10 Complications Associated With a “Bad” Plastic Surgeon

In 2020, doctors performed 2,314,720 cosmetic surgeries. From breast asymmetry correction to power-assisted liposuction, procedures that enhance our physical features are becoming more popular. However, like any other invasive procedure, going under the knife has its share of risks, especially if you choose an unqualified plastic surgeon for the job.

Most Common Plastic Surgery Complications

Experiencing postoperative discomfort is normal after undergoing surgery. But you put yourself at risk of the following complications if you choose a plastic surgeon with insufficient training, skills, and experience:

1. Seroma

Seroma develops when serum or sterile body fluid collects beneath the skin’s surface. Swelling and pain are seroma’s main indicators. Though it can occur after any type of surgery, it is most common following a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. 15 to 30 percent of patients reported experiencing this condition.

Since seromas can become infected, surgeons often drain them using a needle. This effectively removes the pool of fluid, though there’s a small chance of recurrence.

2. Infection

Post-op care and instructions from the best plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ includes steps to reduce the risk of infection. Still, it remains one of the most prevalent complications of cosmetic surgery. For example, according to a 2011 study, 1.1 to 2.5 percent of patients had an infection after breast augmentation surgery.

Cellulitis, a skin infection, can arise following plastic surgery. In some cases, infections may be internal and severe, needing intravenous (IV) antibiotics.

To avoid infections, ensure your Phoenix plastic surgeon has a gold standard for sanitation and cleanliness. He or she should operate in accredited facilities and use a no-touch method (Keller Funnel®) to place implants inside the breast pocket.

3. Hematoma

Appearing as a large and painful bruise, a hematoma is a pocket of blood. It occurs in 1 percent of breast augmentations, affecting more men than women. It is also the most common side effect or complication associated with a facelift, arising in an average of 1 percent of patients.

Hematoma is a risk in almost all surgeries. Treatment may include additional operations to drain the blood, especially if the accumulation of blood is large or growing quickly.

4. Nerve damage

The possibility of nerve damage is present in different types of surgical procedures. Numbness and a tingling sensation are common after surgery, but they can also signal nerve damage. In most cases, the nerve damage is temporary. In rare cases, it can be permanent.

Most patients notice a change in sensitivity after getting breast implants, and about 15 percent experience permanent changes in nipple sensation.

5. Organ damage

Getting liposuction from a surgeon with inadequate training and experience can be traumatic for the internal organs. Visceral perforations or punctures can arise when the surgical probe comes into contact with the body’s organs. Repairing such serious injuries requires additional surgery in most cases. Furthermore, the perforations can be fatal.

6. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)

Deep vein thrombosis is a condition wherein blood clots form in deep veins, typically in the leg. Once the clots separate and travel to the lungs, pulmonary embolism occurs.

Both of these complications are uncommon. They affect as little as 0.09 percent of all patients undergoing cosmetic surgery. However, these blood clots can be life-threatening.

Tummy tuck procedures have a slightly higher rate of DVT and PE, affecting less than 1 percent of patients. The risk of blood clots is 5 times higher for individuals having multiple procedures compared with people having only one procedure.

7. Scarring

All procedures that require creating incisions can cause some scarring. Since the goal of plastic surgery is to enhance and “perfect” your physical features, the presence of scars can be unsettling. Hypertrophic scarring, for example, is a red and thick raised scar. Along with keloid scars, 1.0 to 3.7 percent of abdominoplasty patients develop them.

8. Blood loss

Some blood loss is common following any surgical procedure, whether for cosmetic purposes or medical reasons. What isn’t common or normal is uncontrolled blood loss, which can lead to a drop in blood pressure with potentially fatal outcomes. Blood loss can begin while on the operating table, but it can also happen internally after surgery.

9. Complications of anesthesia

Anesthesia is the use of medication to make you unconscious, allowing you to undergo surgery without feeling the actual procedure. General anesthesia, which is what plastic surgeons use on their patients, can sometimes cause complications. These include heart attacks, stroke, lung infections, and even death. Waking up during surgery, also called anesthesia awareness, is very rare but also possible.

Other more common risks of anesthesia include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Shivering
• Waking up confused and disoriented

To avoid these risks, ensure your plastic surgeon works with a licensed anesthesia provider. For instance, here at Guerra Plastic Surgery Center, not only is Dr. Aldo Guerra a board-certified plastic surgeon with recognitions from reputable organizations, he also only works with licensed anesthesiologists to ensure the safety of his patients.

10. Unsatisfactory results

The majority of people are happy with their postoperative outcomes. However, disappointment is still a possibility. Some patients who undergo breast augmentation surgery may experience issues with contouring or asymmetry, while those who had facial surgeries could simply not like the outcome.

Reviewing your prospective plastic surgeon’s portfolio and credentials, as well as discussing your desired results thoroughly during a consultation, are some of the best ways to avoid poor plastic surgery results.

The Bottom Line

In general, plastic surgery complications are rare. A 2018 review of over 25,000 cases revealed that complications happen in under 1 percent of all outpatient surgeries.

Similar to other types of invasive procedures, plastic surgery complications are more common in a certain group of people. For instance, smokers, people who are overweight or obese, those with health problems, and older adults are more susceptible to complications.

You can reduce your risk of complications by educating yourself about your desired procedure and any potential side effects, investigating your prospective surgeon and the facility where your operation will take place, and, ultimately, choosing Guerra Plastic Surgery Center — one of the best plastic surgery centers in Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ. Call us at 480–970–2580 to schedule an appointment.