It is not difficult to find information on the Internet that states that elderly patients are much more likely to experience complications after a surgical procedure. With this information readily available, it is easy to decide to forego that cosmetic procedure you’ve been dreaming about because you’re afraid.

However, according to a recent study presented in October’s annual scientific meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), this belief just isn’t true. This quick guide will help you to understand why plastic surgery in Las Vegas isn’t more dangerous for the elderly.

The Facts

The following facts were taken from the study presented in October at the ASPS annual scientific meeting. In this study, information was collected and analyzed about cosmetic procedures done between 2008 and 2013 from the CosmetAssure database. This is what the study revealed:

• Elderly patients (average age 69) experienced complications at a rate of 1.94 percent. Younger patients (average age 39) came in at 1.84 percent.
• Patients over the age of 80 experienced complications at a rate of 2.2 percent.
• These comparatively low rates of complication occurred even with elderly patients who have health related indicators hinting toward a higher rate of complications. These indicators were commonly the presence of diabetes and a higher body mass index (BMI).
• The only procedure after which elderly patients experienced more complications than younger patients is the abdominoplasty. Elderly patients had a 5.4 percent rate of complication while younger patients had a rate of 3.9 percent.
• The most common complications experienced by elderly patients after a cosmetic procedure were hematoma, infection and difficulty healing.

What does this mean for you?

The results of this study are clear. Elderly patients, generally speaking, do not have to be concerned about a higher risk of complication if they are considering plastic surgery in Las Vegas. People over the age of 65 can safely pursue cosmetic procedures while facing a risk of complication only slightly higher than younger people who pursue those same procedures.

However, it is important to remember that the rate at which you are at risk of complication depends solely on you. While these statistics are pleasing, you want to make sure that you are truly a good candidate for whichever plastic surgery procedure you are considering.

This rate of risk also depends on whether or not you are working with a plastic surgeon that is board certified by the ASPS. Before you consider going under the knife, be absolutely certain that your surgeon is certified. This is a huge contributor to the overall success of any procedure you decide to undergo.

The best way to do this is by scheduling a consultation with one of the professionals at Reynolds Plastic Surgery. These board certified Las Vegas plastic surgeons have the skill and extensive knowledge to guide you toward your best course of action while respectfully considering your needs. For more information about plastic surgery in Las Vegas, contact 702.410.9800.

If you have been researching the process of liposuction in Las Vegas, there is a chance you have come across the term wetting solution. If you have been curious about exactly what that is, Las Vegas plastic surgeons have provided an answer.

What is a wetting solution?

According to many resources, wetting solution and tumescent solution can be used interchangeably. However, tumescent solution is used more often so that may be why you are unfamiliar with wetting solution.

Fundamentally, a wetting solution works the same as a tumescent solution. It is a fluid that is injected into the fat before a liposuction procedure. This is done to help prep the desired area so that the excess fat can be removed easily.

A wetting solution also makes it so that heavy sedation or general anesthesia are sometimes not necessary. It also reduces blood loss and the need for the intravenous resuscitation of fluids.

What’s in it?

A wetting solution works in this way because it is made with saline, lidocaine, epinephrine and sometimes bicarbonate.

The lidocaine is what numbs the area that is going to be treated with liposuction. It temporarily blocks the ends of the nerves from sending and receiving signals.

The epinephrine is what helps to reduce blood loss by causing the blood vessels in the area to narrow. Epinephrine is also useful because it helps prevent the body from absorbing too much lidocaine. This is important because lidocaine can become toxic if too much is absorbed by the body. Lidocaine toxicity can lead to an irregular heart rate, brain complications and even death.

Sodium bicarbonate is what makes the lidocaine less acidic. This is necessary in order to keep the solution from irritating the tissues and creating pain when it is injected into the body.

This concoction is beneficial for a number of reasons. With the help of wetting solutions, there is a reduced need of blood transfusions and other IV fluids. For the patient, there is less pain and nausea that can often be experienced after general anesthesia.

How is it used?

Wetting solutions are used primarily in liposuction procedures. However, it is also possible to see wetting solutions complimenting tummy tucks, breast lifts, breast reductions and facelifts.

To learn more about the possible use of wetting solutions in your plastic surgery Las Vegas procedure, schedule a consultation with one of the professionals at Reynolds Plastic Surgery. For more information about a good liposuction doctor in Las Vegas, call 702.410.9800.