In 2017, Americans spent more than $6.5 billion on cosmetic surgery. From breast augmentation to eyelid surgery, procedures to change our appearance are becoming increasingly common. However, these surgeries don’t come without risks.
Disadvantages of Plastic Surgery
1. Hematoma
Hematoma is a pocket of blood that resembles a large, painful bruise. It occurs in 1 percent of breast augmentation procedures. It’s also the most common complication after a facelift, occurring in an average of 1 percent of patients. It occurs more commonly in males than females.
Hematoma is a risk in nearly all surgeries. Treatment sometimes includes additional operations to drain the blood if the collection of blood is large or growing rapidly. This may require another procedure in the operating room and sometimes additional anesthetic.
2. Seroma
Seroma is a condition that occurs when serum, or sterile body fluid, pools beneath the surface of the skin, resulting in swelling and sometimes pain. This can occur after any surgery, and it’s the most common complication following a tummy tuck, occurring in 15 to 30 percent of patients.
Because seromas can become infected, they’re often drained with a needle. This effectively removes them, although there’s a chance of recurrence.
3. Blood loss
As with any surgery, some blood loss is expected. However, uncontrolled blood loss can lead to a drop in blood pressure with potentially deadly outcomes.
Blood loss can happen while on the operating table, but also internally, after surgery.
4. Infection
Though postoperative care includes steps to reduce the risk of infection, it remains one of the more common complications of plastic surgery.
For instance, infections occur in 1.1 to 2.5 percentTrusted Source of people who undergo breast augmentation.
The skin infection cellulitis may occur after surgery. In some cases, infections can be internal and severe, requiring intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
5. Nerve damage
The potential for nerve damage is present in many different types of surgical procedures. Numbness and tingling are common after plastic surgery and can be signs of nerve damage. Most often the nerve damage is temporary, but in some cases it can be permanent.
Most women experience a change in sensitivity after breast augmentation surgery, and 15 percent experience permanent changes in nipple sensation.
6. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where blood clots form in deep veins, usually in the leg. When these clots break off and travel to the lungs, it’s known as pulmonary embolism (PE).
These complications are relatively uncommon, affecting only 0.09 percent of all patients undergoing plastic surgery. However, these clots can be fatal.
Abdominoplasty procedures have a slightly higher rate of DVT and PE, affecting just under 1 percent of patients. The risk of clots is 5 times higher for people having multiple procedures than it is for people having only one procedure.
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7. Organ damage
Liposuction can be traumatic for the internal organs.
Visceral perforations or punctures can occur when the surgical probe comes into contact with internal organs. Repairing these injuries can require additional surgery.
The perforations may also be fatal.
8. Scarring
Surgery typically results in some scarring. Since cosmetic surgery seeks to improve the way you look, scars can be particularly troubling.
Hypertrophic scarring, for instance, is an abnormally red and thick raised scar. Along with smooth, hard keloid scars, it occurs in 1.0 to 3.7 percent of tummy tucks.
9. General appearance dissatisfaction
Most people are satisfied with their postoperative outcomes, and research suggests most women are satisfied with breast augmentation surgery. But disappointment with the results is a real possibility. People who undergo breast surgery may experience contouring or asymmetry problems, while those undergoing facial surgeries could simply not like the result.
10. Complications of anesthesia
Anesthesia is the use of medication to make you unconscious. It allows patients to undergo surgery without feeling the procedure.
General anesthesia can sometimes lead to complications. These include lung infections, stroke, heart attacks, and death. Anesthesia awareness, or waking up in the middle of surgery, is very rare but also possible.
More common anesthesia risks include:
- shivering
- nausea and vomiting
- waking up confused and disoriented
The takeaway
On the whole, plastic surgery complications are rare. According to a 2018 review of over 25,000 cases, complications occur in fewer than 1 percent of outpatient surgeries.
As with most surgeries, plastic surgery complications are more common in certain people. For example, smokers, older adults, and people who are obese are more prone to complications.
You can reduce your risk of unwanted side effects by fully vetting your doctor and their credentials. You should also investigate the facility where your surgery will take place.
Educating yourself about the procedure and possible risks, and discussing your concerns with your doctor, will also help you manage your expectations and reduce the risk of complications.
Also Read: Top Reasons Why Plastic Surgery is Good - Must Know
Some Important Questions and Answers by Users
Is plastic surgery safe?
All surgery carries certain risks. Your choice to have plastic surgery is personal, and as part of your decision to have a procedure, you should be aware of the possible risks. Health-related risks include bleeding, excessive swelling, infection, poor healing of your incisions, loss of sensation, and anesthesia risks.
Does plastic surgery last forever?
Plastic Surgery Leaves No Scars and Lasts Forever
And while many plastic surgery procedures are long lasting and can give you years, if not decades of personal satisfaction, many factors determine how long the results will last. Plastic surgery can turn back the hands of time - but the clock keeps on ticking.
What are the chances of dying from plastic surgery?
Cosmetic surgeons estimate that the invasive procedures and anesthesia involved in their procedures result in a death rate of 1 in 50,000 outpatient procedures. This translates to approximately 100 cosmetic surgery-related deaths per year.
Does plastic surgery hurt?
Thankfully, the amount of discomfort experienced during and after surgery has been greatly reduced thanks to recent innovations in technology and cosmetic surgery techniques. However, just like with any other surgical procedure, some pain and/or discomfort is inevitable.
Is plastic surgery costly?
Cost of plastic surgery
The average cost of some common surgeries are given below: Extensive facelift: Rs 1,50,000 - 2,00,000. Rhinoplasty: Rs 1,00,000 - 1,50,000. Liposuction: Rs 50,000 - 2,00,000.
What is the hardest plastic surgery?
In actuality, rhinoplasty is widely regarded as the most difficult of all cosmetic procedures.
Which is the best country for cosmetic surgery?
Brazil, Japan, Italy, and Mexico are among the top international destinations of choice for cosmetic surgery, with Russia, India, Turkey, Germany, and France rounding out the top ten, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).
Does plastic surgery leave scars?
One of the most common worries on patients' minds when it comes to plastic surgery is that their procedure may leave a scar. No patient wants a scar, but they are often a consequence of many surgical procedures.
Which is the most painful surgery?
In general, research has found that orthopedic surgeries, or those involving bones, are the most painful. However, researchers also found that some minor surgeries or those classed as keyhole or laparoscopic could also cause significant pain.
Why is plastic surgery bad for you?
And yes, There Are Risks With Cosmetic Surgery
Sometimes cosmetic surgery requires the removal of a lot of skin and tissue. This can lead to issues with wound healing or even tissue death. Other risks and complications include: Infection.
What can go wrong with a face lift?
The risks include: Hematoma. A collection of blood (hematoma) under the skin that causes swelling and pressure is the most common complication of face-lift surgery. Hematoma formation, which usually occurs with 24 hours of surgery, is treated promptly with surgery to prevent damage to skin and other tissues.
Does plastic surgery make you prettier?
A recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that while facial plastic surgery reverses about three years of visual aging, it doesn't make you prettier
How do people afford plastic surgery?
Your plastic surgeon may offer financing through a medical credit card like CareCredit. Medical credit cards are a popular way to finance plastic surgery because they usually offer promotional financing. ... However, some medical credit cards come with very high APRs.
What's the most expensive plastic surgery?
Among the most expensive surgical procedures are:
- Facelift (121,531 procedures): National average surgeon fee of $7,655.
- Tummy tuck (130,081 procedures): National average surgeon fee of $6,253.
- Breast reduction (43,591 procedures): National average surgeon fee of $5,680.
