- 7 main complications of plastic surgery
- 1. Hematoma and purple spots
- 2. Accumulation of liquid
- 3. Opening the stitches
- 4. Infection
- 5. Thrombosis
- 6. Deformed scars
- 7. Decreased sensitivity
- Main consequences of anesthesia
- Risks of general anesthesia
- Risks of epidural anesthesia or spinal anesthesia
- Risks of local anesthesia
- Who is more likely to develop complications?
- How to decrease the risks of plastic surgery
Plastic surgery can be dangerous because some complications can arise, such as infection, thrombosis or rupture of the stitches. But these complications are more frequent in people who have chronic illnesses, anemia or take anticoagulants such as Warfarin and Aspirin, for example.
In addition, there is a greater chance of complications when the surgery lasts more than 2 hours, in case of general anesthesia or when major surgery is performed, such as abdominoplasty followed by breast prosthesis and gluteal graft, for example.
The best way to reduce the risk of complications due to plastic surgery is to perform the procedure in a clinic or hospital, with a plastic surgeon member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery and follow all his recommendations before and after the operation.
7 main complications of plastic surgery
Some of the main risks of plastic surgery include:
1. Hematoma and purple spots
The development of a hematoma is the most common complication of plastic surgery, which occurs due to the accumulation of blood in the operated area, causing swelling and pain. In addition, purple spots can also appear, because blood vessels rupture during surgery.
These complications can appear in all plastic surgeries, being frequent in surgeries to correct the eyelids, such as blepharoplasty, facelift or liposuction.
Although they are common complications and with low risk, they are in most cases easily treated with the use of ice or application of ointments such as Trombofob or Hirudoid, for example and, they disappear slowly until 2 weeks after the surgery. Here are some simple tips for bruising.
2. Accumulation of liquid
When there is swelling, reddened skin, pain and a feeling of fluctuation at the scar site, a complication called seroma may be developing.
To avoid this complication, it is essential to use a bandage, brace or compressive dressing in the postoperative period, rest and use a drain to remove excess liquid. In some cases, it may be necessary for a nurse to withdraw the liquid with a syringe to facilitate recovery.
3. Opening the stitches
The opening of the stitches or staples can cause dehiscence, which is when the edges of the tissues that were joined are separated and the risk of developing an infection is greater and the healing time increases.
This complication can arise when the person performs excessive movements in the postoperative period, not complying with the rest recommended by the doctor and is more common in surgeries in the belly, such as abdominoplasty.
4. Infection
The risk of infection is more common around the scar, but an internal infection can also occur, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, fever and pus. In addition, in the case of surgeries where the application of silicone prostheses is performed, such as breast augmentation, prosthesis rejection may occur, resulting in an infection that must be treated with the use of medications indicated by the doctor.
5. Thrombosis
When thrombus or clot formation occurs, it is normal to experience swelling and severe pain in the legs, especially in the calf, as well as shiny and purplish skin and, if not treated quickly, the clots can move to the lungs causing pulmonary embolism, a serious situation, which can be fatal.
To avoid this complication, it is essential to take anticoagulant drugs, such as Enoxaparin and move your feet and legs even while lying down, resting. See other ways that can help prevent thrombosis of the legs.
6. Deformed scars
The appearance of thick, deformed scars and keloids can occur after any plastic surgery but are more common the bigger the scar. In addition, lumps can also develop under the skin which is caused by the formation of a hard tissue in the area, which pulls the skin.
In some cases, retractable scars can appear, which is when the skin pulls inwards and creates a hole in the operated area. The best ways to treat deformed scars are through aesthetic physiotherapy sessions or having a new plastic surgery to correct the scar.
7. Decreased sensitivity
The loss of sensation in the operated region and on top of the scar, may occur due to the swelling of the region, but this sensation will diminish over time.
In addition to these 7 complications of plastic surgery, necrosis can also occur, which is the death of tissues due to lack of blood and oxygen and organ perforation, however these complications are more rare and are related to the plastic surgeon's inexperience.
Main consequences of anesthesia
All plastic surgeries are performed under anesthesia to block the pain and allow the doctor to perform the procedure correctly. But anesthesia can also cause other complications.
The main reactions caused by general anesthesia, which is when the patient takes medicines to sleep soundly and breathes with the aid of devices, include nausea and vomiting, urinary retention, low blood pressure, dizziness, tiredness, excessive sleepiness, tremors and headache. In more severe cases, breathing difficulties, heart attacks or even death may occur, but this is rare.
To relieve the symptoms that general anesthesia can cause, the nurse often gives medication to relieve vomiting and reduce pain, to place a bladder tube to help urinate without difficulty, but it is also important to sleep and rest.
Epidural anesthesia that is applied to the spine leads to loss of sensation in a part of the abdomen, hips and legs keeping the person awake. Its consequences involve decreasing the sensitivity of the legs for too long, which increases the risk of falling and burning. In addition, decreased pressure and back pain may occur at the site of the bite.
Local anesthesia is the one that causes the fewest side effects, however, it can cause swelling, decreased sensitivity and bruising where the injection was given.
Who is more likely to develop complications?
All individuals can develop complications during or after plastic surgery, but patients who are more likely to have problems include:
- Age over 60 years; Chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes or sleep apnea; Weak immune system, such as HIV +, cancer or hepatitis; People who take anticoagulants or have problems such as varicose veins, thrombosis, anemia or difficulty in clotting or healing; BMI greater than 29 and high amount of abdominal fat.
In addition, smokers or drug users are also more likely to have complications and, when they have had complications in other surgeries, the risk is even greater.
How to decrease the risks of plastic surgery
To avoid complications during surgery or in the postoperative period it is essential before performing the surgery:
- Perform medical examinations such as complete blood test and electrocardiogram. See the main exams you should take. Reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke or quit smoking at least 1 month before surgery, to prevent pulmonary embolism; Avoid taking the pill 1 month before surgery, especially if the surgery lasts longer than 4 hours for longer, to reduce the risk of thrombosis; Stop taking some medications, such as aspirin as directed by the doctor to avoid complications; Take antibiotics before surgery, as recommended by a doctor.
To minimize these dangers the individual should always choose to choose a plastic surgeon who is trained and reliable and choose a hospital or clinic that has good recognition.
