Cosmetic Surgery Risks and Complications

    ORLANDO, FL, March 27, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Like any invasive surgical procedure, cosmetic surgery carries an inherent risk. Many patients find that the benefits of cosmetic enhancements far outweigh the risks. However, you should be aware of the potential complications and outcomes before you commit to a given procedure.

Health Risks Resulting from Cosmetic Surgery

Serious complications are rare, but do occur in some patients. Several of the more common complications include:

- Infection: Although the risk of infection after cosmetic surgery is less than 1 percent, infections can be serious. If you are a smoker, take steroids or have certain vascular conditions, your risk is greater. The longer your surgery takes and the more blood you lose, the greater your risk of having an infection.

- Decreased blood pressure: Many patients experience a drop in blood pressure during surgery, which is normal. However, a sudden drop caused by blood loss can lead to an irregular heartbeat and even cause a heart attack.

- Loose Stitches: While this seems minor, if your sutures become loose after your procedure, it can result in internal bleeding or hernia. Complications like these would require additional surgery.

- Asymmetry: If your outcome leaves you with a mild to severe asymmetry, you may need a second surgery immediately following your first procedure. Two surgeries close together can be risky and pose a threat to your health. If your asymmetry is mild to moderate, it is a good idea to wait until having a corrective procedure performed.

- Obvious scarring: Depending on your procedure, you should expect some visible scarring. Sometimes these scars can be hidden in inconspicuous places. Other times, they can not. Make sure you are willing to accept any visible scarring before moving forward with cosmetic surgery.

Emotional Complications

Aside from the physical complications, there are also emotional risks associated with cosmetic surgery. Women who use cosmetic surgery to self-medicate often find that their emotional issues are unresolved after their procedure. This may leave them feeling empty, as the full satisfaction they were hoping for was not accomplished.

The other emotional risk is an addiction to cosmetic surgery. Some women find that improving one characteristic of their body or face can leave them with the desire to change more things about their appearance.
Reducing Your Chance of Complications

There are steps you can take to decrease your chances of negative health and emotional outcomes. These include:

- Choosing the right doctor: Select your Florida cosmetic surgeon carefully and make sure he or she is skilled in performing your chosen procedure. Check references, training and continued education. Being 100 percent confident in your decision and fully trusting your doctor's abilities will help ensure a successful outcome.

- Choose the procedure that is right for you: Make sure that your chosen procedure is the best possible option for achieving your cosmetic goals. Also discuss with your surgeon whether this procedure suits your anatomical criteria and that you accept any potential side effects.

- Get healthy beforehand: Make sure you are in the best shape possible, both physically and emotionally before undergoing your procedure(s). Also refrain from using drugs or alcohol and any other behavior which will weaken your immune system and overall well-being.

If you are and interested in making improvements to your appearance through cosmetic surgery, please visit the website for Park Avenue Plastic Surgery today, and learn how Orlando plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Joseph can help.

Website: http://www.orlando-plastic-surgery.com

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