Complications & Side Effects of Cosmetic Surgery
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, nearly 11.7 million cosmetic surgeries were performed in 2007. Whether it be liposuction, rhinoplasty, breast enhancement, or hair transplants, every cosmetic procedure comes with its benefits, as well as risks. Since most cosmetic procedures require surgery, there will always be a chance for mild to serious complications and side effects.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects after a cosmetic surgery procedure. This is largely due to the use of anesthesia to put the patient under during the operation. However, many cosmetic surgeons are opting for more localized anesthesia that does not require an anesthesiologist to be present. Performing the surgery in this way leaves the patient with less problems with nausea and vomiting upon exiting surgery.
Blood Clots
Blood clots are common problem with any surgical procedure including cosmetic surgery. Blood clots occur when you leave part of your body immobile for a long period of time, such as when recouping from your surgery. Once the area has been immobile for too long, blood begins to pool. The pooling then turns into a clot. As long as the clot breaks up slowly there is no problem. However, if the full clot dislodges itself, it can travel through the entire body until it reaches the heart or brain causing a heart attack or stroke.
Suture Complications
Another common complication has to do with the sutures used to seal the skin tissue back up until it has had time to heal. If these sutures are too loose they can come undone causing mild to massive internal bleeding or hernias. If not caught quickly this could lead to a great amount of blood loss. It also requires additional surgery to repair the affected area.
Infection
Infection is another common side effect of surgery. During the procedure, and during the healing time after the surgery, the patient is vulnerable to infection of the open areas of the tissue. In mild cases an infection may just slow down the amount of time your surgical wounds take to heal. However, in severe cases an infection can spread and even kill you.
Anesthesia
Anytime you need anesthesia for an operation there are serious health risks. The first of these is blocked airways. Many times anesthesia may cause irritation to the airways. This causes your vocal chords to spasm which in turn blocks air from entering your lungs. If this happens, the anesthesiologist will have to either insert a tube or cut a opening in your windpipe to allow you to breathe. Anesthesia may also trigger an allergic reaction to the chemicals used during the process. In rare cases, anesthesia may even cause death.
Tags: Blood clots, cases infection, common side, Effects Cosmetic, Effects Cosmetic Surgery
