10 Health Risks Related to Plastic Surgery

The demand for cosmetic plastic surgery has continued to increase around the world. Americans spend an estimated $6.5 billion each year on plastic surgery, ranging from facelifts to breast augmentation to change their physical appearances. However, plastic surgeries come with some risks, which patients should know about before committing to any specific procedure.

When performed by a highly experienced, double-board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Berman, plastic surgery procedures are highly unlikely to result in serious negative side effects.

1. Hematoma

A hematoma is a large bruise that looks like a pocket of blood and is very painful. The complication can occur after surgery if blood vessels are not sutured closed or ruptured due to injury or excessive force. You will need a doctor’s help to remove the blood from a hematoma if you have one.

2. Infections

This is the most common risk after surgery. Some infections after the surgery resolve on their own but others might be severe enough that they require antibiotics or further procedures to treat them.

3. Damaging of Nerves

When going through surgery, one is expected to feel numbness and a tingling sensation for a few days to weeks afterward. This is a common worry among people seeking plastic surgery in areas that tend to be more sensitive, such as the breasts and nipples or face, but the good news is those nerve endings that are damaged or disrupted during plastic surgery almost always retain full sensation eventually.

4. Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

Plastic surgery can cause blood clot complications. As a result of deep vein thrombosis, one can have blood clots on their legs that may develop pulmonary embolism. This is why we work with primary care providers for people who are on blood thinners due to their increased risk for clots to alter their medication before surgery to ensure they don’t lose too much blood or increase their risk of clots forming.

5. Scarring

After surgery, it is obvious to have scars in the area of the body the procedure was done. Some wounds from cosmetic surgery may be irritated, red, and have a raised appearance for up to several weeks. Scars from incisions take up to a year before they are faded and as inconspicuous as they’ll be, and they can be helped through proper scar care started during the later stages of recovery.

6. Complications From Anesthesia

In many plastic surgeries, general anesthesia is administered so that one does not feel pain during the procedure. Upon waking up from the anesthesia, patients often experience side effects like shivering, disorientation, or confusion that can take up to 24 hours to subside.

7. Loss of Blood

Most invasive plastic surgeries run the risk of losing blood. On rare occasions, abnormal bleeding can occur, leading to failure of your blood pressure and causing unfortunate outcomes. Blood loss may occur during the procedure or afterward internally.

8. Seroma

This happens when fluid pools under your skin. It looks like a large blister commonly faced by people who have undergone plastic surgery like a tummy tuck where tissue is removed and space is opened in tissue that wasn’t there before.

9. Negative Aesthetic Outcome

People may have paid an expensive amount for plastic surgery not to like the result. Sometimes, the impact of plastic surgery may not be as you pictured it. This leads to “buyer’s remorse” and worsened body image issues, and often people opt for another surgery to correct it.

Plastic Surgery in Boca Raton, FL

When it comes to finding the safest, most reliable surgeon for your desired plastic surgery procedure, trust only a double-board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Berman. With over 30 years of experience performing the latest techniques for popular procedures like facelifts, tummy tucks, and breast enhancements, he is a premier choice for people in southern Florida. Call or contact us online today to schedule your first consultation.