Scheduling a plastic surgery appointment is within your control; arranging your menstrual cycle schedule is impossible. When your period comes close to or at the surgical date, should you reschedule or go to the appointment? This is a common concern for women, yet it is something rarely discussed or mentioned.
Is the Menstrual Cycle a Concern for Surgeons?
Having your period during surgery raises the question of whether hormonal changes associated with your period can affect surgical outcomes. Recent studies have shown that having surgery during your period does not increase surgical or menstrual bleeding. Having your period does not cause an adverse reaction or complications in surgery, even if normal cramps, headaches, and bloating occur.
What Do I Do if it Happens During the Visit?
For safety concerns, we ask that you do not wear a tampon on the day of your surgery (if your period has already started). The surgical procedure could take several hours and after surgery, it can take some time for the anesthesia to wear off so you will be unable to change it for some time. A tampon staying too long in your body could cause an infection so wear a pad instead and bring a few extra. If needed, your nurse can change your pad for you. This might sound embarrassing, but there is no need to be worried. After all, our job makes us used to handling blood and your period is just one more natural bodily function.
Let your surgeon or nurse know that you are on your period and they will let the team know so that we can plan around the situation during surgery. We have state-of-the-art equipment and sanitary products to make your stay comfortable during your period.
If your period is coming, and you’re unsure if it will come during surgery, bring pads anyway. Warn the surgeon or nurse that your cycle could come so the team can make preparations. Even if it’s a false alarm, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Will Surgery Affect Upcoming Cycles?
Side effects on periods occurring days or weeks after any type of surgery may occur. Your next few periods may be irregular and different than normal. Hormonal changes due to surgery are temporary. For most women there is no change. If changes happen they won’t last long, and your period will return to normal. If there are concerns, you can talk to Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, or Dr. Magge about it. With over 60 combined years of experience, they have the answers. If they do not, they have the resources to find the answers.
Schedule a Consultation
Don’t cancel your appointment because of bad timing with your menstrual cycle. We intend to treat you like family as we improve your appearance and make you feel at home. Your cycle is not a disruption to us and you should not let it disrupt your chance to achieve your cosmetic goals!
If you have been considering cosmetic surgery or if you have any questions about your upcoming surgery, contact the Cosmetic Surgery Associates today.
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Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, and Dr. Magge lead Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Bethesda, MD. They specialize in personalized cosmetic procedures delivered with exceptional skill and care, helping every patient look and feel their best.
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