Plastic surgery is like a contact sport for plastic surgeons

When we think of athletes, we often think of their intense physical exertion and the wear and tear on their bodies. However, what may be surprising is how athletic plastic surgeons need to be because the physical demands of performing plastic surgery resemble those of playing a contact sport.

Although plastic surgeons are not colliding with other players, they're subjecting their bodies to the physical strain of repetitive motions, sustained postures, and vibratory tools. The toll this takes on their musculoskeletal and nervous systems can be just as severe as the injuries faced by athletes.

Similarities to a contact sport

ASPS Member Surgeon Michael Hakimi, MD FACS, emphasized the inevitable wear on a surgeon's body over time.

"Surgery is almost like a contact sport," said Dr. Hakimi.

Plastic surgeons like Dr. Hakimi exert significant physical effort in the operating room, but it is far from the controlled and beneficial exertion that athletes experience in a gym. Instead, it's a kind of exertion that breaks down the body over time.

"I wish it would count as a real gym session, but it doesn't," said Dr. Hakimi. "It's like the worst type of workout you could do at the gym with the worst form."

Just as athletes endure chronic injuries from their sport, plastic surgeons often deal with musculoskeletal and nerve issues resulting from their daily tasks.

"Performing breast augmentation can cause a surgeon a shoulder rotator cuff injury," said Dr. Hakimi. "Doing liposuction can cause a surgeon a shoulder injury, depending on the machine used, or the vibration to your hand can cause carpal tunnel or ulnar palsy of your hand."

Ulnar palsy is a condition that affects the nerve from the neck to the hand. Damage is often caused by prolonged pressure on the nerve from repetitive motions and can lead to numbness and tingling in the fingers, weak hand movements, claw-hand deformity and muscle wasting. Although no plastic surgeon wants to sustain an injury, the nature of the work poses a long-term risk of physical repercussions.

"Eventually, you pick what goes," joked Dr. Hakimi. "Do you want to get a trigger finger? Do you want your shoulder to go? Do you want a C-spine fusion?"

Cervical spine issues are not uncommon among surgeons, much like the back injuries sustained by athletes throughout their careers. A C-spine fusion is a surgery to fix two or more neck bones, so they stay together and don't move. This operation helps stop pain or prevent damage to your spine.

"I have a good friend who recently underwent an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for what he attributes to wearing a headlight every day for so many years," said ASPS Member Surgeon Jerry Chidester, MD.

The physical toll on the spine is a concern, particularly for those who must crane their necks or twist their backs in unnatural positions for long hours.

Repetitive motions and sustained postures

Plastic surgeons frequently perform procedures that require fine motor skills and intricate precision. These motions, often repeated for hours at a time, can lead to overuse injuries like tendonitis and trigger finger, where one of your fingers gets stuck in a bent position and may "click" when you try to straighten it. It's often the result of repetitive gripping movements.

Dr. Chidester said sustaining a posture for hours at a time has taken a toll on him.

"I've had to seek out physical therapy and strengthening exercises for my back and core, as many times I'm standing in one position for up to ten hours of surgical time a day, four days a week," said Dr. Chidester.

This prolonged standing, combined with the need to hold awkward postures for extended periods, is similar to the muscular strain in athletes during long games or training sessions.

Plus, the use of vibratory tools like power-assisted liposuction puts additional strain on surgeons' hands, wrists and arms. Over time, this can lead to nerve conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

"Plastic surgery is no joke when it comes to its physical nature," said Dr. Chidester. "I've experienced transient carpal tunnel symptoms and worry for the day that I will need a carpal tunnel release."

Rehabilitation and medical interventions

Like professional athletes who rely on physical therapy and medical interventions to prolong their careers, plastic surgeons often need to seek treatment for their injuries. Physical therapy, strengthening exercises, and sometimes even surgical interventions are necessary to maintain their ability to perform.

Plastic surgery may not appear to be a physically demanding profession at first glance, but the toll it takes on surgeons' bodies is significant, similar to the physical demands and injuries seen in contact sports. Repetitive motions, sustained postures and the use of vibratory tools mean plastic surgeons face various musculoskeletal and nerve-related issues that require constant attention and care.

Just as athletes rely on physical therapy and medical interventions to stay in the game, many plastic surgeons must do the same to continue performing their craft.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.