Plastic Surgery Contraindications to Know

At Wholecares, your safety is our highest priority. Before any procedure, we conduct a comprehensive medical evaluation to identify any contraindications--conditions or factors that may make surgery unsafe or inadvisable.

Medical Contraindications: When the Body Says "Not Yet"

Certain health conditions can significantly increase surgical risks.

Active Infections or Compromised Immunity

Surgery should never be performed with an active infection or weakened immune system.

Smoking: The Silent Saboteur

Smoking is one of the most significant contraindications in plastic surgery, as emphasized by the [ASPS](https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patient-safety).

• Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen flow to tissues.
• Dramatically increases risk of wound breakdown, tissue necrosis, and scarring.
• Wholecares requires patients to be nicotine-free for 4-6 weeks before and after surgery.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Anesthesia and medications can harm a fetus or pass through breast milk. Wait 6-12 months after breastfeeding for optimal results.

Severe Obesity

Plastic surgery is not a weight-loss substitute. Achieving a stable, healthy weight is essential for predictable results.

Psychological Contraindications: The Mind Matters

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Surgery will not resolve BDD and may worsen obsessive behaviors. Psychological treatment is the appropriate first step.

The Physiological-Psychological Connection

At Wholecares partner hospitals, we recognize that the success of a plastic surgery procedure is measured by both physical results and the patient's long-term mental well-being. This is why our contraindication screening includes a deep-dive into psychological history.

• Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Studies show that up to 15% of patients seeking aesthetic surgery suffer from BDD. Performing surgery on these individuals often leads to dissatisfaction regardless of the surgical outcome, as the patient's concern is rooted in perception rather than anatomical reality.
• Unmanaged Anxiety and Depression: Major cosmetic surgery requires a stable physiological and psychological environment for recovery. Patients in an active state of severe emotional distress may find the post-operative recovery phase overwhelmingly difficult, leading to compromised healing.
• Substance Use and Safety: Beyond nicotine, the use of certain supplements (like Vitamin E or St. John's Wort) must be disclosed. These can act as contraindications by increasing bleeding risks or interfering with anesthesia metabolism.

Unrealistic Expectations

• Expecting surgery to solve personal, relationship, or career problems.
• Wanting to look like someone else rather than an improved version of yourself.

Recent Major Life Crisis

Decisions during times of grief, divorce, or emotional instability should be postponed until clarity returns.

The Wholecares Approach: Honest, Patient-Centered Care

At Wholecares, we believe in honest consultations. If surgery is not safe for you right now, we will tell you and may recommend delaying surgery, alternative treatments, or referrals to specialists.

"Saying 'not yet' is one of the most important things a surgeon can do. A contraindication is not a permanent barrier — it is a signal that the body or mind needs more preparation before surgery can be performed safely. Our job is to guide patients toward readiness, not rush them into an operating room."
— WholeCares Partner Plastic Surgeon

"We screen for BDD and psychological readiness as rigorously as we screen for medical fitness. A technically perfect result on a psychologically unprepared patient will never lead to satisfaction. Patient well-being — physical and emotional — is the only measure of success."
— WholeCares Clinical Advisory Team