Cosmetic Surgery-Risks and Expectations

All surgeries, including cosmetic procedures, carry risk. Those with a history of cardiovascular disease, lung disease, diabetes or obesity have a higher risk of developing complications such as pneumonia, stroke, heart attack or blood clots in the legs or lungs. Smoking also increases risks and interferes with healing.

A meeting with the surgeon will include a discussion of these risks and others related to the patient's health history.

Possible complications for any surgical procedure include:

• Complications related to anesthesia, including pneumonia, blood clots and, rarely, death
• Infection at the incision site, which may worsen scarring and require additional surgery
• Fluid build up under the skin
• Mild bleeding, which may require another surgical procedure, or bleeding significant enough to require a transfusion
• Obvious scarring or skin breakdown, which occurs when healing skin separates from healthy skin and must be removed surgically
• Numbness and tingling from nerve damage, which may be permanent

Questions for the patient to consider before pursuing cosmetic surgery:

• What are my motives for wanting to change how I look?
• What are the specific attributes of my appearance that I want to change?
• Do I have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery?
• What aspects of my life will be affected such as family, work, travel and social obligations?
• What time in my life will work best so that I have the greatest chance for a successful recovery?
• Have I talked about my concerns and questions openly with my health care provider?

Questions to ask the cosmetic surgeon:

It is a good idea to bring a notepad to write down answers.

• What are your qualifications?
• How long have you been board-certified?
• How many procedures have you done similar to the one I'm considering?
• What other health care professionals are involved in my care?
• What side effects can I expect?
• What results can I expect?
• What are the possible complications of the cosmetic surgery I am considering?
• What kind of help will I need at home following surgery?
• How long before I see the final results of my surgery?
• How long before I can go back to work and/or resume exercise?
• Are there complications unique to my health history?
• Will I have any scars and if yes, what will they look like?
• If my procedure requires stitches, when will they be removed?
• How much does the procedure cost?

Questions to ask about a procedure:

• What does the procedure do? What does it not do?
• What are the risks and complications associated with this procedure?
• How long is the recovery period?
• Can I expect much discomfort?
• Will I have scars?
• Are there other procedures I should consider at the same time?
• Will I need a physical examination prior to surgery?
• How long will the results last?
• How much does it cost?

• Care is targeted to the individual needs of each patient.
• Realistic expectations are key — the goal is improvement, not perfection.
• Everyone is asymmetrical.
• Each patient has a different result.
• Patients will have at least two visits with the surgeon and/or another member of the health care team before surgery.
• It is essential that a patient be in good physical and mental health.
• Abstaining from all nicotine products and avoiding secondhand smoke for at least six weeks before and after surgery is crucial.
• Surgical scars are permanent.
• Bruising and swelling are temporary.
• Some surgeries require drains.
• Recovery times vary by person and procedure, but a minimum of 6 to 12 weeks is typical for many cosmetic surgeries.
• Insurance does not usually cover cosmetic procedures.
• Patients may need follow-up surgeries to achieve their goals.
• The wait between surgeries is generally at least four months.