COVID-19 Affects on Plastic Surgery

To address the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, limited person-to-person contact and conservation of critical healthcare resources including intensive care and hospital bed space, ventilators, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is vital. Measures to limit elective, nonessential medical and surgical procedures for adults have been established. As with other medical specialties, many plastic surgical procedures are considered elective.

However, many other surgeries are considered emergent and necessary and should not be postponed. Surgical procedures that are required to save one’s life, cancer treatment, as well as injury and trauma care are conditions that need evaluation and treatment without delay.

The decisions regarding elective surgeries are recommended by the American College of Surgeons and are also guided by Ohio governor, Mike DeWine and Ohio Health Director, Dr. Amy Acton. These recommendations reflect the harsh reality of this global crisis that affects us all. The human cost of this pandemic, in terms of illness and death as well as the ultimate economic and social implications, continue to evolve. Despite the intense focus on the corona pandemic with measures to conserve healthcare resources, limit elective procedures and minimize patient exposure, evaluation and treatment of emergent and urgent surgical care for patient’s remains available. Concerns about your medical care or that of your family members should be directed to your healthcare providers. Online references are also available.

Stay indoors. Wash your hands. Be safe.

– Dr. James R. Miller