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Risks and Complications of Skin Surgery
In any medical procedure, risks and complications are inevitable, and skin surgery is no exception. This article will explore common skin surgeries, potential complications, and how to manage them, helping readers better understand the safety and necessity of these procedures.
Common Skin Surgeries
Skin surgeries performed by dermatologists include skin biopsy, removal of viral warts (such as electrosurgical excision), and excision of skin tumors (like sebaceous cysts and lipomas). These surgeries are typically performed to diagnose or remove potential health issues.
According to statistics, the incidence of complications from skin surgeries is approximately 1-9%. These complications can be categorized into three types: immediate complications, delayed complications, and late complications.
Complications
1. Immediate Complications
Immediate complications usually occur during or shortly after the surgery. The most common immediate complication is bleeding, which may result from the use of anticoagulants (such as aspirin or warfarin) or low platelet counts in the patient. Additionally, certain foods (such as ginseng, garlic, angelica, and fish oil) can increase the risk of bleeding.
If bleeding occurs during surgery, the doctor will take immediate measures to control it, such as using electrosurgical methods or suturing the bleeding vessel. Excessive blood loss can lead to dizziness and shortness of breath, and it also increases the risk of bacterial infection at the wound site.
If a patient discovers persistent bleeding from the wound after surgery, they should seek medical attention immediately. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to control wound infection. It is important to note that factors such as smoking, diabetes, inadequate blood supply to the surgical site, and older age can increase the risk of surgical infections.
2. Delayed Complications
Wound dehiscence is another common complication, typically occurring after the sutures are removed. This usually happens due to excessive tension on the wound or infection.
Late complications include hypertrophic scarring (abnormal scar growth) and hyperpigmentation (darkening of the wound site). Individuals with darker skin tones may have a higher risk of hyperpigmentation due to more active pigment cells.
How to Manage Complications
Before undergoing skin surgery, doctors assess the risks and potential benefits of the procedure. If the benefits of the surgery clearly outweigh the risks, the patient should consider proceeding with the surgery.
For example, patients requiring skin cancer surgery can avoid life-threatening issues by completing the procedure, making it worthwhile even if complications such as wound infections arise.
After surgery, if a patient notices ongoing bleeding from the wound, they should remain calm, elevate the surgical area, and apply pressure to the bleeding site for about 20-30 minutes. If the situation does not improve, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.
Conclusion
Surgery cannot be 100% safe, but doctors will use their expertise and skills to minimize the risk of complications. Patients considering surgery should fully understand the necessity and potential risks involved, enabling them to make informed decisions to ensure their health and safety.
