Plastic surgery has become commonplace enough that some people think of it in the same self improvement category as getting teeth whitened or professional hair color. But in fact plastic surgery has real risks involved, from minor complications to death. The more procedures undertaken at one time, the higher the risk, primarily because of increased risk associated with the use of general anesthesia. This is why it is so important to choose a reputable plastic surgeon.

Complications associated with anesthesia and sedation include blood clots, abnormal heart rhythm, airway obstruction, heart attack, brain damage, nerve damage, temporary paralysis, and stroke. Cosmetic surgery patients who already have lung disease, heart trouble, or obesity have greater anesthesia related risks. It is extremely important that prospective patients inform their doctor about any medications taken regularly – including over the counter medications and herbs – and provide their doctor with a complete medical history.

Blood clots are a rare, but real risk from anesthesia. The longer the time a patient spends under anesthesia, the higher the risk of a blood clot. The risk of blood clot is higher in cosmetic surgery patients having liposuction, but when they wear compression garments according to instruction after surgery, the risk is reduced.

Another complication that can arise apart from anesthesia reactions includes aspiration, which occurs if the patient vomits during the surgery and the vomit gets into the lungs. While it can cause only mild discomfort, it can also lead to infections, lung obstruction, or chronic coughing.

While blood loss is normal with any surgical procedure, excessive bleeding is not and can cause serious complications. If excess bleeding occurs during the surgical procedure, the surgeon and anesthesiologist will detect this by observing pooled blood or noting a drop in blood pressure. If the excess bleeding occurs after surgery, it can result in blood accumulation under the skin. Sometimes this complication results in further surgical intervention.

While the risk of infection from cosmetic surgery is low (under 1%), if infection does set in, it can be very serious. The risk is higher in people who smoke, who have to take corticosteroids for medical conditions, or who have certain circulatory diseases. Longer surgical procedures increase the likelihood of infection. Patients are routinely prescribed antibiotics after surgery, and proper compliance with the prescribed instructions lowers the risk of infection greatly.

Minor complications from cosmetic plastic surgery include asymmetry in procedures like liposuction of hips and thighs, and breast augmentation. Healing may take longer in some patients due to their skin condition, age, or disregard for post-surgical instructions. Irregularities like dimpling and puckering may occur with liposuction, and time may heal some of these irregularities.

Risks associated with plastic surgery cannot be eliminated altogether, but they can be minimized with a good choice of surgeon, realistic expectations, and rigorous adherence to pre-operative and post-operative instructions.