can also help rule out more-serious causes of back pain.

If there is reason to suspect that a specific condition is causing your back pain, your doctor might order one or more tests:

• X-ray. These images show the alignment of your bones and whether you have arthritis or broken bones. These images alone won’t show problems with your spinal cord, muscles, nerves or disks.
• MRI or CT scans. These scans generate images that can reveal herniated disks or problems with bones, muscles, tissue, tendons, nerves, ligaments and blood vessels.
• Blood tests. These can help determine whether you have an infection or other condition that might be causing your pain.
• Bone scan. In rare cases, your doctor might use a bone scan to look for bone tumors or compression fractures caused by osteoporosis.
• Nerve studies. Electromyography (EMG) measures the electrical impulses produced by the nerves and the responses of your muscles. This test can confirm nerve compression caused by herniated disks or narrowing of your spinal canal (spinal stenosis).

 

Role of Pain Management for Chronic Back Pain

In spine and musculoskeletal cases, pain management serves a variety of purposes. Pain management is usually distinguished from surgical treatment.

Pain management and the techniques it uses may be employed as follows:

• To help identify the source of a patient’s back pain
• As an alternative to surgery, as part of an aggressive conservative (nonsurgical) care program
• To help determine the areas to be addressed surgically
• To help rehabilitate the patient after surgery
• For patients after surgery to cope with residual or recalcitrant pain

Pain management uses a wide variety of techniques to address pain and painful disorders. The scientific basis for these approaches ranges from those that are completely without experimental support to those whose effectiveness has been well demonstrated in clinical trials.

In view of the diverse uses and methods of pain management and pain medicine, an overview of this fast-developing field is needed. The next page of this article highlights certain aspects of this diverse area.

 

Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain is usually age-related, but can also result from a prior injury. The most common causes include:

• Arthritis of the spine —the gradual thinning of the cartilage inside the spine
• Spinal stenosis —narrowing of the spinal canal that may lead to nerve pain
• Disc problems, such as a herniated or bulging disc
• Myofascial pain syndrome—unexplained muscle pain and tenderness

In some cases, it’s difficult to pinpoint the cause of chronic back pain. “If your doctor has exhausted all diagnostic options, it’s time to seek a second opinion from a back pain specialist,” recommends Nava. It’s important not to make rushed decisions or undergo extensive medical procedures until the origin of the pain is found. Not only may they not help; they could make the pain worse, warns Nava.

If the source of the pain is not known or can’t be treated, your best option may be to work with your doctor on reducing the flare-ups and making the pain manageable with nonsurgical treatments.

 

Ways to Manage Low Back Pain at Home

Perhaps you bent the wrong way while lifting something heavy. Or you’re dealing with a degenerative condition like arthritis. Whatever the cause, once you have low back pain, it can be hard to shake. About one in four Americans say they’ve had a recent bout of low back pain. And almost everyone can expect to experience back pain at some point in their lives.

Sometimes, it’s clearly serious: You were injured, or you feel numbness, weakness, or tingling in the legs. Call the doctor, of course. But for routine and mild low back pain, here are a few simple tips to try at home.

Chill it. Ice is best in the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury because it reduces inflammation. Even though the warmth feels good because it helps cover up the pain and it does help relax the muscles, the heat actually inflames the inflammatory processes. After 48 hours, you can switch to heat if you prefer. Whether you use heat or ice — take it off after about 20 minutes to give your skin a rest. If pain persists, talk with a doctor.

Keep moving. Our spines are like the rest of our body — they’re meant to move. Keep doing your daily activities. Make the beds, go to work, walk the dog. Once you’re feeling better, regular aerobic exercises like swimming, bicycling, and walking can keep you — and your back — more mobile. Just don’t overdo it. There’s no need to run a marathon when your back is sore.

Stay strong. Once your low back pain has receded, you can help avert future episodes of back pain by working the muscles that support your lower back, including the back extensor muscles. “They help you maintain the proper posture and alignment of your spine. Having strong hip, pelvic, and abdominal muscles also gives you more back support. Avoid abdominal crunches, because they can actually put more strain on your back.

 

Nonsurgical Treatments for Chronic Back Pain

Physical Therapy

Exercise is the foundation of chronic back pain treatment. It’s one of the first treatments you should try under the guidance of your physician and spine physical therapist. However, the same set of exercises doesn’t work for everyone, says Nava. The exercises have to be tailored to your specific symptoms and condition. Maintaining the exercise routine at home is also a big part of success.

Physical therapy for chronic back pain may include:

• Retraining your posture
• Testing the limits of pain tolerance
• Stretching and flexibility exercises
• Aerobic exercises
• Core strengthening

Mindfulness and Meditation

Chronic back pain is straining both physically and emotionally. To manage the frustration, irritability, depression and other psychological aspects of dealing with chronic pain, you may get referred to a rehabilitation psychologist. This specialist may recommend meditation, yoga, tai chi and othercognitive and relaxation strategies to keep your mind from focusing on pain

Diet

Some diets are highly inflammatory, especially those high in trans fats, refined sugars and processed foods. Consult with your doctor to see if your diet could be contributing to your chronic back pain and how you could change it. Maintaining a healthy weight could also help lessen your back pain by reducing the pressure on your spine.

Lifestyle Modifications

When you have chronic pain, it’s important to accept your limitations and adapt. “Listen to your body and learn to pace yourself,” suggests Nava. Take a break when mowing the lawn, or make several trips when carrying groceries. Take note of the activities that worsen your pain and avoid them if possible. Not only could this help your back feel better, it could also prevent the underlying condition from advancing. Another important lifestyle change to try is giving up smoking. Nicotine is scientifically known to accentuate pain and delay healing.

Injection-based Treatments

Nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, nerve ablations and other types of injection-based procedures are available for chronic back pain. They are used when the source of the pain is known and can sometimes help rule out certain causes if the treatment doesn’t work. Injections may stop or lessen pain for a certain period of time, but are not intended as long-term solutions and shouldn’t be used in isolation.

Alternative Treatments

Acupuncture, massage, biofeedback therapy, laser therapy, electrical nerve stimulation and other nonsurgical spine treatments can also make a difference for chronic back pain. Talk to your spine specialist about alternative treatments that could benefit you.

Pharmacologic Treatments

Analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and other medications can be used to help control chronic back pain. However, most come with unwanted side effects and are not intended for prolonged use.

“Opioid medications generally shouldn’t be used as the first, the only or the long-term line of treatment for chronic back pain,” recommends Nava. Many of them are addictive and don’t address the underlying cause of your pain. Opioids should be prescribed only after a thorough exam by a specialist and if other drugs have failed to provide relief. If you find yourself relying on opioids to get through the day, it may be time to seek a second opinion.

The Pain Relief App

Guided Pain Relief Program

Our self-help program takes you step-by-step through every aspect of modern pain management. From understanding your pain, to dealing with triggers, developing a pacing strategy, CBT, and so much more.

The Mind Area

Enjoy any one of our hundreds of meditations – specifically designed for pain patients. With multiple expert contributors, there’s something for everyone. Whether you need a quick dose of calm, or a deeper practice, we’ve got you covered.

The Body Area

From head to toe, discover hundreds of physiotherapy exercises at every level of difficulty. Designed to improve strength, mobility, and reduce pain. You can also enjoy our growing number of calming or energizing yoga, exercise, and guided breathing routines.

Masterclasses

Pain affects every part of life. So in our masterclasses we go deep into specific topics, helping you to heal. From finding inspiration in Buddist healing practices, to delving into fascinating pain science stories – you’ll find them in our masterclass selection. Created by experts.

Track Symptoms

Track factors that influence your pain and wellbeing. By understanding how your symptoms ebb and flow over time, you and your medical professional are able to make better, more informed health decisions.

 

Non-medical pain relief during labour

There are many ways to reduce pain in labour without medicines. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. Choose one or more that suit you

Active birth

Staying active is one of the most helpful things you can do to manage the pain of labour and birth. Moving freely and rocking your pelvis can help you to cope with the contractions.

Massage and heat

Massage and hot packs can ease your pain in labour. Massage helps distract you from the pain. Heat packs can help your body release its natural painkillers — endorphins.

Water immersion

Most hospitals and birthing centres will have facilities that allow you to have a bath or shower during the first stage of labour.

Relaxation

You can use different relaxation techniques to ease pain. Some people like music, some like meditation, some like incense. Generally, relaxation techniques help ease pain in labour. Just check that the hospital or birth centre can cope with your plans.

 

Learn more about pain and pain management

What is pain?

Pain is unpleasant sensation, suffering or distress of the body or mind. Pain hurts and it wears you down. lt can make it hard for you to be active and make you feel tired and tense. Pain often accompanies cancer and other progressive diseases and it can affect all aspects of your life- psychological, emotional and spiritual.

Why are we afraid of pain?

Not all people living with terminal illness experience pain. However, many people living with a terminal illness are afraid of pain because they worry that pain cannot be controlled without awful side effects. Fear of pain adds to the total impact of pain. It is important to speak up about your pain and your fears about pain. Be honest and ask questions so that you can be given accurate information.

Can pain always be controlled?

Most pain can be relieved or controlled. Bringing pain under control and keeping it there means assessing each aspect of pain and monitoring it. These are core skills of palliative care doctors and nurses.

How can I help control my pain?

Good pain control requires good communication amongst patients, carers, medical and nursing staff. It is important to be open and share information so your care team knows exactly what is happening with your pain

They value stoicism- they don’t want to appear weak

People interpret their pain according to their particular life experiences, values and beliefs. If you value stoicism for religious or cultural reasons, you may wish to discuss the matter with your religious leader or a pastoral carer. None of the major religions urges its followers to reject pain-killers {analgesics) in terminal illness. If you think that it is weak to ‘give in’ to pain, you might consider whether analgesia will free your energy for more important things.

 

How Do I Get My Sciatic Nerve to Stop Hurting?

What is sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It’s rooted in the lower back and extends through the rump, providing nerve endings through the leg. Sciatica or sciatic nerve pain is centered on the lower back, and the cause is usually from a ruptured disc in the spinal column that irritates or inflames the nerve. Bone, tumors, muscles, and infections can also cause inflammation of the sciatic nerve and the resulting back and leg pain.

What is the treatment for sciatica?

Bed rest has been traditionally advocated for the treatment of acute sciatica. But how useful is it? To study the effectiveness of bed rest in patients with sciatica, a research team in the Netherlands led by Dr. Patrick Vroomen randomly assigned 183 such patients to bed rest or, alternatively, to watchful waiting for this period.

The results, reported in the Journal of Medicine, showed that after two weeks, 70% patients in the bed-rest group reported improvement, as compared with 65% of the patients in the control (watchful-waiting) group. After 12 weeks, 87% of the patients in both groups reported improvement. The results of assessments of the intensity of pain, the aggravation of symptoms, and functional status revealed no significant differences between the two groups. The extent of absenteeism from work and rates of surgical intervention were similar in the two groups.

Other treatment options for sciatica depend on its cause and include addressing the underlying cause.

Transcutaneous nerve stimulators (TENS units) are sometimes useful for more chronic forms of sciatica.

A variety of low back conditioning and stretching exercises are employed to help people recover from sciatica.

Medications used in the treatment of sciatica include pain relievers, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories, and antidepressants.

What are home remedies for sciatica?

Keys to the management of acute sciatica include relief of pain and relaxing associated muscle spasms. Home remedies include

 

Chronic pain relief without drugs: products to try

If you’re like many people, you reach for the bottle of Tylenol — or whatever over-the-counter pain pill you have handy — as soon as you feel a headache or any other sort of bodily pain coming on.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing: OTC pain medications do have their place, and they’re proven to be effective, although I’m sure you don’t need clinical evidence if you’ve experienced the effects of these medications first-hand.

Oska Pulse

Oska Pulse uses pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) technology, which emits energy at different wavelengths to stimulate your body’s natural recovery process. This type of technology is commonly used in medical settings, including post-surgical healing and cancer treatment. PEMF has helped to reduce pain in the feet, lower back, knees and more.

Omron Avail

The Omron Avail is a TENS unit, one of the more popular forms of drug-free pain relief available to consumers. TENS stands for “transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation,” which is the science-y way of saying it “blocks pain signals.”

Quell Relief

The Quell 2.0 is another TENS unit, but this one claims to be 10 times more effective than other TENS units you can buy over the counter. Rather than a small patchlike wearable (like the Omron Avail), the Quell 2.0 is a small cuff that you can wear on your arms and legs. This product could be particularly convenient for people who experience knee or elbow pain and want some relief while on the go.

HOW TO CHOOSE A FOUNTAIN CITY CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE

Whether you are looking to change from your current chiropractor or you’re trying chiropractic treatment for the first time, it’s important to choose the right one to suit your needs and your lifestyle. Chiropractic care is an effective way to eliminate scores of health issues naturally, but it’s still important to find a chiropractor you feel at ease with

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

When you have your initial consultation with a new chiropractor it’s important to ask questions. Find out how long he or she has been practicing, ask if they have a special area of expertise, and make sure to ask about their experience with your specific health issue. You’ll also get a good sense of whether they’re the right one by watching how they respond to your basic questions. Ideally, you’d like someone that is patient, friendly, and courteous throughout the consultation.

FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS

Sometimes everything seems to check out but you just have a bad feeling for one reason or another. You’re always in control when it comes to selecting a Fountain City chiropractic office, so follow your instincts whether they are good or bad.

You’ll find that most chiropractors are great people that are looking to provide you with the best possible care.  If you do your homework you’ll find one the resonates with you.

 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CHIROPRACTOR IN ATHENS

DOES THE CHIROPRACTOR TAKE X-RAYS AND PERFORM AN EXAMINATION BEFORE STARTING TREATMENT?

A chiropractor should always perform an examination and any necessary x-rays of your spine before starting treatment. This helps us to identify the underlying cause, eliminates guesswork, increases safety and speeds your results

ARE THE X-RAYS DIGITAL SO THEY MINIMIZE EXPOSURE AND INCREASE CLARITY, ACCURACY AND THE ABILITY OF THE DOCTOR TO EVALUATE YOUR SPINE?

The more information the doctor has at his/her disposal improves the likelihood that he/she can help you.

HOW LONG HAS THE CHIROPRACTOR BEEN IN PRACTICE?

There is no substitute for experience. Our team has 30+ years’ experience.

DOES THE CHIROPRACTOR OFFER SPECIALIZED REHABILITATIVE CARE TO SPEED UP THE HEALING AND ADDRESS THE MORE DIFFICULT CASES?

We offer the most advanced rehabilitative therapies including deep tissue laser and non-surgical decompression therapies.

DOES YOUR CHIROPRACTOR PROVIDE YOU WITH HOME CARE?

The treatment you receive in our office is only part of the solution. Home exercises and stretches, nutrition and sleep are also vitally important.

 

How to Choose a Good Chiropractor

Making the decision to visit a chiropractor to help with your back pain is a positive move. But choosing the right chiropractor is just as important as choosing to see one in the first place. So to help you make sure your chiropractor is right for you, we’ve compiled the check list below. If you’re chiropractor ticks these boxes

A good chiropractor will make referrals to other professionals if you problem can’t be treated with chiropractic care.

Your chiropractor should make nutritional, exercise and lifestyle recommendations where necessary

A chiropractor who has your best interests at heart will be happy when you feel good. In other words, your chiropractor shouldn’t offer additional appointments if you don’t need them

Your chiropractor should work with you throughout your treatment plan and listen and act upon any concerns you may have.

 

How to Choose the Best Chiropractor

The chiropractic profession is one with a large variety of options. These decisions can make it very difficult to choose the best chiropractor to meet your needs.

This task is exceptionally challenging because chiropractic treatment is a physical procedure, you must give consideration to the personality and rapport of the physician and your compatibility with their techniques

What is a “Good” Chiropractor? How Can You Find One?

In order to find the chiropractor that is best suited for you and your needs, there are a few steps you can take. Get a good recommendation from your primary care physician, physical therapist or other trusted health professional. Ask them what their recommendations are and who they view as competent and trustworthy, or who they would recommend to a friend or family member.

You can also ask friends, family, co-workers and neighbors for recommendations. But make sure to take their advice with caution, as the perfect one for someone else may not meet your needs. It is important to choose one who meets your individual needs.

Before starting treatment, it is usually best to conduct a telephone interview or request an in-office consultation to learn more about the chiropractor, the clinic, and techniques used. Often the treating chiropractor will request a personal consultation to discuss these details

 

HOW TO CHOOSE A KANSAS CITY CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE

Whether you are looking to change from your current chiropractor or you’re trying chiropractic treatment for the first time, it’s important to choose the right one to suit your needs and your lifestyle. Chiropractic care is an effective way to eliminate scores of health issues naturally, but it’s still important to find a chiropractor you feel at ease with

Ask the Right Questions

When you have your initial consultation with a new chiropractor it’s important to ask questions. Find out how long he or she has been practicing, ask if they have a special area of expertise, and make sure to ask about their experience with your specific health issue. You’ll also get a good sense of whether they’re the right one by watching how they respond to your basic questions. Ideally, you’d like someone that is patient, friendly, and courteous throughout the consultation.

If you notice the chiropractor seems agitated or isn’t allowing you to finish your sentences before answering, you might want to shop around. Since chiropractic treatment is foreign to a lot of people, it’s important for the chiropractor to take the time necessary to explain the entire process clearly until you understand it.

Follow Your Instincts

Sometimes everything seems to check out but you just have a bad feeling for one reason or another. You’re always in control when it comes to selecting a Kansas City chiropractic office, so follow your instincts whether they are good or bad.

Finding the right plastic surgeon for you

Plastic surgery has come a long way in the decades since it first became popular. Not only have plastic surgery techniques advanced in sophistication and safety, but both men and women have also become much more comfortable with the idea of enhancing their appearance via plastic surgery.

Finding the right plastic surgeon for you

The truth of the matter is that there is no “one size fits all” practice or surgeon. Even if you’re getting the exact same breast implants as your neighbor, you may find that her surgeon may not feel like the right fit for you, and that’s okay. Plastic surgery can be a fantastic and positive experience, and potentially life-changing, so remember not to rush the process. It’s also a very individualized experience, so what makes sense for your neighbor may not make sense for you. Experienced surgeons understand this and will not pressure you into making a decision or rush you into a procedure before you’re ready.

Look for board certification in plastic surgery

Any plastic surgeon who ends up on your short list should be board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). In fact, before you go through the process of scheduling a consultation, you’ll want to check to see if the surgeon in question has the proper credentials.

Study the surgeon’s style and approach

In addition to training and medical knowledge, cosmetic plastic surgery requires some artistry as well. Because every woman’s body is unique, the “best” plastic surgeon for a breast augmentation for example is much more likely to be one whose style of work is in line with your aesthetic goals and who can tailor a treatment to your unique situation to meet those goals. This is one reason why you can’t just search a phrase like “the best plastic surgeons near me” on the internet and choose the top result

Vet the facility

An accredited and accommodating facility is another important thing to look for when choosing a plastic surgeon. Because cosmetic plastic surgeries can generally happen outside of the hospital, it’s especially important to ensure that the facility your procedure will take place in is held to the highest standards of safety, quality and patient care.

 

How to Find the Best Plastic Surgeon?

Picking a plastic surgeon to perform plastic surgery is an important decision. A good way to find a plastic surgeon is by hearing about others experiences with the surgeon through reviews or word of mouth.  Choose a physician that is board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Experience with your desired procedure is also very important. Ask the doctor how many times they have performed the procedure. It is helpful to look at the physicians before and after photos and talk with patients from the practice that have had the surgery.

I would start by looking at board certification and then visiting couple in your area and see if they are able to answer your questions, address your concerns, and instill confidence and trust. Check out their reviews, photos and how supportive their staff is during the consultation process. Ultimately, you will have to make your own decision on which surgeon to move forward with

Each person’s expectations associated with their plastic surgeon can be different. Typically, patients want a surgeon who is personable and professional. It is important that you feel comfortable under your surgeon’s care, and that you feel that you surgeon always has your best interest in mind. It is always recommendable that you consult a few physicians before committing to a surgeon, no matter how big or small your procedure may be. In this way, you can find the perfect match and can feel confident in your surgeon’s abilities

 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON FOR YOU

Announcer: Health information from experts supported by research. From University of Utah Health

Interviewer: So you’ve decided to get some cosmetic surgery done. How do you know that your surgeon is really the right surgeon for you? We’re here with Dr. Cori Agarwal. She is an associate professor of plastic surgery at University of Utah Health.

Dr. Agarwal: I think there are a number of factors. I think you want to make sure someone has good experience and that they have good results, and it’s hard to do that as a consumer when you’re looking at multiple websites and comparing them. I think it’s very hard to tell who’s actually qualified. And so we look towards board certification as something that you need to look towards and ask your doctor about

Interviewer: I mean, the results must be kind of important in making a decision, but the actual board certification, what kinds of things should people be looking for? Is there like a certain gold stamp of approval for “These are the best surgeons”?

Dr. Agarwal: Well, it doesn’t guarantee you’re going to have an excellent result or an excellent surgeon, but it definitely . . . by being board certified in a recognized board, you know that these surgeons have had a basic training, a certain number of years of surgery, and graduated from an accredited medical school, and gone through safety training, and taken oral boards and written boards. It’s very rigorous to be board certified in plastic surgery and board certified in facial plastic surgery.

 

Helpful Tips On How To Find A Good Plastic Surgeon

Once you have decided to get plastic surgery, the next most plausible step to take is finding someone to perform the procedure. The plastic surgeon you select can be the difference between a botched surgery and the body of your dreams. Choosing a qualified surgeon is not easy and you may very well be struggling to figure out how to find a good plastic surgeon. That’s why we are sharing the top 5 things you should look for during your search for the best plastic surgeon for your needs.

Find A Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

When you are going in for surgery, you want to make sure an expert is performing the procedure. The top plastic surgeons will be board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This means they have completed at least six to eight years of surgical training in general and plastic surgery. Plus, they are keeping on top of industry standards with ongoing education and training.

Before and After Results From The Plastic Surgeon

The best plastic surgeons have a trail of results and raving patients to show for their work. Typically, the plastic surgeon will have a before and after section on their website that you can look at. Always take the time to browse through all of the photos, especially the results for any specific procedure you are seeking.

A Plastic Surgeon With Experience

When you are looking to get a specific surgery, take the time to find the top plastic surgeon for your desired procedure. Many plastic surgeons may be trained to perform your chosen surgery, but you want someone who is an expert. It is a good idea to look into how many times they have successfully conducted the operation and how long they have been carrying it out.

Good Communication With A Plastic Surgeon

Your level of comfort and trust with a plastic surgeon is more important than you might think. Evaluating the communication between you and the plastic surgery team is an important step in the decision process. A great way to get a feel for them is by scheduling a virtual or in-person consultation. During this appointment, you are able to ask questions and gauge if this is someone you feel comfortable with performing your surgery.

 

How to Choose the Best Plastic Surgeon

The decision to finally start the journey towards achieving the look you desire can be equal parts exciting and nerve-racking. Cosmetic surgery is a major decision that has the potential to be very rewarding, but your results largely depend on the ability of your plastic surgeon to interpret what you envision for the outcome and make it a reality. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of tips to help you understand what to look for in a cosmetic surgeon

Board certified, or bust. A superior level of training and experience is often communicated through accreditation by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). When your plastic surgeon is board certified, you can find comfort in knowing he or she has been vetted and tested by one of the most respected medical specialty boards in the nation.

Check out their credentials. Along with their accreditation status, research your prospective surgeon’s professional memberships, hospital affiliations, and recognitions. Active participation in national organizations like the ABPS, as well as employment with local hospitals, can convey the ability to stay up-to-date with best practices in plastic surgery.

Read online reviews. Learn about the experiences of previous patients to assess his or her reputation and satisfaction rates

Look at before-and-after photos of similar patients who have undergone your procedure of interest. Try to assess whether the results achieved align with your expectations and hopes for the outcome

Risks of Surgery

What Is Plastic Surgery?

Just because the name includes the word “plastic” doesn’t mean patients who have this surgery end up with a face full of fake stuff. The name isn’t taken from the synthetic substance but from the Greek word plastikos, which means to form or mold (and which gives the material plastic its name as well).

Plastic surgery is a special type of surgery that can change a person’s appearance and ability to function.

• Reconstructive procedures correct defects on the face or body. These include physical birth defects like cleft lips and palates and ear deformities, traumatic injuries like those from dog bites or burns, or the aftermath of disease treatments like rebuilding a woman’s breast after surgery for breast cancer.
• Cosmetic (also called aesthetic) procedures alter a part of the body that the person is not satisfied with. Common cosmetic procedures include making the breasts larger (augmentation mammoplasty) or smaller (reduction mammoplasty), reshaping the nose (rhinoplasty), and removing pockets of fat from specific spots on the body (liposuction). Some cosmetic procedures aren’t even surgical in the way that most people think of surgery — that is, cutting and stitching. For example, the use of special lasers to remove unwanted hair and sanding skin to improve severe scarring are two such treatments.

 

What are the risks of surgery?

The surgery involves the same level of risk for the donor as any other major surgery. The majority of complications following surgery are minor and may cause a longer hospitalization. The risks associated with surgery and donation should be discussed with your transplant team, and include:

1. Pain. You will receive medication for pain after the surgery.
2. Infection. An infection can delay the healing process or cause scarring or other problems. If the wound from the surgical incision becomes infected, it will be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections.
3. Pneumonia. Surgery increases the risk for pneumonia (an inflammation of the lungs caused by bacteria or a virus). You will be asked to cough and breathe deeply during your recovery period. Taking a deep breath and coughing forces air to the bottom of your lungs, which helps to expand them and lessens your risk for pneumonia.
4. Damage to the kidney. There is a possibility that the kidney could become damaged during the surgical procedure. Every attempt will be made to minimize this risk.
5. Blood Clotting. You will be encouraged to move around as soon as you can after surgery. This will stimulate blood circulation to help prevent blood clots.
6. Collapsed lung. The kidney is close to the lung, and the pleura (the space around the lung) may be inadvertently opened during surgery. If this happens, the lung may collapse. The doctors would then insert a tube into the chest to expand the lung.
7. Urinary tract infection. This is an infection of the bladder or kidneys. It can be treated with antibiotics.
8. Allergic reaction to anesthesia. Anesthetics are drugs that prevent pain. During the evaluation process, the transplant team will try to identify any allergies you might have. If you have an allergic reaction to anesthesia, the doctor will take immediate action to correct the problem.
9. Death. There is always a risk of death with any major operation. However, the risk of death from surgery for living kidney donors is very low. Living donors undergo careful pre-operative testing and evaluation to make sure they are healthy enough for surgery. In one study of over 80,000 living kidney donors, death from surgery was 3.1 per 10,000 donors. This rate has not changed for the last 15 years.

 

10 of the Most Common Plastic Surgery Complications

For many people, the thought of undergoing surgery is very scary. If you’re considering plastic surgery, it’s important that you’re aware of both the benefits and the risks. Here are some of the most common and most talked about cosmetic surgery complications.

1. Hematoma

Hematoma is a pocket of blood that resembles a large, painful bruise. It occurs in 1 percent of breast augmentation procedures. It’s also the most common complication after a facelift, occurring in an average of 1 percent of patients. It occurs more commonly in males than females.Hematoma is a risk in nearly all surgeries. Treatment sometimes includes additional operations to drain the blood if the collection of blood is large or growing rapidly. This may require another procedure in the operating room and sometimes additional anesthetic.

2. Seroma

Seroma is a condition that occurs when serum, or sterile body fluid, pools beneath the surface of the skin, resulting in swelling and sometimes pain. This can occur after any surgery, and it’s the most common complication following a tummy tuck, occurring in 15 to 30 percent of patients.

Because seromas can become infected, they’re often drained with a needle. This effectively removes them, although there’s a chance of recurrence.

3. Blood loss

As with any surgery, some blood loss is expected. However, uncontrolled blood loss can lead to a drop in blood pressure with potentially deadly outcomes.Blood loss can happen while on the operating table, but also internally, after surgery.

4. Infection

Though postoperative care includes steps to reduce the risk of infection, it remains one of the more common complications of plastic surgery.

The skin infection cellulitis may occur after surgery. In some cases, infections can be internal and severe, requiring intravenous (IV) antibiotics.

5. Nerve damage

The potential for nerve damage is present in many different types of surgical procedures. Numbness and tingling are common after plastic surgery and can be signs of nerve damage. Most often the nerve damage is temporary, but in some cases it can be permanent.

Most women experience a change in sensitivity after breast augmentation surgery, and 15 percent experience permanent changes in nipple sensation.

6. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where blood clots form in deep veins, usually in the leg. When these clots break off and travel to the lungs, it’s known as pulmonary embolism (PE).

These complications are relatively uncommon, affecting only 0.09 percent of all patients undergoing plastic surgery. However, these clots can be fatal.

Abdominoplasty procedures have a slightly higher rate of DVT and PE, affecting just under 1 percent of patients. The risk of clots is 5 times higher for people having multiple procedures than it is for people having only one procedure.

7. Organ damage

Liposuction can be traumatic for the internal organs.

Visceral perforations or punctures can occur when the surgical probe comes into contact with internal organs. Repairing these injuries can require additional surgery.

The perforations may also be fatal.

8. Scarring

Surgery typically results in some scarring. Since cosmetic surgery seeks to improve the way you look, scars can be particularly troubling.

Hypertrophic scarring, for instance, is an abnormally red and thick raised scar. Along with smooth, hard keloid scars, it occurs in 1.0 to 3.7 percent of tummy tucks.

9. General appearance dissatisfaction

Most people are satisfied with their postoperative outcomes, and research suggests most women are satisfied with breast augmentation surgery. But disappointment with the results is a real possibility. People who undergo breast surgery may experience contouring or asymmetry problems, while those undergoing facial surgeries could simply not like the result.

10. Complications of anesthesia

Anesthesia is the use of medication to make you unconscious. It allows patients to undergo surgery without feeling the procedure.

General anesthesia can sometimes lead to complications. These include lung infections, stroke, heart attacks, and death. Anesthesia awareness, or waking up in the middle of surgery, is very rare but also possible.

More common anesthesia risks include:

• shivering
• nausea and vomiting
• waking up confused and disoriented

 

Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Surgery—What’s the Difference?

If you’ve always thought cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery were one in the same, you’re not alone. A significant number of plastic surgeons choose to focus their practice on cosmetic surgery, and as such, the terms are often used interchangeably. But this is not technically correct. Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are closely related specialties, but they are not the same.

Cosmetic Surgery & Plastic Surgery Have Different Goals

While both cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery deal with improving a patient’s body, the overarching philosophies guiding the training, research, and goals for patient outcomes are different.

What is cosmetic surgery?

Cosmetic Surgery: Focused on Enhancing Appearance

The procedures, techniques, and principles of cosmetic surgery are entirely focused on enhancing a patient’s appearance. Improving aesthetic appeal, symmetry, and proportion are the key goals. An aesthetic surgery can be performed on all areas of the head, neck, and body. Since cosmetic procedures treat areas that function properly, cosmetic surgery is designated as elective. Cosmetic elective procedures are performed by doctors from a variety of medical fields, including plastic surgeons.

Types of Cosmetic Surgery Procedures:

• Breast Enhancement: Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast Reduction
• Facial Contouring: Rhinoplasty, Chin, or Cheek Enhancement
• Facial Rejuvenation: Facelift, Eyelid Lift, Neck Lift, Brow Lift
• Body Contouring: Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, Gynecomastia Treatment
• Skin Rejuvenation: Laser Resurfacing, Botox®, Filler Treatments

What is plastic surgery?

Plastic Surgery: Focused on Repairing Defects to Reconstruct a Normal Function & Appearance

Plastic surgery is defined as a surgical specialty dedicated to reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease. Plastic surgery is intended to correct dysfunctional areas of the body and is, by definition, reconstructive in nature. While many plastic surgeons choose to complete additional training and perform cosmetic surgery as well, the basis of their surgical training remains reconstructive plastic surgery. In fact, in 1999, the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons changed its name to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to more strongly communicate the message that “plastic and reconstructive surgeons are one in the same.”¹

Types Plastic Surgery Procedures:

• Breast Reconstruction
• Burn Repair Surgery
• Congenital Defect Repair: Cleft Palate, Extremity Defect Repair
• Lower Extremity Reconstruction
• Hand Surgery
• Scar Revision Surgery

 

How to ensure your plastic surgery is safe

Not all physicians are created equally: this is an essential consideration when looking for a plastic surgeon. How do you choose a plastic surgeon? Ensuring safety throughout your plastic surgery journey is just as important as the procedure you want and the desired result. To ensure a safe surgery with an expert in the field, I have outlined a 10-point checklist below to help you in selecting a plastic surgeon, what to ask, and qualities for which to look.

1. Your prospective surgeon should be board certified by the appropriate specialty group for the procedure you are contemplating. With a multitude of medical practices throughout the country, you can immediately narrow your search down to physicians who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Do you want an occasional plastic surgeon or someone who has gone the extra mile to attain and maintain credentialing? The ABPS has a rigorous qualification, examination, and recertification process that ensures your plastic surgeon is qualified and an expert in their field.
2. Find references you can trust. Ask people you trust, i.e. your personal physician, friends, and people you know in healthcare to give you recommendations on plastic surgeons they may know or of whom they have heard. Also, reach out to people you know who have had plastic surgery, ask about their experience, and if they are happy with the results. Lastly, go online: review sites can be great places to see what people are talking about with a plastic surgeon. Remember, though, online reviews are not vetted so they might not be as authentic as they appear. A good guide for truth vs fiction is a rating that has as many good and some not so good ratings. This is more realistic and truthful than someone who has a thousand great ratings and no negative ones. That is a red flag for fake reviews.
3. Examine your prospective surgeon’s website. First look at the biography section of the plastic surgeon, this will give you information about their experience as well as certification. If there is no biography listed, ask yourself why. A great plastic surgeon will have nothing to hide. A well-organized website, with great design, and detailed information can tell you a lot about a prospective surgeon. Remember, also, that everyone can be famous on their own website, so, when referencing credentials, make sure also to research what each certification means, how is it obtained, how is it maintained, and what qualifications one must have to get that certification.
4. Verify that your prospective surgeon has hospital privileges. “Hospital privileges” refers to the right of a physician to use the equipment and facilities at a given hospital. Even though you might have your procedure at a surgical center rather than a hospital, hospital privileges indicate that your surgeon has been vetted by their peers and by a hospital committee. It should be a red flag if your prospective plastic surgeon does not have hospital operating privileges.
5. Inquire about your surgeon’s specific experience. You have the right to make sure the surgeon is right for you, possessing the experience and expertise they claim. A qualified plastic surgeon will be more than happy to explain his experience and expertise. If not, that should be a red flag. Make sure to ask if the procedure you are seeking is something they do at least once a week and is it in their top three procedures performed.
6. Ask your prospective surgeon to clarify all potential benefits, risks, and complications. If your prospective surgeon answers questions with “everything will be fine,” or “you will not feel a thing,” this should be a red flag that your surgeon is not being honest with you. Plastic surgery, as relatively safe as it is, can have complications and each patient’s medical history can present different risks. Your plastic surgeon should be readily forthcoming with information about risks and potential complications.
7. When it comes time for surgery, it should be performed in an accredited ambulatory facility. Accredited ambulatory facilities are subject to internal and external inspection by credentialing agencies, thus must maintain a facility that operates in such a manner. This type of facility will also have the emergency equipment and training necessary to respond to an emergency if the need arises. A board-certified plastic surgeon is required to operate in an accredited ambulatory facility.
8. A great surgeon will employ a carefully selected and certified anesthetist or anesthesiologist. The person administering your anesthesia is pivotal to ensuring a relaxing and pain-free procedure. A reputable plastic surgeon will only employ staff that delivers the same quality of care that they deliver.
9. Discuss your recovery period with your prospective surgeon. Understanding the recovery process and what to expect especially in the first 24-48 hours is crucial to maintaining safety. Every surgical recovery is unique, and your surgeon should explain in detail what to expect and how to get in touch with his or her staff if necessary.
10. Get additional opinions from appropriate professionals, if needed or desired. Remember: This is your body, and you are the boss. Choosing a plastic surgeon is a very personal decision. Selecting a plastic surgeon is an interview process, and sometimes 2 or 3 consultations with different surgeons are necessary to find one that meets your criteria and makes you feel comfortable.

Ultimately when deciding on a board-certified plastic surgeon, you must find someone who has experience, who is an expert in the desired field, and who can show you proof of exceptional results. Deciding to undergo surgery to alter your appearance is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. As an educated consumer, you must do your part to determine what you want, do your homework, and seek expert consultation. By following the above steps, you can rest assured that you are making a well-informed decision.