Cosmetic Surgery Risks and Complications
Every surgery comes with a set of risks. As cosmetic surgeries have become more and more popular, they have also become safer and use more advanced techniques than in the past. However, anyone considering plastic surgery should be fully aware of potential risks of complication. Additionally, those considering surgery should talk to multiple cosmetic surgeons and take adequate time choosing the best doctor for the job.
General Surgical Complications
Every surgery comes with a set of risks, including:
Anesthesia complications
Aspiration
Blood loss
Blood clots
Drop in blood pressure
Infection
Loose sutures
Because of these ever-present risks, many people attempt to avoid surgery in any case. However, more and more people are choosing cosmetic surgery to change their appearance, even multiple times. It is important to have the help of a qualified physician perform your surgery in order to minimize your risk of adverse side effects.
Cosmetic Surgery Complications
Cosmetic surgeries sometimes result in other risks and side effects, including:
Temporary or permanent numbness or tingling. After damage to nerves or other sensory systems, patients may report a loss of sensation.
Necrosis. Also known as skin death, this condition usually results after an infection. It is most often observed in smokers.
Seroma. In this condition, which may occur after liposuction, breast augmentation, or a tummy tuck, fluid collects under the skin.
Divots, dimples, puckers, and other physical marks.
Many of these complications require additional surgeries or procedures to correct, while some leave permanent marks.
Factors that Increase the Risk of Surgical Complications
Certain factors increase the risk of complications after surgery. A doctor should evaluate each patient for any risk factors before agreeing to perform surgery or making promises about surgical results. Surgeons should always evaluate their patients for existing factors that increase their risk of bloodclots, including:
Recent traumatic injuries
Recurrent infections
A history of cancer
Obesity
Heart, lung, or nervous system conditions
Use of oral contraceptives
Hormone-replacement therapy
If patients have any of these conditions, they may not be the best candidates for cosmetic surgery because of the risk of adverse side effects that could potentially result in death. By obtaining the opinion of multiple physicians, you can make an informed decision about your risks. Be wary of any surgeon who makes promises that other surgeons say are impossible or recommend procedures that other surgeons warn against.