Norman Rowe, M.D., board-certified plastic surgeon, offers helpful insight for dealing with clients who get COVID before undergoing plastic surgery:
- What happens if someone tests positive for COVID a few days before their appointment? In the unfortunate event that a patient tests positive for COVID before an appointment, patients should follow CDC guidelines.
- How long after having COVID does a client have to wait before coming in for an appointment? According to the current CDC guidelines, patients need to wait five days after symptoms started or positive test and wear a mask to come into the office.
- What measures should a medical spa or plastic surgery facility take to keep patients and staff safe from the virus? We do everything in our power to ensure patients have the safest and most comfortable experience possible. We ask that all patients (and staff) wear a mask at all times and not to come to the office if they have any COVID symptoms. We check temperatures at the door and clean the rooms between each patient. We also have installed Plexiglass barriers and UV sterilization lights.
- If a patient previously had COVID, is that something that might affect their treatment/results? If so, should they disclose to you if they’ve had it? COVID can complicate surgery in that it can cause blood to form clots, which is a bad thing to happen during surgery. We currently recommend waiting three months after the last symptom before having major surgery.
- What happens if a client gets COVID while still in their post-op recovery period? Is there anything special to look out for? Encourage clients to stay hydrated and rest. There is nothing to do from a surgical perspective.