Optimization of Patient Safety in Cosmetic Surgery

C. Bob Basu, M.D., M.P.H. Gustavo Colon, M.D.

As the popularity of cosmetic surgery and procedures continues to rise, plastic surgeons have ushered the discourse on patient safety to the forefront. With the trend of care shifting to the outpatient setting and desire for multiple procedures to be completed in one stage, it is imperative that plastic surgeons, as leaders in all facets of aesthetic surgery, continue to share this dialogue with our colleagues to minimize morbidity and optimize results.

In this issue of Seminars in Plastic Surgery, Dr. Colon and I have assembled diverse perspectives from both academic and private practice on key topics that affect patient outcome. We begin with an update on the preoperative work-up and assessment of medical risk factors. Next, our authors address safety considerations in the operating room, focusing on patient positioning and other perioperative concerns especially pertinent during longer multiprocedure cases. Of course, this discourse would not be complete with out a review of deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis strategies. Our authors also review the literature to update us on the safety issues involved with the use of local anesthetics in cosmetic surgery. In addition, we present articles that focus on presenting a better understanding of other common postoperative morbidities including hematoma, seroma, wound infection, and postoperative nausea.

Dr. Colon and I would like to thank specifically all our guest authors who have graciously volunteered their time and resources to contribute to this issue dedicated to patient safety. The authors have diligently reviewed the literature and shared some of their individual perspectives and experiences in their clinical practices. This work does not present any guideline or formal recommendations for the care of patients, nor does it represent any standard for patient management. Our main objective was to capture the contemporary dialogue on patient safety issues affecting the care of the cosmetic surgery patient. We hope that this work serves as a reference to resident, junior, or senior plastic surgeons to facilitate development of their customized care plans with the ubiquitous goal of optimizing patient safety.