Millions of people around the world love to spend millions upon millions of dollars on cosmetic and plastic surgery every year. Despite potential complications, individuals who elect for cosmetic procedures feel the benefits far outweigh the risks and take the plunge regardless. Even though many cosmetic surgeons claim that complications are relatively rare, broken reporting systems for medical device risks worldwide contribute to the lack of statistics.
Here is our list of the Top 10 Most Common Plastic Surgery Complications:
Scarring - Any oxymoron of sorts - we elect for cosmetic surgery to improve our 'appearance' and are left with scars as a result. Scarring is a natural part of the healing process of the body after surgery or injury. The way our scars heal, and their general appearance, depends on the extent of the incisions, the location of the incisions, including personal individual factors such as your age and genes, and several other factors. See our article "Caring For Your Scars" for more information on this topic.
Infection - infections as a result of surgery are at the top of the complications list. It is extremely important to look for any signs of infection after surgery such as redness, inflammation, fever, itching, etc.
Overall dissatisfaction with appearance/results - when we are in the process of deciding whether or not to proceed with cosmetic surgery, we often based our information search on the 'best' results showcased by the surgeons. Remember, no two people are alike, no two surgeries are alike, no two scars are alike. What you picture in your mind may not always be the end and final result. Take time to talk to others that are willing to share their experiences to give you better overall expectations prior to making a decision.
Nerve damage - another common complication that typically is temporary, but can also be permanent. Every surgery is subject to nerve damage, numbness and tingling, and/or a change in sensitivity (especially in breast augmentation surgeries). Ask your medical professional about nerve-related risks specific to your surgery before you make your decision.
Hematoma - a mark on your skin like a bruise due to blood trapped under the skin surface created when blood builds up in a surgical wound where tissue has been removed. Hematomas can show up 7 to 10 days after surgery. If you notice a hematoma forming, tell your medical professional.
Seroma - a build-up of clear bodily fluids in a place on your body where tissue has been removed by surgery. Seromas can also show up 7 to 10 days after surgery and often can become infected. If you notice a seroma forming, tell your medical professional.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) - silent but deadly, Deep Vein Thrombosis can occur when blood clots form in deep veins, usually in the leg. When these clots break off and travel to the lungs, it’s known as a Pulmonary Embolism. Note that the risk can increase by as much as 5x should you have multiple procedures at one time.
Organ damage - can happen with any surgery such as breast implant removal surgery where the capsule is adhered to internal organs and/or your ribcage, liposuction surgery, and more.
Anesthesia complications - general anesthesia is a combination of medications that put you in a sleep-like state before a surgery/medical procedure and the risk of complications is also closely related to the type of procedure and your overall physical health. Post-operative confusion, pneumonia, stroke, and heart attack, are just a few of the related complications.
Blood loss - can occur both during and/or after surgery (internal). In the event of too much blood loss, you run the risk of low blood pressure which can lead to a possible deadly result.
In general, small surgeries tend to have smaller risks/complications, and large surgeries tend to have larger risks/complications. Use precaution and do plenty of research.
Should you experience any complication after surgery, be sure to contact a medical professional immediately.
All posts are intended strictly for educational purposes. It is not intended to make any representations or warranties about the outcome of any procedure. It is not a substitute for a thorough in-person consultation with a medical professional. If you have questions about your personal medical situation, please call your healthcare provider.
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