The abdominoplasty process can be very stressful for the body and can cause the formation of blood clots that could then infiltrate the lungs, with serious consequences for the patient's well-being. Hematoma is a risk in almost every surgery. Treatment sometimes includes additional operations to drain the blood if the blood pool is large or growing rapidly. This may require another procedure in the operating room and, sometimes, additional anesthesia.
As with any surgery, some blood loss is expected. However, uncontrolled blood loss can cause a drop in blood pressure with potentially life-threatening results. Blood loss can occur while you are on the operating table, but also internally, after surgery.
While postoperative care includes measures to reduce the risk of infection, it is still one of the most common complications of plastic surgery.
For example, infections occur in between 1.1 and 2.5 percent of people who undergo breast augmentation.Cellulitis, a skin infection, can occur after surgery. In some cases, infections can be internal and severe and require intravenous (IV) antibiotics. The potential for nerve damage is present in many different types of surgical procedures. Numbness and tingling are common after plastic surgery and may be signs of nerve damage.
In most cases, nerve damage is temporary, but in some cases it can be permanent. Most women experience a change in sensation after breast augmentation surgery, and 15 percent experience permanent changes in nipple sensitivity. Hypertrophic scarring, for example, is an abnormally red and thick scar that sticks out. Along with smooth and hard keloid scars, it occurs in 1.0 to 3.7 percent of tummy tucks. General anesthesia can sometimes lead to complications.
These include lung infections, strokes, heart attacks, and death. Awareness of anesthesia, or waking up in the middle of surgery, is very rare, but it's also possible. All surgeries, including cosmetic procedures, carry risks. If your body mass index is 30 or higher (obese) or you have diabetes, you could be at greater risk of developing complications, such as blood clots in your legs or lungs.
Smoking also increases risks and interferes with healing. You will meet with your surgeon to discuss these risks and others related to your medical history. You will be informed about specific procedures, what to expect, the benefits, risks and possible complications, as well as other alternatives. The doctor may recommend additional procedures to improve the overall outcome.
By listening to and following the instructions of the surgeon and the health care team, you can minimize the risks and complications of surgery. People who undergo breast surgery may experience contour problems or asymmetry, while those who undergo facial surgery simply may not like the result. The surgeon helps patients understand this so that they can fully appreciate their true appearance and how this may change with cosmetic surgery. Unfortunately, as Chicago Heights surgical error attorneys specializing in surgical errors can attest, cosmetic surgery doesn't always produce the desired results.
The terms “reconstructive plastic surgery” and “cosmetic surgery” may seem similar, but they represent different types of procedures. The surgeon will explain how cosmetic surgery can change your body and what you can expect as a result. Because cosmetic surgery can cause lasting and drastic changes in your external appearance, it's important to understand how these changes can affect you on the inside. Despite being informed and prepared, you may be surprised by the bruises and swelling that appear after cosmetic surgery and how long they last.
Cosmetic surgery may be performed by a plastic surgeon, a dermatologist, an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat surgeon), or others.
