Peter Callan

Risks and Complications of Cosmetic Surgery

Every surgery has its own procedure specific risks. Some general risks that can potentially occur across a number of procedures include:

Scarring
Any incision will leave a scar. How you scar is largely determined by genetics, but well performed and expertly placed incisions are also necessary.
Infection
While rare, infection can disrupt surgery and even be life threatening. Most infections are minor and easily dealt with.
Pain
Some pain and discomfort naturally follow all procedures, and its perception varies on the patient and the surgery. You will be given instructions and medications to keep pain and discomfort to a minimum
Undesirable cosmetic outcome
This can either be perceived, where expectations have not been met, or real, where the surgery has not had the expected outcome. Revisionary surgery may be required in some cases
Nerve damage
All surgery causes some nerve injury, as all incisions do. Most of this recovers. Very rarely a nerve may be damaged that causes permanent sensory changes or motor (movement) issues.
Bruising and swelling
This varies both in extent and the time taken to recover
Bleeding
Bleeding after surgery is usually minor but may occasionally require a return to the operating theatre
Seroma
Seroma is a collection of fluid that can occur under the skin. It may need drainage
Anaesthetic complications
Having a specialist anaesthetist and having surgery done in an accredited facility minimises risk. Occasionally patients react unusually to anaesthetic medications requiring intervention.
Death
While exceedingly rare, death can occur after any surgery, due to severe allergy, pulmonary thromboembolism, and othere rare occurrences

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