Plastic surgery is a range of procedures that reshapes or restores the form of the body. Although the term is usually associated with beautification procedures, it actually includes a broad range of practical operations including reconstructive surgery, craniofacial surgery, burn treatment, and more. Whatever the motivation, the decision to undergo surgery should never be made lightly — one must always review the potential risks and rewards.
Is Plastic Surgery Safe?
Possible complications for any surgical procedure include, Complications related to anesthesia, including pneumonia, blood clots and, rarely, death. Infection at the incision site, which may worsen scarring and require additional surgery.
The Risks of Plastic Surgery
Psychological and Social Risks of Plastic Surgery
To understand the psychological risks of plastic surgery, you must be able to answer a few questions about yourself. For example, how will you feel if your plastic surgery causes you to become a topic of gossip among your social circle? What if your partner exhibits signs of jealousy or insecurity because of your new look? What if you still feel “ugly” or inadequate after your “problem” has been surgically corrected?
The potential adverse psychological and social effects of plastic surgery have a lot to do with a patient’s pre-operative expectations and their pre-operative mental and emotional state. It’s important to understand that while plastic surgery can bring positive rewards, it will not change your life, the problems you have, or issues in your relationships. It is also important to understand that there is no such thing as physical “perfection.”
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Body Dysmorphic Disorder
For some people, plastic surgery is an opportunity to fix a perceived flaw that has troubled them for years. The thinking goes, if we were only to get it fixed, we would be that much more beautiful.
However, people who strongly perceive imperfections within themselves may suffer from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).This psychological disorder is characterized by an obsessive fixation on a perceived physical flaw. It affects 1.7% to 2.9% of men and women equally, usually begins in adolescence, and has been known to affect Hollywood actors and actresses just as much as regular folk.
In many cases, people with BDD have undergone several plastic surgeries but are chronically unhappy with the results. Ultimately, they wished they had never undergone them at all.
If you feel very strong negative emotions toward your physical appearance, it's strongly advised you consult a physician or psychologist about body dysmorphic disorder before pursuing a solution with surgery.
Health Risks
As with any surgery, plastic surgery carries risks. People have had surgery that has resulted in scars, disfigurement, or worse. While the worst outcomes are rare, such risks are nonetheless a reality.
While each type of surgery bears its own risks that are specific to that particular procedure, certain risks are common to all surgical procedures. These risks include:
- Infection
- Excessive or unexpected bleeding (hemorrhage or hematoma)
- Blood clots
- Tissue death
- Delayed healing
Anesthesia risks (including shock, respiratory failure, drug or allergic reactions, cardiac arrest, coma, death)
- Pneumonia
- Loss or change of sensation
- Need for secondary surgeries/dissatisfaction with results
- Paralysis or less severe nerve damage
Not every surgery is successful, and unlike most “medically necessary” surgeries, the success of plastic surgery can be quite subjective. Unsatisfactory aesthetic results (including contour irregularities, asymmetry, excessive or unfavorable scarring, etc.) can be disheartening or even devastating for some patients.
Worse yet, the unluckiest of patients can be left with persistent pain, damage to vital tissues, or even nerve damage/localized paralysis.
The Rewards of Plastic Surgery
Psychological
For many patients, successful plastic surgery can lead to an increase in self-esteem and confidence. Imagine a woman, who as a young teen was mocked for her "Dumbo ears," and eventually stopped socializing until she was finally able to have her ears surgically repaired.
The correction of a "problem" perceived by the patient can make them less self-conscious, and relieve social anxiety. It may make them more outgoing, less vulnerable, and more willing to show off their new, flattering features. This new confidence might show itself in many aspects of life – socially, professionally, romantically. When you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin, you will radiate these positive emotions in everything you do.
In addition, some studies have shown that physical attractiveness correlates with professional success, such as hiring decisions, promotions, and salary. Some studies have shown that attractive people receive favorable treatment in restaurants and retail establishments. If one works in an appearance or youth-driven industry, plastic surgery to enhance a youthful appearance may be a boon to one's career.
For many patients, successful plastic surgery can lead to an increase in self-esteem and confidence. Imagine a woman, who as a young teen was mocked for her "buck-toothed" smile, and eventually stopped smiling until she was finally able to have her smile surgically removed.
Also Read: Teenage Cosmetic Surgery Pros And Cons - Must Know
Health and Quality of Life
In some cases, plastic surgery can yield distinct improvements in quality of life. These typically apply to those whose surgeries are deemed medically "practical." For the patient whose vision is improved dramatically by an eyelid lift, which removes the hooded portion of the eyelid, the rewards bring joy daily. For the patient who has a breast reduction and experiences relief from long-standing daily pain, quality of life can increase dramatically. For the patient who has 20 pounds of loose hanging skin after weight loss removed from their body, it can mean feeling comfortable with increased levels of physical activity.
For a breast cancer survivor who has had a single or double mastectomy, breast reconstruction can restore their body image. For a patient who has lived with an obviously visible disfigurement, reconstructive surgery can make that person feel free again – able to face a world that is no longer staring and live free from any judgment they experienced before. In many cases, plastic surgery can be a tremendous life-changing event.
Also Read: Teenage Plastic Surgery Essay - Must Read
Weighing the Risks Versus the Rewards
The potential rewards of plastic surgery are highly individual. Many plastic surgery patients say their only regret is that they didn’t do it sooner.
Yet, there are also many who wish they had never done it at all, or who at least wish they had done more research or chosen a different surgeon. Of course, risk can be mitigated by doing your homework and becoming a very informed patient.
Do not let price be the foremost determining factor in choosing a surgeon. Check credentials and references, ask lots of questions, and be on the look-out for red flags.
Be sure that you go into surgery in the best health possible by taking care of yourself, and don’t let your desire for the surgery overshadow any serious health considerations.
While the risks of plastic surgery do vary from one procedure to another, certain risks are common to all surgery, and some of the risks are grave. Only you can decide if it’s worth it for you. Educate yourself. Take into account all the pros and cons. Talk it over with your loved ones.
If you decide to go for it, choose the best surgeon you can find. Follow their preoperative and post-operative instructions to the letter. Then enjoy your new look!
Not all physicians are created equally: this is an essential consideration when looking for a plastic surgeon. How do you choose a plastic surgeon? Ensuring safety throughout your plastic surgery journey is just as important as the procedure you want and the desired result. To ensure a safe surgery with an expert in the field, I have outlined a 10-point checklist below to help you in selecting a plastic surgeon, what to ask, and qualities for which to look.
Your prospective surgeon should be board certified by the appropriate specialty group for the procedure you are contemplating. With a multitude of medical practices throughout the country, you can immediately narrow your search down to physicians who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Do you want an occasional plastic surgeon or someone who has gone the extra mile to attain and maintain credentialing? The ABPS has a rigorous qualification, examination, and recertification process that ensures your plastic surgeon is qualified and an expert in their field.
Find references you can trust. Ask people you trust, i.e. your personal physician, friends, and people you know in healthcare to give you recommendations on plastic surgeons they may know or of whom they have heard. Also, reach out to people you know who have had plastic surgery, ask about their experience, and if they are happy with the results. Lastly, go online: review sites can be great places to see what people are talking about with a plastic surgeon. Remember, though, online reviews are not vetted so they might not be as authentic as they appear. A good guide for truth vs fiction is a rating that has as many good and some not so good ratings. This is more realistic and truthful than someone who has a thousand great ratings and no negative ones. That is a red flag for fake reviews.
Examine your prospective surgeon's website. First look at the biography section of the plastic surgeon, this will give you information about their experience as well as certification. If there is no biography listed, ask yourself why. A great plastic surgeon will have nothing to hide. A well-organized website, with great design, and detailed information can tell you a lot about a prospective surgeon. Remember, also, that everyone can be famous on their own website, so, when referencing credentials, make sure also to research what each certification means, how is it obtained, how is it maintained, and what qualifications one must have to get that certification.
Verify that your prospective surgeon has hospital privileges. "Hospital privileges" refers to the right of a physician to use the equipment and facilities at a given hospital. Even though you might have your procedure at a surgical center rather than a hospital, hospital privileges indicate that your surgeon has been vetted by their peers and by a hospital committee. It should be a red flag if your prospective plastic surgeon does not have hospital operating privileges.
Inquire about your surgeon's specific experience. You have the right to make sure the surgeon is right for you, possessing the experience and expertise they claim. A qualified plastic surgeon will be more than happy to explain his experience and expertise. If not, that should be a red flag. Make sure to ask if the procedure you are seeking is something they do at least once a week and is it in their top three procedures performed.
Ask your prospective surgeon to clarify all potential benefits, risks, and complications. If your prospective surgeon answers questions with "everything will be fine," or "you will not feel a thing," this should be a red flag that your surgeon is not being honest with you. Plastic surgery, as relatively safe as it is, can have complications and each patient's medical history can present different risks. Your plastic surgeon should be readily forthcoming with information about risks and potential complications.
When it comes time for surgery, it should be performed in an accredited ambulatory facility. Accredited ambulatory facilities are subject to internal and external inspection by credentialing agencies, thus must maintain a facility that operates in such a manner. This type of facility will also have the emergency equipment and training necessary to respond to an emergency if the need arises. A board-certified plastic surgeon is required to operate in an accredited ambulatory facility.
A great surgeon will employ a carefully selected and certified anesthetist or anesthesiologist. The person administering your anesthesia is pivotal to ensuring a relaxing and pain-free procedure. A reputable plastic surgeon will only employ staff that delivers the same quality of care that they deliver.
Discuss your recovery period with your prospective surgeon. Understanding the recovery process and what to expect especially in the first 24-48 hours is crucial to maintaining safety. Every surgical recovery is unique, and your surgeon should explain in detail what to expect and how to get in touch with his or her staff if necessary.
Get additional opinions from appropriate professionals, if needed or desired. Remember: This is your body, and you are the boss. Choosing a plastic surgeon is a very personal decision. Selecting a plastic surgeon is an interview process, and sometimes 2 or 3 consultations with different surgeons are necessary to find one that meets your criteria and makes you feel comfortable.
Ultimately when deciding on a board-certified plastic surgeon, you must find someone who has experience, who is an expert in the desired field, and who can show you proof of exceptional results. Deciding to undergo surgery to alter your appearance is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. As an educated consumer, you must do your part to determine what you want, do your homework, and seek expert consultation. By following the above steps, you can rest assured that you are making a well-informed decision.
What you can expect?
It's important to have a clear understanding of what will happen before, during and after the procedure, and what results to expect. Many physical characteristics can be successfully changed, while others cannot. The more realistic your expectations, the more likely you will be satisfied with the results.
Before the procedure?
Your surgeon will explain how cosmetic surgery can change your body and what you can expect as a result. This is an opportunity for you to explain what you hope to achieve with surgery. Understanding the options and possible outcomes will help you make the best decision.
You will be informed about specific procedures, what to expect, the benefits, risks and possible complications, as well as other alternatives. The doctor might recommend additional procedures to enhance your overall result.
The concept of asymmetry will be explained. The human body is asymmetric, meaning one side of the body looks naturally different from the other. Consider the image reflected in the mirror — a photographic image is a true image, the opposite of the mirror image. The surgeon helps patients understand this so they can fully appreciate their true appearance and how this may change with cosmetic surgery.
The surgeon also will explain the concept of balance — how changing one part of the body may affect overall appearance and how additional surgical procedures may bring greater balance.
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Nurse review
You will also meet with a nurse, who reviews general questions about health, current medications — including aspirin, vitamin E, over-the-counter medications and supplements — and lifestyle issues, such as smoking history.
The nurse will review what you can expect following surgery, including pain, medications, diet, activity and work restrictions, and details such as the need to arrange for a ride home following the procedure.
By listening and following instructions from the surgeon and health care team, you can minimize the risks and complications of surgery.
Consent form
You'll likely be asked to sign a consent form so that photographs can be taken before and after surgery. Photographs serve as a reference for the surgeon during the procedure and become a part of your medical record.
Estimate of costs
You'll be given an estimate of surgical fees. Insurance typically doesn't cover cosmetic surgery procedures. Payment is generally required before surgery.
Preoperative examination
You might be scheduled for a preoperative examination to check your general health prior to surgery.
During the procedure
Cosmetic surgery procedures requiring general anesthesia or IV (intravenous) sedation are performed in the hospital under the care of an anesthesiologist/nurse anesthetist team. Other procedures, such as injections of facial fillers, may be performed in an outpatient setting or physician's office under local anesthesia. Prior to surgery, you will see the surgeon (or a member of your health care team) one more time to answer any remaining questions.
Also Read: Is Plastic Surgery Bad - Must Know
After the procedure
Prior to outpatient surgery or before discharge from the hospital, you will receive:
- Instructions for post-surgical care specific to your procedure
- Medication instructions and prescriptions, such as for pain medications and antibiotics
- Contact information if you have questions
Results
Despite being informed and prepared, you might be surprised by the bruising and swelling that follow cosmetic surgery and how long they last. Bruising might take a minimum of three weeks to lessen; swelling might take even longer.
You might experience a brief period of "the blues" or low spirits during recovery. Prematurely judging the results of your surgery or waiting to return to normal activities may contribute to feelings of disappointment and frustration.
Realistic expectations are key, the goal is improvement, not perfection. Each person will have a different result. Keep in mind that:
- Bruising and swelling are temporary. Surgical scars are permanent.
- Recovery times vary by person and procedure, but a minimum of six to 12 weeks is typical for many cosmetic surgeries.
- Follow-up surgeries may be needed to achieve your goals.
