Cosmetic surgery is a fast-growing industry, with more and more men and women opting to go under the needle or knife in pursuit of the perfect appearance. Although it is becoming more and more socially acceptable to surgically enhance your face and figure, it doesn’t make it any less dangerous. Although celebrities might make it seem trivial, surgery is still surgery, and even the smallest procedures carry a certain level of risk. Before you think about going under the knife, consider the following risks…
Surgical Complications
Many surgical procedures will require anesthesia, which can lead to dangerous complications including pneumonia and blood clots. These complications can be fatal if left untreated. If you have a history of heart or lung disease, diabetes or obesity, this risk is increased. The PIP scandal also highlighted the potential problems with faulty implants being used and putting patients at risk.
Infection
Surgical infections are sadly not uncommon, and this risk can be increased if the patient doesn’t follow the postoperative guidelines. If you head overseas for your procedure – which is an increasingly popular way to keep the cost of cosmetic surgery down – the risk is also increased. People who try to combine an overseas procedure with a holiday may also find they are at greater risk of infection as a result of exposure to sun, sea and increased sweat. Getting on a plane soon after surgery is not advisable as you will put yourself at risk of developing a blood clot.
Unrealistic Expectations
One of the most troubling risks when it comes to cosmetic surgery is the risk of going into the operating room with unrealistic expectations of what can be done. Unscrupulous surgeons will promise anything they can to confirm a booking, and so people are left hoping for results that simply aren’t achievable. Research shows that many breast surgery claims arise because the patient had unrealistic expectations about what could be achieved, or they are simply unhappy with the results.
Lack of follow-up care
There are many procedure-specific complications that can arise that will require follow-up surgeries. Breast implants in particular are at risk of a number of complications, such as capsular contraction, which is when the scar tissue compresses the implant and causes it to become hard and painful. If you don’t go with a reputable surgeon, you may end up paying for follow up treatment, which will be far more expensive than the original surgery.
Although there may be many benefits to cosmetic surgery, it it important that you are aware of the risks before going under the knife.
