There is no fast and hard rule on how long one should wait between surgeries. Ask 5 surgeons and you will most likely get different answers.
For example, when it comes to elective surgeries, there is little to no reason to rush uno the next surgery. Elective surgeries are there to correct to issues that are not life-threatening so it’s often best to fully recover from one elective surgery before another.
For example, when it comes to elective surgeries, there is little to no reason to rush uno the next surgery. Elective surgeries are there to correct to issues that are not life-threatening so it’s often best to fully recover from one elective surgery before another.
In a life and death situation, it is very normal for a patient to have surgeries within a few days.
Weighing Benefits Against Harm.
The sickest people in the hospital tend to be those who need a dozen or more surgeries within the span of a month. They may be burn patients who need multiple skin grafts, or trauma patients who need repeated surgeries to fix broken bones. For these types of patients, waiting could cause more harm than good.
Sometimes, rushing the next surgery can cause more problem if waiting after a surgery poses no potential harm. When you have multiple surgeries back-to-back within a short time frame, the risk of complications significantly increases. And it can also take much longer for a patient to recover from such too.
There are some exceptions though.
Right below, we discuss how far apart different surgery procedures should be scheduled and why.
Recommended Waiting Time.
Most medical doctors will recommend a waiting period of six to twelve weeks between surgeries. For surgeries involving extensive time under anesthesia or substantial loss of blood, longer wait times are often advised.
In addition, the patient’s rate of healing and general health will be a good determinant of how fast they can receive a second surgery procedure. For example, if you undergo a surgery and followed all pre– and post-op instructions rightly, and are healing rapidly, you will most likely be ready for your next procedure in three to six weeks’ time. However, if you fail to follow instruction and/or are healing slowly, it will extend the date of your next surgery procedure.
Why do some doctors want to wait six months between procedures?
Before commencing a surgery procedure, most surgeons do follow some general guidelines depending on the procedure and the part of the body involved. Rhinoplasty (Nose surgery) is done in 1 year to let scar soften and swelling to settle. Replacement or removal of Breast implants are usually done in 3 months because the swelling may have gone and the inflammation has resolved.
Liposuction can be done in 6 months because some areas such as the upper back and abdomen require that long for the final shape to be seen and the swelling to resolve. And you will need time for the scar to soften before you can perform another liposuction in that same area.
These are some basic guidelines and reasoning that surgeons consider before attempting to do another surgery for a patient.
Simpler Procedures Require Less Time.
It is vital to note that procedures that are not complex can be typically done at closer interval. Surgery procedure such as an uncomplicated breast augmentation, injectables etc. can be performed within a closer time range.
On the other hand, patients can discuss the possibility of having multiple procedures done at once to avoid going under anesthesia multiple times in a close time interval. However, it is also good to note that the patient’s health, physique, and age will help determine if combining multiple procedures is a safe decision to make.
Making an Informed Choice.
If it’s in your hand to decide when you have your surgeries, it is best you follow the general rule of thumb. Don’t proceed with another surgery until you have fully recovered from your initial surgery.
This implies you have to feel hale hearty or if possible, better than you were before the initial surgery. If that's not reasonable given your condition, wait until you feel as good as you can possibly expect to feel. You should not feel pain or fatigued from the surgery. You should be haled to the point where you can go back to carrying out your daily activities; before considering a second surgery.
At times this doesn’t mean you must have fully recovered, because some surgery’s post-effect may take up to a year before you can reorient. Rather we suggest you should be in an optimal condition before jumping into a, relation.
Your surgeon will help you with your decision by providing details on expected recovery times. You'll also discuss what might be best for you as an individual.
Summary
The waiting times between surgeries widely vary depending on the situation ay hand. Emergency surgeries may need to be done together. However elective surgeries should be spaced out to help you recover.
If you need multiple surgeries, the most vital one (the one that is more urgent and important) is done first to help save your life. The second surgery should be done when you are back going to doing your daily activities.
A patient’s fitness level, overall health, age, and how carefully they follow the post-op instructions will greatly have an impact on how quickly they proceed with the second surgery.
Different surgeries have different recovery times. Work with your surgeon to decide how much time you will need between one procedure and another.
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