General Surgical Risks

We want you to fully understand the risks involved in surgery, so that you can make an informed decision. Although complications are infrequent, all surgeries have some degree of risk, and we will use our expertise and knowledge to avoid them as best we can. In general, most complications involve an extension of the recovery period rather than any permanent effect on your final result, and the most serious complications are also the most rare.

NORMAL SYMPTOMS

SWELLING AND BRUISING: Moderate swelling and bruising are normal after any surgery. Severe swelling and bruising may indicate bleeding or possible infection.
DISCOMFORT AND PAIN: Mild to moderate discomfort or pain is normal after any surgery. If the pain becomes severe, and is not relieved by pain medication, please call us at (201) 261-7550.
CRUSTING ALONG THE INCISION LINES: This can be treated with antibiotic ointment.
NUMBNESS: Small sensory nerves to the skin surface are occasionally cut when the incision is made or interrupted by undermining of the skin during surgery. The sensation in those areas gradually returns–usually within 2 or 3 months as the nerve endings heal.
ITCHING: Itching and occasional small shooting electrical sensations within the skin frequently occur as the nerve endings heal. Ice, skin moisturizers, and massages are frequently helpful. These symptoms are common during the recovery period.
REDNESS OF SCARS: All new scars are red, dark pink, or purple. Scars on the face usually fade within 3 to 6 months. Scars on the breasts or body may take a year or longer to fade completely.

COMMON RISKS

HEMATOMA: Small collections of blood under the skin usually absorb on their own. Larger hematomas may require aspiration, drainage, or even surgical removal to achieve the best result.
INFLAMMATION AND INFECTION: A superficial infection may require antibiotic ointment. Deeper infections are treated with antibiotics. An abscess usually requires drainage.
THICK, WIDE, OR DEPRESSED SCARS: Abnormal scars may occur even though we have used the most modern plastic surgery techniques. Injection of steroids into the scars, placement of silicone sheeting onto the scars, Mederma, or further surgery to correct the scars is occasionally necessary. Some areas on the body scar more than others, and some people scar more than others do. Your own history of scarring should give you some indication of what to expect.
WOUND SEPARATION OR DELAYED HEALING: Any incision, during the healing phase, may separate or heal unusually slow for a number of reasons, including: inflammation, infection, wound tension, decreased circulation, smoking or excess external pressure. If delayed healing occurs, the final outcome is usually not significantly affected, but secondary revision of the scar may be indicated.
SENSITIVITY OR ALLERGY TO DRESSINGS OR TAPE: Occasionally, allergic or sensitivity reactions may occur from soaps, ointments, tape or sutures used during or after surgery. Such problems are unusual and are usually mild and easily treated. In extremely rare circumstances, allergic reactions can be severe and require aggressive treatment or even hospitalization.
INCREASED RISKS FOR SMOKERS: Smokers have a greater chance of skin loss and poor healing because of decreased skin circulation.

SERIOUS SURGICAL RISKS

INJURY TO DEEPER STRUCTURES: Blood vessels, nerves and muscles may be injured during surgery. The incidence of such injuries is rare.
SEVERE COMMON RISKS: If any of the problems mentioned under Common Risks become severe, they may complicate or delay healing, or necessitate further surgical procedures
MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS: Pulmonary embolism, severe allergic reactions to medications, cardiac arrhythmias, heart attack, and hyperthermia are rare but serious and life- threatening problems that can occur during surgery. Disclosing all pertinent medical information before surgery and having a board-certified anesthesiologist present at your surgery reduces these risks as much as possible.
UNSATISFACTORY RESULTS: While all procedures are performed with a very high probability of success, problems like asymmetry, unhappiness with the results or poor healing can occur, and even require revisional surgery or additional treatments. Rarely, problems may occur that are permanent.

“They’re wonderful. You’re just in great hands. From reception, to beauty, to Dr. Zubowski, it’s amazing.”

– Shirin
Patient for 20 years

“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Zubowski’s for several years and very happy with the procedures I’ve had with him. Professional, honest and careful to impart information so expectations are realistic. The staff puts you at ease and care is top notch.”

– Beverly
Patient for 5 years

“Dr. Zubowski is an artist, he’s changed my life. Whatever he tells me, I value his opinion and I wouldn’t think to go anywhere else.”

– Carol
Patient for 15 years

“The facilities at the Robert Zubowski Center for Plastic Surgery are absolutely beautiful. It was very reassuring and impressive to see such a beautiful place. Everyone was so comforting, reassuring, and kind.”

– Lauren
Patient for 6 months

“Dr. Zubowski and his team CHANGED MY LIFE! I never thought in a million years I would be this confident with my body, but here I am, loving myself! I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for me.”

– Beverly
Patient for 5 years

“Recommending Dr. Zubowski is a no brainer for me because he doesn’t treat just the issue you’re going to see him for, he treats your entire you. The entire person.”

– Shirin
Patient for 20 years

“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Zubowski for over 15 years. Every procedure I have had, big and little, they have all been unfailingly caring and I’m very happy here.”

– Carol
Patient for 15 years

“I highly recommend Dr. Zubowski if you want to see someone who is experienced, who is easy to talk to, and who does great work.”

– Lauren
Patient for 6 months

“I continue coming back to Dr. Zubowski because everything he’s done in the past was exactly how I wanted to feel at the end result. Dr. Zubowski is obviously a very talented surgeon, but he’s also very personable.”

– Monika
Patient for 25 years

“I am in my 76th year. Anything you see that does not look 76, is because Dr. Zubowski is a perfectionist. He takes his time and you feel so at ease. I felt very confident that whatever he would do would be perfect for me. To say I recommend Dr. Zubowski is an understatement.”

– Beverly
Patient for 5 years

“I’ve been coming to The Robert Zubowski Center for over 10 years. I drive more than 2 hours because they are worth it. I’m thrilled with my surgical results and the continuous skin care. I would never consider switching to another practice.”

– Beverly
Patient for 10+ years

“Dr. Zubowski said to me, ‘The skin on your face, the fat placement on your face is still very good, but your neck is not going to snap back because of your age and it lost elasticity,’ so right then and there, I said, ‘Okay, let’s do a facelift.’”

– Real Housewives of New Jersey alum Caroline Manzo
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