The field of plastic surgery originated many centuries ago. The word ‘plastic’ originated from the Greek word plastikos which means, ‘the ability to mould’.
Plastic surgery is broadly divided into Aesthetic and Reconstructive plastic surgery. The latter involves returning the body back to normality by way of form as well as function. Correction of deformities due to burns, accidents, cancer excision and pressure sores; hand surgery; treatment of birth defects (cleft lip and palate); maxillofacial surgery (surgery of the jaws); cancer reconstructions surgery; Replantations and revascularizations (microvascular and microneural surgery).
The preoperative consultation
Patients interested in plastic surgery need to have an in-depth consultation prior to surgery. During this period the surgeon needs to exactly know, what the problem is from the patient’s point of view. After a thorough examination, surgical options would be explained. The patient would be informed regarding the surgical procedure, risk-benefit analysis, risks associated and long-term results. The patient is often shown before and after photographs of patients with similar conditions. They would also have the chance to speak to members of the Cosmetic Surgery Support Group (CSSG).
The CSSG consists of patients of the Cosmetic Surgery Clinic operated at the Bahrain Specialist Hospital. They have consented to help others who are apprehensive before Cosmetic Surgery procedures, by giving their experiences regarding their surgery as well as the hospital’s facilities.
Getting ready for surgery
Before surgery, patients need to have lab tests done which may include blood tests, electrocardiogram and specialized investigations relating to specific surgery. Consultation with the anesthesiologist is mandatory in most cases. Instructions regarding admission and preoperative preparations are given to the patient prior to surgery. A detailed estimate for surgery is always provided beforehand.
Post operative follow-up
Postoperatively, the patient would have to be followed-up in the Clinic at the appointed times for dressings as well as stitch removal. It is at these times that precautionary instructions are given to the patients. Postoperative photographs are usually taken three weeks after surgery.
Bahrain
P.O.Box:54533,
Address:6th Floor, Ibn Al Nafees Hospital
Tel:+973 – 17828223
Fax:+973 – 17828366