A few news resources are confusing some of my patients by spinning coverage of a recent research study to falsely suggest that face lift surgery involves abnormally high infection risks. This is far from the truth, and, in point of fact, contradicts the study results.
The study, which was released back in March, examined the causes of infection in the few people who do experience surgical-site complications after face lift. The results: 80% of face lift infections involved MRSA, a particularly tough strain of staphylococcus aureus that resists almost all antibiotics.
This seems worrisome, but it’s actually quite positive. Baltimore face lift surgeons typically require patients to undergo multiple antibiotic washes for their hair and face, in addition to a host of standard in-surgery precautions that virtually eliminate normal infection risk. Under these conditions, it’s completely logical that the only pathogens that possibly could survive would be the same antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” that can (rarely) show up in any surgery.
In reality, the risk of infection following cosmetic surgery is less than 1%, and notably below the national percentage for surgical infections generally. Doing the math, the chance of a MRSA infection following a cosmetic procedure should be only 0.8%, or 8 in every 1,000 patients.
In the past 10 years, I’ve seen surgeons who perform Baltimore plastic surgery more effectively screening and educating patients in proper postoperative care. What the study really shows is the fruit of this effort.
The media should be reporting on the tremendous strides that have been made in surgical infection management and prevention over the past decade, rather than scaring patients into thinking they are very likely to face a hard-to-treat infection following their surgery.
October 11th, 2008 at 5:45 am
I am surprised to your estimated risk of infection following cosmetic surgery is less than 1%, and notably below the national percentage for surgical infections. I hope its true and I wish it is.
Your calculation is based on last 10 years, but the CA-MRSA & other bacteria have been rapidly spreading in the last few years. Govt officials failed to acknowledge existence of PVL strain.
You must be aware this bacteria is said to have biofilm which prevent antiseptics and antibacterial lotion killing them. Using strong surgical spirits result in dry skin and cracks resulting in bacterial invasion.
As doctors, I must say we have abused antibiotics, been arrogant, and thought we can do what we like. Unfortunately the day has come for us all to sit and twiddle our thumb. Two new antibiotics have already been written off. God will have to appear in this earth to bring in changes.
October 13th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Thanks for your comment. Do you have links to your resources? I’m sure our readers would be interested to understand where you’re coming from.
October 15th, 2008 at 7:55 am
How Expensive Is The Surgery …? And How Long Does It Normally Take
October 15th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Both the time and cost of surgery depend on a few key factors:
1. the training and experience of the doctor and surgical team
2. the extent of correction you expect the face lfit to accomplish
3. the type of face lift you are receiving
Low surgical times do not necessarily indicate high-quality doctors, but cosmetic surgery practices in Baltimore, Maryland that are run by board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Kane can minimize surgical costs and recovery times by offering individualized short-scar procedures and face lift alternatives like Threadlift™ that don’t require the intensive adjustments of a traditional face lift.
In general, costs will reflect the doctor’s certification and training, hospital privileges, and staff and facility quality. Some doctors offer discount procedures, but the majority of our contributing physicians would strongly advise against choosing a doctor for his or her price tag. Quality results will cost more, and discount procedures often require expensive corrective surgery.
October 15th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
I am replying to the question asked by the team. There are various reports about using low dose antibiotic and inappropriate use of antiseptics and antibacterial solution.
Please search for antiseptic or antibacterial resistance in Google; I am sure there are thousands of links to published papers in medical journals which confirm what we are saying.
I have been observing the way this bacteria has progressed since 1989 and so maintain a website to educate people about the threat of these bacteria. I am constantly following any lead which helps me to avert this threat.
Low dose antiseptics and antibiotics will make these bacteria stronger because they have the eflux pump. We must stop making them strong by not throwing chemicals and low dose antibiotics if not it’s not only a problem to plastic surgeons but a major bow to medical profession.
Concentrated bactericidal preparations and chemicals dry skin resulting in cracks which will facilitate bacterial entry and can result in invasive form of infections.
January 8th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
hi
good luck