When Surgery Is Canceled

Although we strive to help patients understand pre-surgery instructions, occasionally surgery will need to be canceled or postponed. Please keep in mind that only Dr. Sullivan can make the decision to cancel.

Prior to surgery and after pre-operative appointments Dr. Sullivan will re-evaluate upcoming procedures for any additional concerns. Health and lifestyle factors, as well as an unrealistic expectation for the outcome can cancel or delay an operation. If Dr. Sullivan feels that a surgery is unsafe, additional pre-operative tests or lifestyle changes will need to be completed before rescheduling a date.

If you have a cold, cough or flu-like systems the day of surgery or 2 weeks prior, surgery will be canceled. It is important to be healthy before undergoing surgery and to remain healthy during the post-operative phase. Please, call our office if you have questions or concerns. Always, notify us of any changes in your health prior to your surgery.

Changes in health prior to surgery that can potentially have surgery canceled:

• Smoking: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which can lead to complications (like black, necrotic skin) during the recovery and healing process. A positive nicotine test on surgery day is a dealbreaker because it’s just not worth the risk.
• BMI: Someone with a high body mass index (BMI) is at risk for both healing issues and anesthesia complications. Overweight patients are prone to blood sugar issues, which can hinder recovery.
• Medical Conditions: Certain chronic health issues, such as diabetes and thyroid conditions, can lead to post-op problems.
• Medications: Immunosuppressants and blood thinners are two categories of pharmaceuticals that increase the risk of infection and bleeding/hematoma — even when the patient stops taking the drug prior to surgery. Dr. Sullivan evaluates these patients on a case-by-case basis.

Sometimes patients forget specific pre-surgery instructions or disregard our directions, not understanding the importance of the instructions. It is of the utmost importance to follow all of Dr. Sullivan’s instructions.

Dr. Kelly Sullivan and her team want the best for our patients. If elective plastic surgery is canceled for a patient, it is because she does so with an abundance of care and concern for their safety. So, while patients may often be disappointed, it is always done in their best interest.