Introduction
Plastic surgery is a surgical technique incorporated to reconstruct facial and body tissue defects. It benefits individuals who have illnesses or birth disorders or people who have undergone any trauma or injury. With numerous benefits of plastic surgery, there are a few complications as well. This article throws light on how to manage and prevent the complications coming from plastic surgery.
What Is Plastic Surgery?
The term “plastic surgery” originates from the Greek word “plastikos,” which means to “form” or “mold. It is a surgical specialty that alters certain body areas and provides a better look and function. It can be performed on any body area, like the face, neck, breasts, stomach, arms, and legs. Plastic surgery can be used for:
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Various skin issues like skin cancer, scars, burns, birthmarks, and tattoo removal.
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Reshaping the facial bones.
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Correct a congenital deformity (condition a baby is born with) like an abnormally shaped outer ear, cleft palate, cleft lip, and more.
What Are the Risks Associated With Plastic Surgery?
All surgical procedures have some extent of risk associated with them. Plastic and reconstructive surgery methods are generally complicated. They alter sensitive structures adjacent to the major organs or delicate tissue. One of the primary risks is that one might not get the result as expected. Some other risks associated with plastic surgery are:
1. Hematoma:
A hematoma is a pocket of blood that resembles a large, painful bruise. It is seen in one percent of breast augmentation procedures. It is also the most common complication after a facelift, seen in an average of one percent of patients. Its prevalence is more common in males than females.
2. Seroma:
Seroma occurs when serum or sterile body fluid accumulates beneath the skin's surface, resulting in swelling and sometimes pain. This occurs post-surgery, and it is the most common complication following a tummy tuck noted in 15 to 30 percent of patients.
3. Blood Loss:
As with any kind of surgery, some blood loss is normal. However, if the loss of blood takes place too much, it can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure with potentially fatal consequences. Blood loss can occur while on the operating table but also internally after surgery.
4. Infection:
Postoperative care steps are taken to reduce the risk of infection, but still, it is one of the more frequently occurring complications of plastic surgery. For instance, infections take place in 1.1 to 2.5 percent of people who have breast augmentation.
5. Nerve Damage
The chances for nerve damage are present in various types of surgical procedures. Numbness and tingling are commonly noted after plastic surgery and can be signs of nerve damage. Most frequently, the nerve damage is temporary, but in some cases, it can be permanent. Many women notice a change in sensitivity post-breast augmentation procedure, and 15 percent face permanent changes in nipple sensation.
Some other risk factors after plastic surgery are:
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Abnormal scarring.
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Blood clots.
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Complications of anesthesia, like respiratory issues at the time of the procedure.
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Fluid build-up (edema).
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Scarring that prevents natural movement.
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Slow-healing wounds and incisions that take longer than expected time to heal.
How to Manage and Prevent the Risks Associated With Plastic Surgery?
The expertise and proficiency of the plastic surgeon are crucial in decreasing these risks. However, this is only one aspect of the process. The practices incorporated before and after surgery are crucial in ensuring a successful result and averting potential complications. A vital factor in mitigating surgery-related risks and complications is choosing an appropriate plastic surgeon and adhering strictly to their advice. Following the surgeon's pre-operative and post-operative guidelines is essential to get the best possible results.
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Wearing Compression Garments: If the surgeon advises wearing compression garments, it is important to do so as per their instructions. These garments help decrease swelling, support the treated area, and can help in contouring the body after surgeries like liposuction or a tummy tuck. Not wearing them as told can affect the outcome of the surgery.
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Managing Physical Activity: Avoid heavy activities and too much exercise during recovery. While some movement benefits circulation, overexertion can result in complications like increased swelling, bleeding, or disruption of the surgical site.
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Attending Follow-Up Appointments: Post-operative appointments are required to monitor the patient's recovery and address any concerns or complications. By these appointments, the surgeon can check the healing process and provide further instructions or adjustments needed to the care plan.
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Taking Medications Promptly: Sticking to the medication schedule advised by the surgeon. This includes pain relievers, antibiotics, or any other prescribed drugs. Taking medications on time as directed is crucial for pain management and preventing infections.
Some other methods taken to prevent the risks are:
Infection Control:
Infection is a primary risk factor in any surgical procedure, and its prevention is highly needed for a successful result of the surgery. Few patients may be at a higher risk of developing postoperative infections, making infection control measures necessarily important.
Overall Health and Comorbidities:
The overall health status of a patient, including the physical and mental conditions, is a critical point in defining the suitability for plastic surgery. A few health conditions can either be contraindications to surgery or significantly increase the associated risks. Underlying chronic diseases like diabetes or acute infections, whether respiratory or genital, can result in the postponement of a planned surgery. Patients must be in good health before planning plastic surgery.
Conclusion
Plastic surgery is a surgery that alters a few areas of the body and provides a better look and function. It can be performed on any body area like the face, neck, breasts, stomach, arms, and legs. Like any other kind of surgery, plastic surgery also has some risk factors associated with it. But these can be managed or prevented by taking proper measures at the appropriate time. Commonly seen problems are infections, blood clots, blood loss, etc. An experienced team of surgeons and hospital staff is required to avoid these complications through infection control measures and giving proper medication to the patient to avoid blood loss, etc. Post-operative instructions also must be followed appropriately by the patients.
