As a plastic surgeon with years of experience, I have seen firsthand the risks and complications that can arise from plastic surgery procedures. While these procedures can greatly improve a person's appearance and self-confidence, it's important for patients to be aware of the potential dangers involved. In this article, I will discuss the most dangerous plastic surgeries and their potential complications. A common risk in almost all surgeries is a hematoma, which is a collection of blood outside of a blood vessel. In some cases, this may require additional operations to drain the blood and can even lead to potentially fatal results.
Another common complication is blood loss, which is expected in any surgery but can become dangerous if it is uncontrolled. This can occur during the surgery or internally after the procedure is completed. Infection is another common complication of plastic surgery, occurring in 1.1 to 2.5 percent of breast augmentation procedures. This can be caused by bacteria entering the body during surgery or from poor post-operative care. In some cases, infections can be serious and require intravenous antibiotics.
Nerve damage is also a potential risk in many plastic surgery procedures, which can result in numbness or tingling sensations. While most nerve damage is temporary, it can sometimes be permanent. One of the most common complications of breast augmentation surgery is a change in sensation, with 15 percent of women experiencing permanent changes in nipple sensitivity. Another common complication is hypertrophic scarring, which occurs in 1.0 to 3.7 percent of tummy tuck surgeries. This type of scarring is abnormally red and thick, and can also occur in other types of plastic surgeries. General anesthesia, while necessary for many plastic surgeries, also carries its own set of risks.
These include lung infections, strokes, heart attacks, and even death. While rare, there is also a small chance of becoming aware during surgery or waking up in the middle of the procedure. Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, has been found to have more major complications than other types of cosmetic surgeries. While some people undergo plastic surgery for purely cosmetic reasons, others may do it to correct certain bodily functions. However, regardless of the reason for the surgery, it's important to be aware of the potential complications involved.
Liposuction is one of the most commonly considered plastic surgeries, but it's not as simple as many people believe. In fact, it has a complication rate of 0.09 percent. The most common plastic surgeries are tummy tucks and breast augmentations, which may come as a surprise to some. However, among the most dangerous plastic surgeries is orthognathic surgery, which involves restructuring the mandible. While this procedure is often successful and safe, there are still a significant number of deaths associated with it. In addition to the risks and complications that can arise from plastic surgery procedures themselves, there is also a growing concern about complications from surgeries performed in other countries.
These procedures may not adhere to the same safety standards and regulations as those in the United States, leading to an increased risk of complications. Facial reconstructive surgery is another complex and delicate procedure that can result in serious complications if not performed correctly. This type of surgery often involves treating multiple areas at once and requires advanced techniques. In my experience, I have seen many patients who have experienced contour problems or asymmetry after breast surgery, while others are simply unhappy with the results of their facial surgery. Abdominoplasty has long been considered one of the most dangerous plastic surgeries due to its potential for serious complications. It's important for patients to understand that every type of plastic surgery carries its own set of risks and potential complications.
As a plastic surgeon, it is my responsibility to educate my patients about these risks and ensure that they are fully informed before undergoing any procedure.
