Plastic Surgery Risks and Complications

    MCLEAN, VA, April 17, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Although plastic surgery is elective and is not required as a result of underlying health problems, it is still very real surgery carrying the same basic risks inherent to any surgery as well as the potential for complications. Choosing the right cosmetic surgeon, closely following your doctor's directions before and after surgery, and having realistic expectations, minimize the risks and likelihood of complications.

General Plastic Surgery Risks

Some risks and complications of plastic surgery are procedure specific, but there are some general risks that apply to all types of plastic surgery procedures:

- Reaction to or complications of anesthesia
- Bleeding after surgery
- Infection
- Nerve damage - temporary tingling or numbness is common after surgery. In rare cases it can be permanent
- Scarring - a highly skilled cosmetic surgeon will place incisions carefully to minimize scarring. Some skin types and people with a history of excessive scarring increase your likelihood of developing undesirable scars
- Necrosis (skin death) - more common in smokers, this can be the result of infection or hematoma. Necrosis requires the removal of damaged tissue
- Asymmetry - a slight amount of asymmetry is normal and desirable. Extreme asymmetry requires and additional procedure to correct
- Dissatisfaction with results

Dissatisfaction with the Results of Plastic Surgery

Dissatisfaction with the results of plastic surgery can have a significant psychological and emotional impact and may lead to subsequent procedures to try to achieve the desired results. Choosing the right cosmetic surgeon and having realistic expectations are your best preventative measures against an undesirable outcome.

The right surgeon not only has the skill and experience to perform beautiful work, but also pays close attention to your needs and goals and will discuss openly with you what you can expect and will be honest with you if your expectations are not realistic.

On your end, reading up on your procedure, viewing before and after images of real patients, and communicating with your cosmetic surgeon can all help you to understand what is possible, what is not possible, and which procedures re the most likely to produce the results that you truly want.

Recovery and Healing After Plastic Surgery

The best candidates for cosmetic surgery are in good mental and physical health before their procedures. Even if you are in the best of health, it is absolutely imperative that you follow your cosmetic surgeon's instructions before and after your procedure if you want to heal properly and avoid complications.

If you are not willing or able to make this commitment, you should not have plastic surgery, or you should postpone your procedure until you can take the time out for recovery.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery in the Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. area, please visit the website of NOVA SurgiCare, PC, Center for Oral & Facial Rejuvenation to learn more.

Website: http://www.novasurgicare.com

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