A global overview shows that plastic surgeons performed some 11.36 million procedures in 2019, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Plus, the affinity for plastic surgery isn’t about to wane any time soon, with trends showing a likely uptick in years to come. If you want in on the action or are considering going for such a procedure, Lou Plastic Surgery is a great pick. But hold on a sec.
The common misconception among many people is that plastic surgery- reconstructive or elective procedures- don’t pose serious risks compared to other types of surgery. Basically, all surgical procedures have their fair share of risks. Some of the possible complications of plastic surgery include:
1. Infections
Whereas postoperative wound care may minimize or avert infection, surgical procedures carry some risk of infection. Reports indicate that up to 2.5% of patients who opt for breast augmentation have to contend with infection. Some people might say it’s a small price to pay for improving their overall appearance, but I beg to differ.
The severity of infections differs, with some being minor. Others tend to be internal, making them difficult to identify. Besides, they could be severe, requiring hospitalization and administration of intravenous medication.
2. Hematoma
A hematoma is a pool of blood that occurs outside a blood vessel. Mostly, it resembles a large bruise. If you undergo breast augmentation or a facelift, there’s the off chance you could be among the 1% of people who develop this complication.
Mostly, hematomas are minor and painless. But in some cases, they can be painful and could impede blood flow through the affected area. Treatment often involves draining the blood with a syringe. And depending on the severity of the complication, you may have to go under the knife to treat the complication.
3. Reality Versus Expectations
If you opt for plastic surgery, you’re likely to have some expectations at the forefront of your mind. Nevertheless, it doesn’t always pan out. For instance, a cosmetic procedure may worsen or fail to improve your appearance. In short, outcomes can be unpredictable and won’t always match the end goal you have. So, what does that mean for you?
Well, having realistic expectations would help. Also, discuss possible limitations or aspects that could impact the outcome with your plastic surgeon. These may include:
- Genetic factors
- Your age
- Your skin’s condition
- Underlying asymmetry
Generally, surgical results tend to vary from one patient to the other. As such, by understanding the capabilities or shortcomings of a particular surgical procedure, you would be better poised to deal with the results.
4. Nerve Damage
If you experience numbness or tingling after plastic surgery, inform your surgeon to rule out the possibility of nerve damage. A plastic surgeon may severe or damage nerves during any procedure.
Mostly, nerve damage is temporary and may not necessitate intervention. Nonetheless, nerve damage may be irreversible in particular cases. As a result, the affected part would not function normally. For instance, a severed facial nerve can lead to drooping of your mouth or eyes. Worse still, you may be unable to make facial expressions.
5. Scarring
Invasive procedures typically lead to scarring at the surgical site. Given that most people opt for cosmetic surgery to improve their appearance, scarring can be somewhat off-putting. But, it’s a reality you would have to grapple with if you’re considering plastic surgery. For instance, tummy tucks can leave abnormally thick and raised scars or hard keloid scars among 3.7% of patients.
Although scarring is controllable, there’s no way to tell the possible outcome for sure. Plus, failure to adhere to a doctor’s care plan after surgery and some lifestyle choices can put you at greater risk of scarring- among other complications. Generally, the risk for complications may increase due to:
- Smoking habits
- A weak immune system
- Your prevailing health condition- ailments such as HIV and diabetes raise your risk
- Failure to eat a healthy diet after surgery
- Poor circulation around the surgical site
6. Severe Bleeding
Most surgeries result in minor blood loss, which may occur for a few days after a procedure or while you are on the operating table. All the same, a sutured wound that keeps bleeding would set alarm bells ringing. Such a situation could mean a few issues.
For starters, a reopened incision may lead to uncontrolled blood loss. Or, the suture may not be doing its job as well as expected. In the worst-case scenario, you may suffer an internal injury. Contact your surgeon if you notice any of these issues, as severe blood loss can decrease your blood pressure and lead to fatal consequences.
Before pursuing plastic surgery, talk openly with your doctor so they can evaluate the risks unique to your health history. By being more informed, you can make a better choice after evaluating all alternatives in light of their benefits and risks. And if you need a safe pair of hands, consider scheduling a consultation with a board-certified surgeon at Lou Plastic Surgery.
