Is Same-Day Consultation, Same-Day Surgery for Plastic Surgery a Safe Choice?

Hello,

This is Cheongdam SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic.

Among those who visit plastic surgery clinics,

a considerable number ask this question:

‘Can I have a consultation and then

surgery today?’

Considering time and economic efficiency,

this might seem like a natural thought.

However, plastic surgery changes your face

for a lifetime. Is same-day consultation,

same-day surgery truly the right choice?

Misconceptions about Cosmetic Surgery

Procedures like eye correction and nose surgery

are often perceived as routine beauty treatments.

Online, you can easily find phrases like

‘nose surgery done during lunchtime’

or ‘10-minute double eyelid surgery’.

However, cosmetic surgery is a ‘medical procedure’

and ‘surgery’. It involves incisions and bleeding,

requires a sufficient recovery period, and if general

or conscious sedation is administered, the risk increases.

Three Problems Caused by Hasty Decisions

Let’s look at the problems that can arise

when rushing into same-day plastic surgery.

⚠️ Insufficient Understanding

You may not be able to thoroughly review

surgical methods suitable for your facial structure,

possible complications, and various surgical options.

⚠️ Low Satisfaction

Regret due to results different from expectations

or the need for additional surgery may increase.

⚠️ Health Risks

There may not be enough time to check for existing

diseases, medications being taken, or anesthesia-related

risk factors, which can lead to unexpected situations.

‘Other places had similar conditions,’

‘The event period is ending soon.’

The moment you make a hasty decision for such reasons,

the most important aspect, safety, can be neglected.

Why Conscious Sedation Should Not Be Taken Lightly

‘Isn’t it just getting an injection, falling asleep,

and waking up when it’s over?’

Conscious sedation is not simply ‘falling asleep’.

It is a highly complex medical procedure that requires

a comprehensive review of your overall health status,

and the following should be checked:

✅ Underlying medical conditions

(e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes, heart-related diseases)

✅ Medications currently being taken

✅ History of adverse reactions during previous anesthesia

✅ Compliance with fasting and current condition on the day of surgery

(e.g., lack of sleep, menstruation)

In same-day consultation, same-day surgery scenarios,

it is difficult to properly verify such important information.

If anesthesia is administered when your body is not in good condition,

the likelihood of being exposed to risks such as respiratory

problems or delayed recovery increases.

Irresponsible Attitude of Some Medical Professionals

Unfortunately, even some medical professionals

perceive cosmetic surgery as a minor procedure.

There are cases where doctors from other specialties,

who are not board-certified plastic surgeons,

perform lower eyelid fat removal or double eyelid surgery,

calling them ‘simple procedures’.

However, surgery is medicine, not just a technique.

Omitting basic examinations or performing surgery

and anesthesia without considering the patient’s

overall health can lead to risks.

A Day’s Choice Changes a Lifetime.

Many people are only interested in

‘When will I recover?’ or ‘How much prettier will I be?’

However, the truly important questions are:

- Is this surgery truly necessary for me?

- Is my body ready to withstand the surgery?

- Am I confident that I won’t regret the results?

Surgery can be redone later, but health damaged

by a wrong judgment is difficult to restore.

Specialist’s Advice: 3 Principles for Safety

🌟 Separation of Consultation and Surgery

You should take at least 1 to 2 weeks of sufficient

consideration time between consultation and surgery.

🌟 Essential Checks

Detailed medical history questionnaire,

sufficient consultation with a specialist,

and listening to explanations about the pre- and post-operative

process and risk factors.

🌟 Choosing a Specialist

A board-certified plastic surgeon considers not only

surgical techniques but also overall health management.

We fully understand the desire to see a changed appearance immediately.

However, for your appearance years from now,

please think more carefully for just one more day.

More important than same-day consultation, same-day surgery

is your safety.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to have plastic surgery immediately after a same-day consultation?

No, it may not be safe. Plastic surgery is a medical procedure, and deciding on surgery immediately after a same-day consultation can make it difficult to thoroughly review surgical methods, complications, and anesthesia risks, potentially leading to low satisfaction or health risks. It is recommended to take at least 1 to 2 weeks for consideration.

Is conscious sedation not dangerous?

Conscious sedation is not simply falling asleep; it is a complex medical procedure that requires a comprehensive review of your overall health. Proceeding without checking underlying medical conditions, medications being taken, past anesthesia experiences, and fasting compliance can expose you to risks such as respiratory problems or delayed recovery.

What must be checked before plastic surgery?

Before plastic surgery, you must undergo a detailed medical history questionnaire, have a thorough consultation with a specialist, and listen to explanations about the pre- and post-operative process and possible risk factors. It is also crucial to ensure your body is ready to withstand the surgery.

Why should I choose a board-certified plastic surgeon?

A board-certified plastic surgeon considers not only surgical techniques but also the patient’s overall health management to ensure safe surgery. Some doctors from other specialties may take cosmetic surgery lightly, so it is advisable to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon for expertise and safety.

What problems can arise when rushing into same-day surgery?

Rushing into same-day surgery can lead to three main problems: insufficient understanding of the surgery, low satisfaction due to results different from expectations, and health risks that may arise from not checking existing medical conditions or anesthesia-related risk factors.