Cosmetic surgery can be life-changing, and its effects go beyond physical. Most do it not only to look more attractive but also to raise self-esteem and gain social acceptance. Because plastic surgery is optional, many people only think about its benefits and believe that it’s a hundred percent safe. This is a misconception. Similar to any other medical procedure, it does have risks.
If you’re thinking about undergoing cosmetic surgery, being aware of the risks as well as the benefits will enable you to make a more informed decision on whether or not it’s the right step to take.
Poor surgery results
The worst thing you could experience is looking worse than you did before the surgery. This is unfortunate, but it does happen. In fact, some plastic surgeons are specialized in fixing botched procedures.
Cosmetic surgery has become a lucrative industry, and some individuals have taken advantage of the demand by passing themselves off as experts even if they are not properly trained and certified. The patients of these so-called specialists usually end up with bad results.
At the onset, make sure that the surgeon you choose has a board certification and has sufficient experience in the particular procedure that you want. Go to this site to learn more about the different kinds of cosmetic surgery procedures.
Scars
Scars develop when damaged skin begins to heal after surgery. What’s unpredictable is how much scarring will occur. Too much of it is unsightly and runs against to your goal of having surgery in the first place.
A skillful surgeon can minimize the appearance of scars, but cannot prevent them altogether. This is because scarring depends on various other factors such as age, genetic predisposition, and depth of incision.
If you’re prone to scarring, you can minimize it by:
● Avoiding alcohol and cigarettes. Alcohol is dehydrating, which is not good for the skin. Smoking, on the other hand, is a dangerous habit that hinders the healing process. Most doctors order their patients to quit smoking two weeks before the operation.
● Eating right. Eat lots of protein like chicken, beef, and dairy, which provides the building blocks for skin and muscle repair.
● Proper incision care. Take steps to ensure that your wound stays free from infection, which prevents it from closing up and prolongs recovery.
Excessive bleeding
Bleeding is normal after a medical procedure, but when it continues afterward, then it becomes an issue. Most cases of excessive bleeding occur due to certain medications. Hypertensive patients are also likely to experience this.
It’s best to consult with your physician first before seeing a cosmetic surgeon, especially if you’re taking maintenance drugs. Some of these may be blood-thinning, which increases the risk of bleeding.
Blot clots or hematoma
Blot clots are the body’s natural defense against bleeding when it’s injured; thus, you might notice some discoloration, swelling, and pain within the wounded area for a week after the surgery.
If the hematoma continues to swell, this might be a cause for concern. Blood circulation in the wound area is likely hindered, cutting oxygen supply. This will lead to inflammation and numbness, and even skin death if left untreated.
Another dangerous consequence of hematoma is when a clot reenters the bloodstream and blocks a vital artery in the lungs and heart. In this case, you will need immediate medical attention.
The risk of forming blood clots is low, but you can still benefit from it by applying these post-surgery preventive measures:
● Drink eight glasses of water every day. This will keep you adequately hydrated so that your blood platelets are less likely to clump together and start clotting.
● When lying down, prop your lower extremities with pillows to elevate them at a level above the heart. The reason for doing this is to stimulate blood flow all over the body.
● Don’t stay in a single position for too long. Doing so can cause blood to collect at the ankles, where clots can form. Even if you’re experiencing post-surgery tiredness, try to move around after the operation.
Reactions to anesthesia
Anesthesia-related issues are rare but are severe when they occur. Sometimes, they can even result in patient’s death. Risks from anesthesia include allergic reactions, respiratory problems, coma, and cardiac arrest. Some patients feel nauseous as an after-effect of anesthetics.
Even if these issues have very minimal chances of occuring, you should take steps to avoid them.
● If the procedure requires you to have general anesthesia, make sure that the anesthesiologist handling your care is board certified.
● Talk to the surgeon and anesthesiologist about your medical history so that adjustments can be made on protocols and medicines. If you are requested to stop using a drug or a product, you have to comply for the sake of your health and safety.
● Quit smoking since it raises surgical risks.
● Adhere to any post-surgery instructions that your doctor recommends.
Going through cosmetic surgery is a big decision, and its results can affect you for the rest of your life. It has rewards, but there are also risks. Do your research and consider all the pros and cons carefully. Being an informed patient helps ensure that you get some gain from the pain.
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