Benefits and Risks Plastic Surgery for EDS
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a condition that causes the skin to be thinner and more vulnerable than that of the average person. People with this condition are more susceptible to injuries and have a greater risk for procedural complications and scarring. Patients with EDS often require plastic surgery to help repair, replace, or reconstruct any areas that are affected by their condition.
Patients who are struggling with the symptoms and effects of EDS may be able to experience some relief by pursuing plastic surgery. However, there is also a high risk for recovery from surgical issues caused by the condition. There are many different types of EDS, and symptoms vary from patient to patient. An individual with EDS should consult a skilled plastic surgeon to better understand the individual risks and benefits of these procedures.
Symptoms of EDS
EDS includes multiple genetic disorders that interfere with the supportive functions of the connective tissues in the skin, blood vessels, joints, and other organs. Plastic surgery can provide relief to symptoms including fatigue, pain, elastic skin, hypermobile or dislocated joints, flat feet, spinal deformities, balance, and poor posture.
Many of these symptoms can be demobilizing and can affect a person’s appearance and level of comfort. Patients who seek plastic surgery solutions cite damage caused by injuries or past procedures as their motivation.
As the skin of EDS patients is far more easily damaged or stretched, plastic surgery is an option for patients seeking corrective procedures. As CLIENT 1 suggests, “plastic surgery can help prevent the damages associated with other procedures.”
Plastic Surgery Solutions
It is common for people with EDS to experience irregular healing and scar formation from cuts or surgical incisions. Proper execution by a plastic surgeon can help patients heal appropriately with minimal scarring through adhesive bandages and careful stitching to avoid tearing and scarring.
Additional symptoms, including premature skin sagging in breasts and eyelids, can be corrected through plastic surgery.
Facelift procedures allow surgeons to correct stretched skin in those with classical EDS. In many cases, plastic surgery correction has been successful when executed with care and precision.
In other cases, patients with hypermobile EDS can see improvement in their quality of life and aesthetic appearance. Correcting abdominal wall shifting because of loose breast tissue is an example of a high-benefit procedure for patients experiencing EDS complications.
Procedure Risks
While cosmetic and aesthetic procedures increase comfort and confidence, the risk for patients with EDS is high. Due to their tissues’ fragility, complications could result in torn skin, blood clots, bruising, or other side effects. Greater susceptibility to these effects is a result of blood vessel weakness and platelet accumulation.
Facial procedures present a considerable risk, as eyelid repairs could lead to unexpected bleeding or tearing. Facelift surgeries risk further stretching and scarring, affecting the patient’s appearance.
Precautions
Any patient with EDS needs to consult their medical providers before undergoing plastic surgery. Depending on the type of condition, different risks may be present in each patient. Taking preventive measures, including evaluating the lungs and heart, assists in avoiding risks associated with plastic surgery procedures.
Avoiding intramuscular injections and other practices that can cause damage to fragile tissue in EDS patients can prevent additional injuries. Surgeons can promote recovery by using subcuticular stitches and adhesive bandages to minimize skin damage. Unique rehabilitation plans composed for each patient are essential for full recovery as well.
Call the office of Layton Aesthetic Plastic Surgery today to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced surgeon and learn more about your medical options to treat your EDS.