Reducing Nausea after Plastic Surgery

Numerous surveys taken by those who’ve had anesthesia administered while undergoing plastic surgery rank nausea and vomiting as the side effects they would most like to avoid. Post-operative nausea and vomiting, also known as (PONV), have long been considered common side effects for anyone being put under general anesthesia for plastic surgery and other surgical procedures. It is estimated that about 35 percent of patients undergoing any sort of surgery will experience PONV. To minimize or even eliminate nausea after plastic surgery procedures, Dr. Marcus Crawford offers recovery tips and information about PONV risk factors.

Consider Risk Factors for PONV

Certain patients may be more likely to experience nausea and vomiting after plastic surgery. Risk factors for PONV include:

• Medical history - Has patient experienced nausea after undergoing other operations?
• Gender - Women are more likely to experience nausea due to the use of anesthesia.
• Weight - Patients with fatty tissue require varied types and amounts of anesthesia.
• Surgery type - Certain procedures affect the body's system differently.
• Length of surgery - The longer the time of actual surgery, the more likely the patient will experience nausea.

Local vs. General Anesthesia

Depending on the surgery type and other risk factors, local and general anesthesias are available for eliminating pain. Again, pre-surgery risk factors play a major role in how each type affects the patient's probability for nausea.

• Local anesthesia - When possible, we will perform treatment using only local anesthesia. Local anesthesia is a good option because it does not result in post-operative nausea and vomiting. However, for more extensive and complicated procedures, general anesthesia will keep patients more comfortable.
• General anesthesia - With general anesthesia, the patient is put to sleep, remaining in a 'twilight' state in which the patient won't remember surgery. Unfortunately, this approach is associated with post-operative nausea and vomiting in some patients.

Pre and Post-Operative Nutrition

What patients consume before and after surgery has much to do with how the body interacts with anesthesia.

• Hydration - Water intake aids in ridding the body of toxins and helps the body adjust to anesthesia properly.
• Probiotics - Probiotics improve the health of the stomach lining; this can minimize the side effects of anesthesia.
• Soft bland foods - After surgery, the stomach may be sensitive; bland foods such as saltines or water-based soups may be consumed to reduce nausea.
• Ginger ale - The carbonation and ginger in ginger ale can alleviate nausea. Patients may also drink 7-up or Sprite after surgery to reduce nausea. 

These tips on reducing nausea from anesthesia after undergoing plastic surgery are provided through the office of Dr. Marcus Crawford. Considered one of Georgia’s leading surgeons in breast enlargement, breast lifts, breast reductions, and breast reconstruction, he is the top choice for women seeking plastic surgery around the Atlanta, Georgia area. Dr. Crawford also performs body contouring and facial rejuvenation plastic surgery procedures. Contact Crawford Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Crawford.