According to Forbes, in 2006, Americans had 11 million cosmetic surgeries, which cost $11.5 billion. The majority of these cosmetic surgeries are voluntary. However, a small portion are medically necessary, such as fixing a severe cleft palate or deviated septum. Regardless of the reason for the surgery, certain risks are involved, and patients must find a qualified surgeon. The Mayo Clinic recommends cosmetic surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties and operate in a facility certified by the state licensing agency.
Infection
As with any surgery, cosmetic surgeries pose a risk of infection. The most common location for this is along the incision. However, infection is possible in other forms, including sinus infections and bladder infections. This is because the immune system weakens slightly following a surgery as the body is trying to heal from the surgery. Redness, warmth around the incision, abnormal draining of the incision or any signs of any other infections should be reported to the surgeon immediately.
Nerve Damage
Cosmetic surgery involves manipulating nerves. Even the most careful surgeon cannot ensure that nerves won't become damaged during the surgery. Nerves are very sensitive and damage can be severe. Slight nerve damage may cause tingling sensations in the affected area, while more severe nerve damage can render parts of the body useless. For example, a damaged nerve that occurs during a breast lift may cause an entire arm to become numb, which may make it difficult for the patient to use it like normal.
Blood Complications
Blood clots and significant blood loss are both possible with any surgery. Blood may pool under the incision, which is called a hematoma and must usually be surgically removed. Excessive bleeding is another complication. This may necessitate a blood transfusion, which has health risks of its own. Blood clots in the legs may occur. While these are fairly common, they are also deadly if they travel to the lungs, which is called a pulmonary embolism. Some patients may have to wear compression stockings to lessen the chance of this happening.
Emotional Conditions
When a patient considers a cosmetic surgery, it is usually the result of a dissatisfaction about some part of the body. Sometimes, especially when the surgery doesn't produce the desired or expected results, the patient may find that depression and even lower self-esteem creep in. Patients who experience either of these conditions should speak with the surgeon or a mental health professional to work through the problems before they become life-altering.
Death
In 2007, Donda West, mother of rapper Kanye West, died at age 57 of complications from a cosmetic procedure. Although complications that result in death are rare, it is still a possibility. In most cases, death is the result of complications caused by an existing medical condition and effects of the anesthesia used during the procedure. These effects may happen during the surgery or at any point during the first month after the procedure. Careful screening of your full medical history by your cosmetic surgeon is one of the best preventative measures when considering a procedure.
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