Dimpleplasty is a common facial plastic surgery that creates natural, coordinated dimples at specific locations on the face. Although the surgery is less traumatic and has a shorter recovery period, preoperative preparation, especially drug management, is crucial. If some drugs are not discontinued in time before surgery, they may affect coagulation function, interfere with the anesthetic metabolic process, and even increase the risk of postoperative complications. Therefore, preoperative drug discontinuation management should be included in the surgical safety strategy.
1. Overview of dimple shaping
Dimpleplasty is usually performed under local anesthesia, forming a fibrous adhesion structure between the cheek mucosa and subcutaneous tissue, thereby forming a depression when the facial expression is moved. This procedure is minimally invasive with little bleeding, but it is still an invasive operation. Preoperative assessment of the systemic condition cannot be ignored, especially factors involving coagulation mechanism, immune response and drug metabolism.
2. The significance of preoperative drug management
In plastic surgery, drug management is an indispensable preparatory measure. Some drugs will prolong coagulation time, enhance bleeding tendency, inhibit immune response or interfere with tissue repair process . If they are not discontinued before surgery, it may lead to complications such as increased intraoperative bleeding, postoperative hematoma, increased infection rate, delayed wound healing, etc. On the other hand, if patients discontinue certain drugs without authorization, it may also cause rebound or worsening of the underlying disease. Therefore, the discontinuation of preoperative drugs must be based on the doctor's evaluation and guidance.
3. Common Drug Categories That Should Be Stopped Before Surgery
Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs
This type of drug prevents thrombosis by intervening in the coagulation pathway or inhibiting platelet aggregation, and is the type of drug that requires key management before surgery.
①, 2. Common drugs include: aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, etc.
Recommended time for drug discontinuation : Generally, the drug should be discontinued for 5 to 7 days before surgery, which can be adjusted based on the half-life and drug properties. Some new oral anticoagulants (such as dabigatran) need to be discontinued for 2 to 3 days before surgery.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs have a yiding anticoagulant effect and may increase the risk of intraoperative bleeding.
①, 5. Common drugs include: ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, etc.
Recommended time to stop medication : Stop medication for at least 3 days before surgery, depending on the half-life of the drug.
Certain herbal remedies and dietary supplements
Some natural ingredients also have anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory properties or properties that affect liver enzyme metabolism, and these need to be checked before surgery.
①, 8. Supplements that require caution include: ginseng, ginkgo, fish oil, garlic extract, vitamin E, etc.
Discontinuation time : It is safer to discontinue use for 5 to 7 days before surgery.
Steroid hormones and immunosuppressants
Long-term use of steroids may inhibit wound healing and increase the risk of infection; immunosuppressants affect postoperative immune monitoring capabilities.
①. 11. Be cautious when stopping medication. Before surgery, you should gradually reduce the dosage under the guidance of a doctor or evaluate whether you need to temporarily stop the medication.
②, 12. In some cases, medication should be continued to avoid aggravation of the primary disease.
Oral contraceptives
Estrogen-containing contraceptives may slightly increase the risk of postoperative thrombosis. Although dimpleplasty is less traumatic, comprehensive evaluation still recommends discontinuing their use before surgery.
Recommended time to stop medication : Stop taking it 4 weeks before surgery and resume taking it more than 7 days after surgery.
IV. Evaluation process for discontinuation of preoperative medication
Medical history collection and medication inventory
During preoperative evaluation, a detailed record of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal preparations, and nutritional supplements currently used by the patient should be kept; a complete medication history can help identify potential risk factors.
Joint evaluation by doctors
For patients taking medications for chronic diseases (such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatic autoimmune disease), a preoperative consultation should be conducted with relevant specialists to determine whether medication adjustment is needed.
Risk-return trade-off
It is necessary to consider the balance between the risk of worsening of underlying diseases due to discontinuation of medication and the risk of surgical complications due to continued medication, and develop a personalized plan.
When to resume medication
The time to resume postoperative medication should be determined based on the risk of bleeding, wound healing status, and postoperative recovery progress. Generally, anticoagulants can be restarted within 48 to 72 hours after surgery, and specific decisions need to be made on an individual basis.
5. Key points of patient self-management
Avoid taking or stopping medication without authorization
Patients should not stop taking medications on their own before surgery, especially prescription medications for chronic diseases. All medication management should be arranged uniformly by the doctor according to the surgical plan.
Prepare in advance and proactively inform the use of medication
It is recommended that patients make a list of all medications they are taking and submit it to their doctor for review 1 to 2 weeks before their surgical appointment to assess in advance whether the medication needs to be discontinued or changed.
Pay attention to medication adjustment during the postoperative recovery period
After surgery, you should continue to communicate with your doctor, go for follow-up visits on time, and find out which medications can be resumed to avoid restarting the medications too early or too late.
VI. Precautions for drug management in special populations
Elderly patients
The elderly population often has multiple chronic diseases and a complex array of medications, so preoperative evaluation needs to be particularly careful, with particular attention to the adjustment of antiplatelet and antihypertensive drugs.
Patients with chronic diseases
Patients with diabetes, hypertension, arrhythmia, etc. need to maintain a stable condition before surgery, and evaluate possible interactions between drugs and surgery to avoid adverse reactions during surgery.
Women taking hormone medications
For those who use contraceptives or estrogen drugs, the risk of postoperative recovery due to thrombotic tendency and changes in hormone levels should be evaluated.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Although dimpleplasty is a minor facial cosmetic surgery, preoperative drug management cannot be ignored. Proper discontinuation of drugs that may interfere with coagulation, affect anesthesia or wound healing will help reduce the risk of intraoperative complications and postoperative recovery. It is recommended that patients inform their doctors in detail of all medications currently being used, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal preparations, before surgery, and arrange a reasonable medication discontinuation plan according to the doctor's advice. Scientific evaluation and standardized management will provide strong guarantees for surgical safety and effectiveness.