Is cosmetic surgery safe?

Cosmetic surgery is a surgical procedure done by a plastic surgeon to improve the looks of a part of the body. This surgery will improve the physical appearance of the patient. All surgeries have some associated risks, and of course, it all varies from one person to another. The most common factors are related to the patient’s medical history and habits such as smoking or drinking. Technology has transformed the medical sector so every year, we get new surgical equipment that lower these risks. In this article, we shall go in-depth on the safety of cosmetic surgeries.

Do you dread scarring

This is a most common issue with cosmetic surgery. However, every effort is made to minimize them if they occur. It is especially a greater problem for people with darker skin because their skins tend to raise keloid scars.

What’s your health condition?

If you do not presently have any health problems or previous medical issues, the chances of the risks lower. However, if you have a history of heart disease or if you were overweight and then went through a massive weight loss, there is a greater risk of complication from anesthesia. Complication can take the form of a stroke or abnormal heart rhythm. However, it is worth mentioning that these complications are very rare.

Infection rate

The risk of infection is less than 1% and prescribed antibiotics immensely reduce this percentage. However, the infection can happen, and it can be devastating when it happens. For example, people who smoke, take steroids or have vascular conditions are at greater risk for infection.

Unhealthy personal habits

You have to understand that cigarette smoking is your worst enemy if you want to have cosmetic surgery. For neck lifting or other surgeries where the procedure means that large areas of skin are shifted from one place to another, there is a great risk for skin breakdown, slow healing process, and potential infection. Depending on the procedure done, smoking can cause minor risks. However, if the patient has a history of alcoholism or drug abuse and their liver is compromised, then anesthesia may complicate their chances of having a successful cosmetic surgery.

Necrosis

This refers to the death of tissue due to insufficient supply of oxygen occasioned by an operation. The risk is very rare, and it only occurs to procedures that involve face lifts, tummy tucks, or breast reduction. If you are a smoker, though, there is a greater chance that your blood vessels get less oxygen hence a cosmetic surgery may not be a good idea for you. However, it is treated in the early stages through oxygen therapy.

Conclusion

Before you do a cosmetic surgery, you have to prepare your body by ensuring you do a full detox and try to change life habits before, during and after the procedure. While these risks are largely curable, you should know how to prevent them before they escalate into a worse medical situation.