This is a common question that needs to be answered for every patient. While being a good candidate for plastic surgery is a concern that affects all of our Naples plastic surgery patients, the exact answer to that question is personal to each one. I examine each patient and consider both the general criteria as well as personal criteria.
General criteria apply to most patients. They tend to include choices that you can control:
- smoking habits–tobacco toxins deteriorate skin tone and interfere with healing when taken in any amounts
- alcohol and caffeine habits–deteriorate skin tone and interfere with healing when taken in excess
- medications, OTC remedies, herbal supplements–many possible effects on skin, healing and interactions with anesthesia
- expectations–must be realistic
- lifestyle, exercise, diet, sleep patterns–keep a healthy balance
- emotional stability and support –to cope with post surgery states, and both your and other people’s responses to changes
- weight, body mass index (BMI)–close to normal
Personal criteria are based upon your examination, medical and social history. They can include genetic traits you cannot control:
- skin characteristics
- health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, immunodeficiency diseases, allergies
- excess skin from prior weight loss or pregnancy
- plans for future pregnancies
- skin damage from sun or other causes
This is not an exhaustive list. Rather, it gives an idea what I take into consideration when making a recommendation for your best results.
If you would like to find out if you are a good candidate for plastic surgery, please contact Manuel Peña, M.D. at our Naples, Florida plastic surgery office to schedule a personal consultation.
