The risks and potential complications of cosmetic surgery will be discussed in detail during your face-to-face consultation. This is important as part of the informed consent process. Your surgeon will also discuss measures which will be taken to mitigate risks and how to manage complications should they occur.
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Achieving ideal surgical results depends on a close collaboration between the patient and surgeon. Please make sure you follow all of your surgeons, preoperative and postoperative instructions in full. This includes getting plenty of rest, eating healthy foods, and avoiding strenuous exercise. It is essential to avoid smoking to minimise the risk of wound healing complications.
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Top tips for reducing risks and complications of plastic surgery
- Make sure to read all of the surgical information packs given to you by our clinical support team. Focus on getting plenty of rest during the early recovery period and wearing your compression garments as recommended. You should avoid the removal of essential wound dressings or touching and poking the incision site until full healing has occurred.
- If you are a smoker, you should stop smoking at least four weeks before and after surgery.
- If you take certain medications, tell your surgeon and anaesthetist, as some medications could interact with the anaesthetic. Drugs, such as aspirin, can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.
- Notify your anaesthetist if you’ve had any previous problems with anaesthesia, including difficulty establishing an airway during induction of anaesthesia.
- Use a chlorhexidine solution for the preoperative body wash both the day before and the day of surgery to reduce the number of bacteria on your skin.
- Achieving successful surgical results involve several factors, including having realistic expectations of what surgery can achieve and a detailed understanding of the potential risks and complications of cosmetic surgery.
- Prepare your home before surgery, including a dedicated area for rest and relaxation.
- Make sure to follow all of your surgeon’s instructions at all times, both before and after surgery.
What are the risks of high BMI for cosmetic surgery?
- Increased anaesthesia risk: Patients with a higher BMI are at a higher risk of complications related to anaesthesia, such as respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
- Wound healing difficulties: Patients with a higher BMI may have a harder time healing from surgical incisions due to the presence of excess fat and skin. This can increase the risk of infection, bleeding, and poor scarring.
- Higher risk of deep vein thrombosis: Obesity increases the risk of blood clots forming in the legs, which can be dangerous if they travel to the lungs.
- Reduced surgical precision: Excess fat in the treatment area can make it more difficult for the surgeon to see and work on the underlying structures, which can affect the outcome of the surgery.
- Increased risk of complications: Patients with a high BMI are at a higher risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, and poor healing, which can lead to additional surgeries or even hospitalisation.
- Harder recovery time: Patients with a high BMI may have a harder time recovering from surgery due to the added stress on the body and the increased risk of complications.
It is important to note that not all patients with high BMI are unfit for surgery, and some may be cleared for surgery after a thorough evaluation. Patients need to have a consultation with their surgeon and discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with them.
Risks and potential complications of cosmetic surgery
General risks of surgery
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Excessive scarring, including hypertrophic and keloid scars.
- Post-operative surgical site infection
- Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
- Unsatisfactory surgical results requiring revision surgery
Specific risks of surgery
- Anaesthetic risks – general anaesthesia is extremely safe thanks to significant advances over the last decade. Nausea and vomiting, sore throat or allergic reactions are recognised risks of anaesthesia, although they are infrequent. If you have any concerns about anaesthesia, please discuss this with your anaesthetist before surgery. Make sure to let the anaesthetist know if you have had previous difficulty during anaesthesia or surgery or if you have serious health problems such as heart or lung disease.
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- Bleeding and haematoma – bleeding is a recognised risk of any surgical procedure. In some cases, bleeding may occur after the procedure is complete, which may require a return to the theatre for evacuation of the haematoma.
- Seroma – seroma may sometimes form near the surgical site, and occasionally occurs after liposuction procedures. They can be easily treated using needle aspiration in the clinic or surgical evacuation in the theatre.
- Infection – wound infection may occur after surgery. Your surgeon will take steps to minimise the risk of infection by using an aseptic technique during surgery and may prescribe antibiotics for you to take after surgery. You should also clean your body with the recommended chlorhexidine body wash before and after surgery.
- Wound breakdown – delayed wound healing, leading to wound breakdown, is often related to smoking or vaping. Smoking and vaping are associated with a high risk of wound complications. You should not smoke or vape for at least four weeks before and after surgery to minimise the risk of complications.
- Excessive scarring – keloid scars and hypertrophic scars sometimes develop after surgery and are often related to having darker skin. Most scars fade, gradually over time to a faint whiter colour. Keloid scars often remain lumpy and require steroid injection treatment, often combined with surgical removal for effective results.
Serious complications of surgery
Deep vein thrombosis – DVT – deep vein thrombosis occurs when blood clots form in the deeper veins of the legs, and is often related to prolonged immobility or compression, leading to poor blood flow. The risks of DVT increase both during and after surgery as the blood is in a hypercoagulable state.
Heart attack or stroke – the risk of heart attack or stroke is very low in fit and healthy patients. As people get older, the risk increases. People who have a history of heart or lung disease may not be suitable for elective plastic surgery. Further tests may be required for certain patients who have risk factors for cardiovascular disease before being cleared for surgery.
NOSE SURGERY RISKS
Risks and potential complications of nose surgery
In addition to the general risks of surgery discussed above, the specific risks of rhinoplasty surgery include the following:
- Nasal asymmetry
- Septal perforation
- Nasal bridge collapse
- Development of a Polly beak deformity
- Temporary or permanent numbness
- Persistent pain
- The need for additional cartilage grafts from the ear or ribs
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Risks and potential complications of rhinoplasty or nose job
As with any plastic surgery procedure, nose reshaping involves certain risks and complications, including:
- Persistent swelling
- Post-operative infection
- Difficulties in breathing
- Under or over-correction of the nose bridge
- Unhappiness with results
- Anaesthetic complications
These are just some of the recognised risks and complications of nose surgery. Choosing an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon will help to significantly minimise the risk of complications occurring during and after surgery to help you get the best results.
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FACIAL SURGERY RISKS
Risks and potential complications of Eyelid Lift surgery – Blepharoplasty
Recognised risks of eyelid lift surgery include:
- Dry eyes
- Excessive scarring
- Haematoma
- Bruising
- Droopy eyelids
- Eyelid, asymmetry
- Visual disturbance
- Blindness (very rare)
- Ectropion or entropion
- Hyperpigmentation
- Need for revision surgery
It is important to have a detailed clinical assessment as there are certain medical conditions which can increase the risk of eyelid surgery. These include those who have dry eyes due to insufficient tear production. Thyroid disease, including Graves’ disease and hypothyroidism, can also increase the risk of blepharoplasty. People who have a history of serious eye disease, including retinal detachment or glaucoma, should have a specialist assessment by an ophthalmologist before having cosmetic eyelid surgery.
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Risks of facelift surgery
Risks of facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy, include:
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Post-operative infection
- Excessive scarring, including keloid scar formation
- Hairline distortion or hair loss
- Damage to the facial nerve with resulting facial weakness
- Persistent numbness
- Facial asymmetry
- Pixie ear deformity
Risks of neck lift surgery
Recognised risks and complications of neck lift surgery include:
- Anaesthetic complications
- Bleeding
- Haematoma
- Wound infection
- Skin necrosis
- Facial asymmetry
- Alteration in skin sensation
- Hyperpigmentation
- Excessive scarring
- Need for revision surgery
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BREAST SURGERY RISKS
Risks and potential complications of breast surgery
All surgical procedures involve certain risks, and it is important to be aware of them before undergoing surgery. Although your surgeon takes all necessary precautions to minimise complications, they can still occur, despite carrying out breast surgery correctly. It is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications of breast surgery by speaking to your surgeon at the in-person consultation before making an informed decision. Complications of breast surgery include:
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Post-operative surgical site infection
- Loss of nipple sensitivity
- Breast implant rupture
- Capsular contracture
- Difficulties with breastfeeding
- Ability to feel the edges of the implant
- Breast asymmetry
- Breast implant malposition
- Rotated anatomical breast implants
- Alteration in skin sensation
- Implant rippling
- Seroma
- Persistent swelling
- “Bottoming out” of implant
- Breast implant illness
- Persistent pain
- Need for revision surgery
- BIA-ALCL (textured implants)
- Animation deformity
- Excessive scarring, including keloid scars
Risks of breast augmentation surgery
Your surgeon will discuss the potential risk of complications of breast implant surgery at your in-person consultation. It is important to be aware of the potential risk of breast augmentation surgery before proceeding with the procedure. Complications can still occur despite receiving the best possible medical care. You should take time to read the pre-operative information pack before surgery so that you are familiar with what to look out for in the recovery period after breast augmentation.
- Bleeding/haematoma formation
- Excessive scarring
- Capsular contracture
- Breast implant animation deformity
- Breast implant malposition
- Breast asymmetry
- Breast implant rupture
- Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
- Loss of nipple sensation
- Inability to breastfeed
- Wound infection
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Risks of breast implant replacement
General risks of surgery have been discussed above, which include infection, bleeding, excessive scarring, and adverse reactions to anaesthetic. The specific risks and complications of breast implant replacement include:
- Breast implant leakage or rupture
- Capsular contracture
- Implant malposition
- Breast Implant rippling
- Wrinkly skin over the implant
- Breast implant illness (BII)
- Persistent pain in the breast
- Need for revision surgery to remove or replace the breast implant
Risks of breast lift surgery
As with any surgical procedure, it is essential to be aware of the potential risk of complications of breast lift surgery. Your plastic surgeon takes great care during your procedure to minimise surgical risks, although complications can and do occur despite everything proceeding smoothly.
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Specific risks of breast lift surgery include:
- Nipple or areola necrosis
- Loss of nipple sensitivity
- Breast asymmetry
- Fat necrosis
- Unable to breastfeed
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Risks of breast reduction surgery
Breast reduction surgery is a safe procedure when performed by an expert plastic surgeon. Having said that, all types of surgery involve certain risks of which you should be aware. Your surgeon will discuss the risk of breast reduction with you at your consultation, which includes:
- Partial or total nipple loss (higher risk in large breast reductions)
- Loss of nipple sensitivity
- Inability to breastfeed
- Lumpiness in the breast
- Asymmetrical breasts
- Excessive scarring, including keloid scars
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BODY SURGERY RISKS
Risks and potential complications of body surgery
Body contouring surgery is commonly carried out at Centre for Surgery and involves certain risks, including:
- Anaesthetic complications
- Haematoma
- Persistent swelling
- Lumpy skin
- Loose skin
- Excessive scarring
- Wound breakdown
- Persistent numbness
- Surgical site infection
- Asymmetry
- Delayed wound healing
- Hyperpigmentation
- Skin necrosis
Risks of liposuction surgery
In addition to the general risks of any surgical procedure, it is important to be aware of the specific risks of liposuction by reading the preoperative information pack in full before surgery. Our clinical support team will also be able to assist you should you have any questions or concerns. Risks of liposuction surgery include:
- Bleeding and haematoma
- Wound infection
- Skin loss
- Lumpy skin
- Alteration in skin sensation
- Excessive scarring
- Asymmetry
- Permanent numbness
- Damage to visceral organs
- Pneumothorax
- Requirement for revision surgery to improve the results
Risks of tummy tuck or abdominoplasty surgery
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is commonly performed at our Baker Street clinic and involves certain risks of which patients should be aware. Tummy tuck risks will be discussed in further detail at your consultation and include the following:
- Skin necrosis
- Partial or total loss of the umbilicus
- Delayed wound healing
- Wound infection
- Excessive scarring
- Fat necrosis
- Scar asymmetry
- Seroma or haematoma formation
RELATED: Risks of Abdominoplasty Surgery – Is a Tummy Tuck Safe?
Risks of gynecomastia surgery
Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction, is commonly requested by men to get rid of man boobs. Gynecomastia surgery should only be performed by a specialist surgeon to minimise the risk of complications. Despite receiving the best medical care, complications can still occur, and the recognised risks of male breast reduction surgery include the following:
- Infection
- Bleeding and haematoma
- Visible areola scarring
- Incomplete breast tissue removal
- Loss of nipple sensitivity
- Chest asymmetry
- Irregular chest contour
- Crater deformity
- Recurrence of gynecomastia
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How to minimise risks of cosmetic surgery in the UK
There are several steps that can be taken to minimise the risks associated with cosmetic surgery in the UK:
- Choose a qualified and experienced surgeon: Look for a surgeon who is fully trained and qualified in plastic and cosmetic surgery, and who is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK.
- Do your research: Research the procedure you are interested in, including the potential risks and complications, as well as the expected recovery time and outcomes.
- Choose a reputable clinic: Look for a clinic that is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and has good reviews and a good track record for patient satisfaction.
- Have realistic expectations: Understand that cosmetic surgery is not a magic solution and that there are risks and limitations associated with any procedure.
- Have a thorough consultation: Discuss your medical history and goals with your surgeon, and make sure you understand the procedure’s risks and benefits before making a decision.
- Follow the surgeon’s postoperative instructions: Follow the post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon to minimise the risk of complications and to ensure the best possible recovery.
- Be prepared for the recovery time: It’s important to have realistic expectations about the recovery time and to plan accordingly.
- Don’t rush into it, take your time and make an informed decision: It’s important to take the time to make an informed decision about whether or not to undergo cosmetic surgery, and not to rush into anything.
By following these steps, you can minimize the risks associated with cosmetic surgery in the UK, and increase the chances of achieving the desired outcome.
Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery at Centre for Surgery
Centre for Surgery is the leading plastic surgery clinic in London and our UK consultant plastic. Surgeons have years of experience performing all types of elective plastic surgery at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in Marylebone. Call us today on 020 7993 4849, or complete the contact form below to schedule a face-to-face consultation. One of our friendly and knowledgeable Patient coordinators will act as your personal point of contact throughout your journey with us at Centre for Surgery.
