More than ever, people are turning to plastic surgery to fix anything they view as a physical blemish. Like all surgeries, however, plastic surgery comes with its own risks and possible side effects.
Emotional Effects
Emotional effects of plastic surgery are discussed far less than its physical effects. However, according to a a 2004 study published in "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery," patients who are not satisfied with the surgery may experience depression, social isolation, family problems or self-destructive behaviors. In addition, according to the APA, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) affects 7 percent to 12 percent of those who have undergone plastic surgery. People with BDD obsess with changing their appearance to the point where it negatively affects their personal life.
Numbness
Temporary numbness is common at the site of any surgical incision. With regard to most types of plastic surgery, permanent numbness is rare. However, after any type of breast surgery, permanent numbness is much more of a concern.
Seroma
After a tummy tuck, a collection of body fluids may form. This development, called seroma, is common enough that many surgeons regularly insert a drain during surgery in order to prevent seroma from occurring.
Tissue Death
Some tissue death, or necrosis, is expected after any surgical procedure. However, the amount of necrosis can increase dramatically if you are a smoker. Smoking decreases the amount of blood that is carried to tissues near the surgical site, which can lead to more necrosis during surgery.
Excessive Bleeding
Hematoma, or excessive bleeding, is more common in men than in women during facial surgeries. Men have more capillaries on their faces due to facial hair growth, so there's more blood carried to their faces.
Infections
Like all surgeries, plastic surgery carries the risk of infection. Because most plastic surgery patients are healthy to begin with, the risk of infection is lower than in other surgeries. When infection does occur, however, it must be stopped immediately before it can spread.
Scarring
Some scarring is inevitable in any surgery, but plastic surgeons can intentionally cut in a place where the scar will be least noticeable or not noticeable at all. Everyone scars differently, so surgeons will often look at previous scars to determine how well the patient's skin heals.
