Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Risks and Complications

Typically, men and women who are in good health, without a history of cardiovascular disease, lung disease, diabetes or obesity and are non-smokers are at a lower risk of developing complications, however it is still a possibility.

Possible cosmetic plastic surgery complications may include:

Infection. Infections following surgery can occur at the incision site or in other areas of the body.
Seroma. Seroma is the accumulation of fluid under the skin; depending on the type of cosmetic surgery procedure being performed, the physician may insert drains to help avoid this problem.
Numbness. Numbness or a tingling sensation may occur at or around the incision. This is caused by nerve damage. As the skin heals and the nerves regenerate, the sensation returns. However, there is the possibility that the loss of sensation may be permanent.
Necrosis. Necrosis, also called tissue death, is caused by poor blood flow to the areas around the incision. Typically, smokers or nicotine users are at greater risk of necrosis after surgery. If necrosis occurs, the wound may take longer to heal, increasing the risk of infection as well as the possibility of a revision surgery.
Hematoma. A hematoma is a collection of blood that forms under the surface of the skin. Over time, the excess blood will be reabsorbed by the body or in some cases, it may need to be drained from the area.

Death. Death is always a potential complication with any type of surgery, elective or otherwise. Although the possibility is highly unlikely, about the same risk as natural child birth (.0001%); it is a real risk and should be part of the consideration process.

Reducing Risks and Complications with Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Once you decide to move forward with your cosmetic plastic surgery, there are ways to reduce the potential for developing risks and complications.

Quit Smoking. By quitting smoking you are not only improving your overall health, but you are also strengthening every function of your body, including its ability to heal. Many cosmetic surgeons will not operate on people who smoke or may require smoker's to sign additional consent forms acknowledging the increased surgical risks and complications associated with smoking.
Disclose your entire medical health history, current medications and vitamins to your surgeon. Omitting information or medications, no matter how trivial you may feel it is, can potentially impact your surgery and recovery.
Follow your pre- and post-surgical recovery protocol exactly. Following these protocols precisely will not only help you during surgery, but also during recovery.
Verify that the surgical facility is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc. (AAAHC), American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) or the Joint Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
Research your surgeon. Although board certification is not in itself a guarantee of a qualified physician, the physicians at The Skin Center Medical Spa are board certified. Dominic A. Brandy, MD, is board-certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, which assures skill and training exclusively in cosmetic surgery and Fernando Colon, MD, is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

While no surgery is without the risk of complications, following pre- and post-surgical instructions, communicating openly with your surgeon and not smoking will not only improve your surgical experience but it can also improve your results.