All medical procedures involve some level of risk. When considering plastic surgery it is very important for the patient to understand all the risks involved with their surgery. High risks are most commonly associated with breast augmentations and liposuction.

Breast augmentation

Serious risks and illnesses have been associated with breast augmentation. However, many of those claims have been disproved. Still, plastic surgery to the breast carries risks that have not been disproved and should be addressed. Some people who receive breast implants can experience trouble after the procedure. These risks associated with breast augmentation can include rupture of the implant, breast disfigurement, various infections, pain, and capsular contracture. Capsular contracture is a contraction of the scar tissue that the body forms around breast implants. All patients are strongly advised to be aware of all the risks associated with plastic surgery and realize that changes to the shape of the breast after implantation can occur and are irreversible.

Examples

If saline-filled breast implants deflates, the saline solution will leak either through an unsealed or damaged valve or through a break in the implant shell. Implant deflation can occur immediately following surgery or over the following months after the completion of the surgery. Removal of the implants may leave undesirable dimpling, puckering, wrinkling, or other negative cosmetic changes to the breast shape and appearance.

Liposuction

Liposuction does not carry as many risks as breast augmentation. Liposuction risks include infection, allergic reaction to anesthesia, blood clots, and nerve damage. Other liposuction risks can be friction burns, fluid accumulation, and excessive fluid loss. These liposuction risks are often directly related to incision size and the use of general anesthesia. Such liposuction risks decrease greatly when tumescent liposuction procedures are used. The tumescent procedure involves the use of tiny incisions. This greatly reduces the risk of infection. The tumescent technique also eliminates the need for general anesthesia which acts as a risk reducing factor. Other minor risks of liposuction have a direct relation to the skill of the surgeon. Following the instructions of the surgeon following liposuction can prevent minor complications such blood clotting and will help speed up the recovery process.