Although we’ve witnessed a decline in demand for a number of other types of surgeries, many plastic surgeons are seeing a spike in demand for their services. As of June in 2020, 64% of plastic surgeons had seen an increase in their consultations via telemedicine. Nearly half of Americans who have yet to undergo plastic surgery say that they are open to it in the future.
Plastic surgery practices have worked hard to improve the safety of their practices to ensure their patients receive the best treatment possible during the COVID pandemic. They have implemented a series of measures to protect you, surgeons, and other staff.
If you’re one of those who are interested in undergoing plastic surgery in the near future, there are also steps that you will personally need to undertake due to COVID.
Consider Virtual Consultations
One of the best ways to avoid the spread of COVID is to take advantage of technology for virtual consultations, when possible. Although you will need to visit the practice for surgery, you can discuss the procedure with your surgeon from the comfort of your own home. This ensures you won’t be in contact with others in areas such as waiting rooms.
Practice Provisions to Expect
When you visit the plastic surgery practice, you will find that they have undertaken many measures for your safety. These include having all the staff and patients wearing masks at all times, creating plastic barriers or shields, and following CDC standards for air recirculation. The practice is also cleaned and sanitized between patient visits.
You should expect staff to take your temperature, screen for respiratory symptoms, and ask you if you’ve traveled recently or been exposed to anyone displaying COVID symptoms.
Wear Proper Protective Equipment
Before you visit the practice, check their requirements for your personal protective equipment. Practices will require you to wear a mask for the duration of your visit. You should avoid touching shared surfaces such as door handles, elevator buttons, and touchpads whenever possible. Consider bringing disposable gloves to wear when you need to touch these types of surfaces. Staff clean them routinely, but avoiding direct contact when possible will further minimize risk, even if it’s already small. You should also bring hand sanitizer to use regularly.
Many people have opted to undergo plastic surgery recently. If you’re considering it for yourself, you can rest assured that practices are taking all the measures necessary to keep you safe. There are also steps you’ll be required to take when visiting the practice.