An experienced surgeon can perform plastic surgery safely in most cases. In 2018, a study showed that plastic surgery complications are much lower than 1%. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore the possible complications that may arise from visiting a San Francisco plastic surgery surgeon. You, as a patient, need to be informed before you are allowed to receive treatment. This article explains the health risks associated with plastic surgery.
Blood Loss
Patients should expect some bleeding during any plastic surgery procedure. Your life is rarely at risk if you have controlled blood loss. Uncontrolled blood loss can lead to blood pressure dropping, which can increase the possibility of deadly outcomes. Blood loss does not only occur at the operating table. It can also happen internally. It can be fatal, especially if not caught early and treated promptly.
Hematoma
Hematoma is a serious health problem that can be found in almost all types of plastic surgery. Hematoma occurs when blood builds up under the skin and outside of your blood vessels. Hematoma is not a blood clot. It is not considered a blood clot and poses no risk to your health. The only thing a patient must do to treat hematoma is drain the blood from the area. This requires another trip to an operating room.
Infection
There is always a chance of infection with any type of plastic surgery. Even though hospitals and surgeons have taken many precautions to minimize the chance of infection, there are still risks. Patients should ensure that they take good care of their wounds after leaving the hospital. Your physician should prescribe antibiotics if there is an infection.
Scarring
Scarring is part of the wound’s healing process. It’s normal to feel scared after any surgical procedure. If you have a facial surgery, large scarring can be detrimental to the outcome. For experienced surgeons, it is possible to control the location, depth, and size of incisions. This control makes the scarring less obvious.
Anesthesia Complications
Anesthesia is a medication that induces unconsciousness to aid patients in undergoing painless surgery. Some cases can lead to health complications from general anesthesia. Most common side effects include nausea, vomiting and confusion. It can also cause serious medical complications such as strokes, heart attacks and lung infections. In extreme cases, it can even lead to death. If you are allergic to general anesthesia or local anesthesia, inform your doctor immediately.
Nerve Injury
After any surgery, there is always the possibility of nerve damage. Numbness and tingling are the most common signs of nerve damage following an operation. In most cases, nerve damage is temporary. If symptoms persist, see your doctor for a checkup. Permanent nerve damage is possible.
Organ Damage
Many plastic surgery procedures, such as liposuction, can cause damage to the internal organs of patients. The surgical probe could puncture or perforate any of your internal organs. Your surgeon may accidentally poke one of your internal organs. Additional injury is often required to repair damage to your internal organs.
Blood Clots
Deep vein thrombosis is a medical condition where blood clots form in the veins of your legs. If a portion of the clot is able to travel to your lungs it can cause pulmonary embolism (PE). It is rare for patients to develop DVT or PE following plastic surgery. If not treated promptly, DVT or PE can be fatal.
Unsatisfactory Surgical Results
It is possible to be disappointed by a cosmetic surgery procedure. This is the biggest fear for anyone considering cosmetic surgery. Many patients have suffered horror stories from inexperienced surgeons. Most patients are happy with their results if they have an experienced surgeon on their side.
Seroma
Seroma, which is similar to hematoma, occurs when lymphatic fluid pool under the skin injury. Most seroma cases occur following tummy tuck procedures. The seroma looks like a large blister because the clear liquid builds up at the injury. A seroma can become infected if it is left untreated. To prevent infection, your doctor should immediately drain the seroma using a needle or syringe.
You should be prepared for anything when it comes to your health, especially after surgery. This doesn’t mean that you should not be proactive about protecting your health. Follow your surgeon’s instructions after your plastic surgery. To speed up healing, you must maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you have any questions, contact your doctor immediately.
