June 25, 2021 | 3 minute read
Hand Surgery
You should gear up for a detailed pre-op consultation before getting a corrective procedure or an intricate cosmetic surgery involving the upper extremities and hands. Meticulous advance preparation is essential to creating a successful foundation for the surgery, and your pre-op consultation will play a key role in it.
During the initial consultation, the surgeon and patient have an opportunity for building good rapport. You can achieve your goals in a better manner if you have a relationship of trust, confidence, and open communication with your surgeon.
Your surgeon will carry out detailed evaluation of your hand anatomy during the consultation. They will examine all functional and cosmetic issues involved. A customized hand surgery plan will be then be created after taking into account your inputs collected during the consultation.
Envy Aesthetic Center, led by board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Marco Gonzalez, provides hand surgery procedures to patients in El Paso, TX, and surrounding locations.
Health Evaluation
Your surgeon during the pre-operative consultation will review your past health records and examine the existing condition of your arms, hands, and general health status. In certain cases, diagnostic or lab tests may also be ordered. Past surgical records will be assessed if the patient has previously undergone any hand plastic surgery.
You should be prepared for disclosing complete information about any medications (prescription or non-prescription), vitamin supplements, or herbal supplements that you may be taking. Your surgeon may ask you to quit smoking if you are a smoker. They will inform you of the specified duration before and after the surgery. This is to prevent any complications and to aid in healthy recovery.
The surgeon will assess all risk factors, such as the patient’s health condition, age, past surgeries, and current issues. They will explain the potential complications and risks to you in a detailed and uncomplicated manner. Your surgeon will also discuss expected results and estimated time for recovery. You can make a well-thought decision after this comprehensive assessment.
Hand Condition Questionnaire
Few surgeons require their patients to complete a questionnaire based on the current hand condition. This is to ensure that all relevant aspects are covered. The questions may be in relation to the level of pain and restrictions of movement among other things.
You may be asked to perform a series of hand movements for evaluating the exact difficulties. Your surgeon will assess the information against pre-existing conditions, such as anemia, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, and arthritis. It’s essential the patients inform their surgeons if there have been any recent changes in their medical conditions.
Ordering Diagnostic Tests
You may need specialized x-rays of the forearm or the wrist. In some cases, the surgeon may order an MRI as well for evaluating the inner hand structure. Infections, tendon issues, and other underlying issues can be detected by these tests. A customized surgical plan may be created by the surgeon during this comprehensive consultation process.
Feel free to ask any question and clear all your concerns during the consultation. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Marco Gonzalez receives patients from El Paso, TX, and nearby areas for hand surgery.
