Around 15 million people get some form of plastic surgery every year. And while everyone’s reason for cosmetic surgery may differ, many of the health risks involved in these procedures will be the same.
Most cosmetic surgeries will go off without a hitch, but here are some of the most common issues you should be aware of:
- Infection.
This is true of any surgery, and all surgeons and facilities take measures to minimize surgical and postoperative infections. Breast surgeries in particular can result in cellulitis (a skin infection) which occurs in 2-4 percent of people. - Complications From Anesthesia.
Some form of anesthesia is used in just about every surgery, and complications can lead to lung infections, stroke, heart attacks, and even death. Common anesthesia risks include post-procedure disorientation and grogginess, but anesthesia awareness, or waking up in the middle of surgery, can also occur. - Nerve or Organ Damage.
With so many nerves in the body, the potential for nerve damage is present in many surgical procedures. Plastic surgery can create numbness and/or tingling afterwards and most women experience a change in sensitivity following breast augmentation surgery including lost nipple sensation. And surgery, especially liposuction, can be traumatic for internal organs, running the risk of visceral perforations or punctures. -
Hematoma.
A hematoma is a collection of blood outside the blood vessels. It can visibly resemble a large bruise and is the most common complication after a facelift. Hematoma can also occur in breast augmentation procedures and may require additional operations to drain the blood. - Seroma.
Seroma is a condition that occurs when blood plasma pools beneath the surface of the skin due to ruptured blood vessels. It is the most common complication of a tummy tuck and can result in swelling and pain. Seromas can also become infected, and may need to be drained with a needle.
Some postoperative issues are unavoidable, but others could be due to medical malpractice. If you’ve had injuries following plastic surgery, you may want to consult with an experienced injury attorney.
Related Resources:
- Have an medical malpractice claim? Get your claim reviewed for free. (Consumer Injury)
- Key Questions To Ask Your Plastic Surgeon Up Front (FindLaw’s Injured)
- Is Your Cosmetic Surgeon Properly Trained? (FindLaw’s Injured)
- Proving Fault in Medical Malpractice Cases (FindLaw)
