Dying

[Bry6207]

Is it possible for me to die in surgery? Has there ever been any cases of people dying while in surgery for a BA?

[catsova]

Please do not stress about this, what for? I told my PS and the anesthesiologist I was afraid to die and they reassured me this doesn't happen but I was a crying mess what a waste of energy with that worrying. You are more likely to get in a car wreck on the way there than die during surgery!

[thegranolasister]

Of course it's possible. Like a pp said, it is also possible that you will die in a car accident on the way to have your surgery.

There are always 'risks' involved with any type of surgery. Death is one of them.

You can talk to your doctor about the actual percentages and ask if it has ever happend to him/her?

I know death was one of my big considering factors when I was deciding to have my BA.

I'm 2 weeks post op now....I made it to the other side.

[Nessa16]

im sooooo glad u posted this because this is my absolute biggest fear with surgery. I cant wait to see what others have to say =]

[Xiola]

It's possible but HIGHLY UNLIKELY. I've been put under 6 times and I'm still around to talk about it. Truth be told, I think general anesthesia is great stuff. It's timeless, dreamless sleep. It feels like a few seconds have passed and you're done. An anesthesiologist watches over you the whole time. It's pretty safe nowadays.

Try not to worry.

[Bry6207]

thanks for the replies on this!! this is by far THE biggest, and really the only concern i have...but evryone is different, i could easily have a reaction to any of the meds they give me.

[flat2fab]

My best friend (who is also a Dr) told me that this surgery is preformed everyday and has been done MILLIONS of times. It is a pretty routine surgery for our PS'. Although the anesthisia is the most risky part, you are more at risk everytime you get in your car to drive somewhere! Make sure that your Dr is aware of your fears. Relax and try and focus on prepare for your healing time.

[ANJIL]

Originally Posted by Blue

It's possible but HIGHLY UNLIKELY. I've been put under 6 times and I'm still around to talk about it. Truth be told, I think general anesthesia is great stuff. It's timeless, dreamless sleep. It feels like a few seconds have passed and you're done. An anesthesiologist watches over you the whole time. It's pretty safe nowadays.

Try not to worry.

I can relate, Blue. The first time was questionable for me. But surely, by the time you think about the negatives, the surgery is over. Any NEW experience will be SCARY, of course. But she will be fine!

[moondance]

One of the first things my PS said to me at my intital consult was that this is a very safe surgery. And, she was a general surgeon before she decided to specialize in plastic surgery (she's one of those over-achievers!) So, she knows her stuff!

Yes, there are always things to worry about - in everything, but I truly believe as long as you choose your doctor and facility well, your risks are truly very minimal.

Good luck!

[jodyt]

there is a risk yes,as there is with any opperation however its a very small risk, i would gues its probally about as likly as say you your mum and your sister winning the lottery on the same day and then standing on a poisened fish in a puddle and all of you getting hit by lightening

[Julie1971]

This is probably my biggest concern as well. However, at my pre-op I asked my PS about this and he said that he has never had anyone die (or go into a coma) from having BA. That made me feel better! ;-)

[Roux]

Originally Posted by Bry6207

...but evryone is different, i could easily have a reaction to any of the meds they give me.

Why? Do you have sensitivities or allergies that you haven't disclosed to them? Keep in mind that you're dealing with highly trained medical professionals. Their JOB is to screen you for an possible complications prior to you going under...it's their collective butt on the line in the unlikely event that something happens. That's why they ask you all those different questions pertaining to your allergies, drug reactions, past experiences with anesthesia, etc.

Sitting here and dwelling on "what if, what if, what if" worst-case scenario stuff is just going to put you into a negative mindset prior to your BA, and that's counterproductive to the healing process, IMHO. Don't psych yourself out to the point of being paranoid about complications that are the exception, not the rule. I *hate* anesthesia & am not keen on the idea of being put under either, but my BA was the simplest, most pleasant anesthesia experience I've ever had. Express your concerns to the anesthesiologist, and he or she will probably try very hard to make you feel as secure & comfortable as possible. Think about it - they WANT their patients to say "Oh, my anesthesiologist was great...it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be!"

Don't freak yourself out...do your homework & know what the risks are, but save your energy for your recovery.

Just my $.02.

[tiffany]

If you are healthy, if you disclose all of your medical history to your PS, and if you follow his or her pre-op and post-op instructions, then death is an extremely low probability. If it's a huge concern for you, find someone who does twilight sedation instead of general anethesia.

[catsova]

Also, just want to add that Twilight sedation is way safer than general anasthesia and I only decided to do it after I was told it would be done with twilight sedation. So, perhaps you could find out more from your Dr. on the subject of sedation and be reassured that you will be ok!

[Bry6207]

Twilight sedation is what they said ill be under...she said ill even be able to feel them touch me and ill be able to look around, but there will be a sheet up in front of me....THAT FREAKED ME OUT!!! ill still be awake for the surgery!!! im just mainly nervous about all the drugs theyre gonna give me to make me loopy...cause i HATE feeling like that. unless it just makes you feel like your drunk...then that will be okay i guess...

but ive NEVER been put under or had any hardcore medication like that, so thats why im so nervous!

[workoutgirl]

there is always a risk but the likely hood of it happening is almost non-existent; if it were happening all the time the procedure would be far less popular of course. you make sure to be honest with your BOARD CERTIFIED plastic surgeon of all your health conditions and you will be fine I'm sure. Good luck!

[JaneDoe]

Not to stray off topic too much but TWILIGHT SEDATION? I've kinda heard of that but I didnt realize you could look around, etc.. No thanks. They put me out - and I loved it.

On the death issue. I really didnt worry about death - perhaps that is ignorance, or maybe because many women in my family and many of my friends have had this procedure or other surgeries and it was so quick and seemed so safe. The main thing is that you TRUST YOUR DOCTOR. Follow your instincts! and make sure you disclose anything they need to know about you, as well as follow all of their instuctions. Coming from someone who is scared beyond belief of anything medical... I would do it all again in a heartbeat knowing the risks.. death included.

Do not worry!