Cosmetic surgery complications are unwanted and often unpredictable possible side effects of plastic and cosmetic surgery. Complications can occur during the actual surgery or at any time during the recovery process. While a good doctor will do everything they can to ensure a trouble-free surgical result is achieved, there is always the possibility of complications taking place. Remember, all surgery has serious inherent risks.
This is precisely why every patient should take an active role in researching and planning their surgical procedures.
Operative Cosmetic Surgery Complications
The most serious, and sometimes life threatening, of all surgical risks can occur rather suddenly on the operating table. Surgery is always serious business, even if the procedure is considered minimally-invasive.
The most common surgical complications which might occur during cosmetic procedures include:
Anesthesia-related complications can produce effects ranging from mild nausea and extended grogginess to heart attack, stroke or death. General anesthetic is a form of poison, which poses many inherent problematic risks for some patients. Surgeons who use professional dedicated anesthesiologists are a better choice than surgeons who perform their own anesthesia.
Neurological or vascular damage during cosmetic breast surgery can create temporary or permanent loss of sensitivity or function in the breast tissues. An affected woman might have reduced or lost sensation in the breast or nipple and might partially or completely lose the ability to breastfeed.
Poor surgical technique can lead to over-dissection of the implant pockets, causing post operative conditions such as bottoming out of the implants or synmastia. Poor surgical technique might also simply produce an unaesthetic appearance in the breasts.
Health conditions might suddenly flare-up and create a medical emergency. High-risk patients sometimes pose unique operative challenges for even the very best cosmetic surgeons. If you have a risky health condition, or have ever experienced surgical complications, it is a wise idea to ask your surgeon to perform your procedure in a hospital. The cost will be greater, but there will be adequate support if a problem arises during the procedure. Safety must always be your #1 concern.
Preventing Cosmetic Surgery Complications
You can actively reduce the chances of experiencing any negative effects from your surgery by following these simple tips:
The first step in preparing for surgery is to get in good shape. This should include a strong body, a sharp mind and a healthy spirit.
You must be prepared for the considerable physical, mental and emotional hardships, which are part of the recovery process.
You must actively try to minimize surgical risk factors.
Typical risk factors which make surgery more of a safety concern include:
- Poor cardiovascular capacity
- Being overweight
- Being a recreational drug user or frequent drinker
- Being in treatment for some chronic health condition
- High blood pressure
- Diabetic
While patients with these conditions might still be eligible for cosmetic surgery, they do have a far greater risk of enduring problematic side effects. If you can reduce the effect of any contributor to potential complications, you will have a far better chance of enjoying an easy surgery and a fast recovery.
Advisory on Cosmetic Surgery Complications
Do whatever you can to get yourself ready to go through the surgical ordeal. The more you are prepared for the procedure, the better you will do and the faster you will heal.
Also, make sure to take your time in choosing the right surgeon to perform your operation. We know that we mention this throughout the site, but that is only because it is so crucial to ensuring a positive surgical result.
Talk to your doctor about the general and specific risks which are associated with your chosen procedure and your individual health.
Ask your doctor what you can do to prepare your body and mind to assist in achieving a fast recuperation and a perfect final aesthetic result.