
Cosmetic surgery has become increasingly popular over the past few decades, allowing individuals to improve their physical appearance and self-esteem through various cosmetic procedures. However, as with any medical procedure, there are risks involved. While many plastic surgery procedures are relatively safe, some carry a higher risk of complications, making them more dangerous than others. But what is the riskiest cosmetic surgery?
In this extensive guide, we will explore some of the most dangerous cosmetic surgeries, highlighting the factors contributing to the risks, the possible postoperative complications, and how to make informed decisions when considering aesthetic plastic surgery. From the Brazilian butt lift to breast augmentation surgery and tummy tucks, we will cover high-risk procedures and discuss the important aspects of patient safety and preparation.
Understanding Cosmetic Surgery Risks
Before undergoing the riskiest cosmetic surgeries, it’s important to understand that they carry inherent risks. These risks vary depending on the surgical procedure, the plastic surgeon’s skill, the patient’s medical history, and other factors such as age and overall health.
Risk factors include, but are not limited to:
- General health conditions: Conditions like diabetes mellitus or high blood pressure can increase the risk of complications during or after surgery.
- Body mass index (BMI): A higher BMI may increase the likelihood of postoperative complications, such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and delayed wound healing.
- Multiple procedures: Having multiple cosmetic surgery procedures at once can increase operative risk factors, making it essential to discuss the feasibility and safety with a skilled aesthetic plastic surgeon.
- Medical tourism: Patients seeking cosmetic surgery abroad for a more affordable option may not always get the same quality of care as those undergoing surgery with board-certified surgeons in their home country. This can lead to botched cosmetic surgery and unsafe outcomes.
- Surgical complications: Surgical complications such as infection, nerve damage, blood clots, and fat embolism can arise from any procedure but are more likely in higher-risk surgeries.
The Most Dangerous Cosmetic Surgeries
While cosmetic surgery is often thought of as low-risk, some aesthetic surgery procedures are significantly more dangerous than others. Let’s look at some of the most dangerous cosmetic surgeries and understand why they carry higher risks:
1. Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
One of the most dangerous plastic surgery procedures is the Brazilian butt lift, or BBL. This procedure involves fat grafting, where fat is liposuctioned from one part of the body (typically the abdomen, thighs, or flanks) and then injected into the buttocks to create more contoured buttocks.
Why is the BBL risky?
- Fat embolism: The most significant risk of BBL is the potential for a fat embolism, in which fat cells enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs, brain, or heart. This can cause pulmonary embolism or cardiac arrest, both of which can be fatal.
- Injury to major blood vessels: During the fat transfer, the fat injections can inadvertently enter large blood vessels near the buttocks, leading to life-threatening complications.
- Postoperative complications: The high risk of infection, nerve damage, and wound healing problems in the buttock area can also make this procedure more dangerous compared to others.
Given the serious nature of the risks, it’s crucial to choose an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon with a track record of safe and successful BBL surgeries.
2. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
The tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a popular procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area while tightening the abdominal muscles. This surgery is often sought by individuals who have undergone significant weight loss or pregnancy and want to restore a flatter, more toned abdomen.
Why is the tummy tuck risky?
- Blood clots and deep vein thrombosis: After a tummy tuck, patients are at a higher risk for developing blood clots, especially if they don’t follow postoperative instructions like staying mobile and wearing compression garments.
- Nerve damage: The procedure involves removing large skin sections, which may damage nerves and cause loss of sensation in the abdominal area.
- Infection and poor wound healing: Infection and poor wound healing are common concerns due to the nature of the surgery. Smoking or having diabetes mellitus can exacerbate these risks.
3. Breast Augmentation and Breast Reconstruction
Breast augmentation surgery is a procedure that involves inserting implants (silicone or saline) to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. While breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures, it still carries its risks.
Why is breast augmentation risky?
- Implant rupture or leakage: Over time, implants can rupture or leak, which may require another surgery for replacement or removal. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare but serious complication associated with textured implants.
- Infection: As with any surgical procedure, infection is a risk, particularly if the implants are placed through an incision in the armpit or under the breast.
- Capsular contracture: The body’s natural response to the implant is to form a protective scar capsule around it. Sometimes, this capsule can tighten, causing the implant to feel hard and misshapen. This can lead to discomfort and potential surgery for correction.
4. Facelifts (Rhytidectomy)
Facelifts are cosmetic surgeries that remove excess skin from the face and tighten the underlying muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging. The goal is to restore a youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
Why is a facelift risky?
- Nerve damage: During a facelift, the facial nerves can be damaged, leading to loss of sensation, muscle weakness, or even facial paralysis.
- Blood clots: As with many surgeries, the risk of blood clots can complicate recovery, particularly if the patient does not follow instructions to avoid excessive activity post-surgery.
- Infection and scarring: There is always a risk of infection and poor wound healing, especially in the delicate skin of the face. Scarring may also be an issue, although skilled surgeons try to hide incisions in natural skin folds.
Key Risk Factors to Consider in Cosmetic Surgery
Every surgery carries some risk, and cosmetic surgery is no exception. Even though most procedures are safe, cosmetic surgery complications can occur. Being aware of these risks is vital to your safety and well-being.
a. Infection
One of the most common cosmetic surgery complications is infection. While infection is rare in modern cosmetic surgeries, it can still happen, especially if proper aftercare instructions aren’t followed. Infections can occur in the incision site and may cause redness, swelling, pain, or even fever. If left untreated, infections can lead to more serious conditions that may require additional surgery.
Preventing Infection
To reduce the risk of infection, follow the cosmetic surgeon’s instructions regarding aftercare, which may include:
- Taking antibiotics as prescribed
- Keeping the incision site clean and dry
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol, which can slow down healing and increase infection risk
- Wearing compression garments, if applicable, to support the healing tissue
b. Blood Clots
Another potential complication is the development of blood clots. After plastic surgery procedures, especially those involving liposuction or tummy tucks, blood clots can form in the legs and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. This is a potentially life-threatening complication that can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and even cardiac arrest.
Preventing Blood Clots
To minimize the risk of blood clots, your cosmetic surgeon may recommend:
- Taking blood thinners before and after surgery
- Wearing compression stockings to promote circulation
- Staying mobile and doing light movements shortly after surgery, as recommended by your surgeon
c. Anesthesia Risks
Cosmetic surgeries typically require anesthesia. Whether you undergo local, sedation, or general anesthesia, there are inherent risks. Adverse reactions to anesthesia, such as allergic reactions, nausea, or breathing difficulties, can occur, especially for those with underlying health conditions.
Preventing Anesthesia Complications
To mitigate the risk of anesthesia complications, inform your cosmetic surgeon and anesthesiologist of any medical conditions, allergies, or medications you are taking. This will allow them to tailor the anesthesia plan to suit your specific needs and minimize the risk of complications.
d. Scarring and Wound Healing Problems
Scarring is a natural part of the healing process, but excessive scarring or poor wound healing can occur in some cases. This is particularly true for patients with darker skin tones or those who tend to develop keloid scars.
Preventing Scarring
While scarring cannot be entirely prevented, you can minimize its appearance by:
- Following aftercare instructions, including proper cleaning and avoiding sun exposure
- Using silicone-based scar treatments or scar gels after the wound has healed
- Avoiding smoking, which can slow the body’s healing process
e. Nerve Damage
Some cosmetic surgeries, such as facelifts, liposuction, and body lifts, carry a risk of nerve damage. Damage to sensory or motor nerves can result in numbness, tingling, or temporary paralysis in the treated area. In most cases, nerve damage is temporary and resolves as the body heals, but in some rare cases, it may be permanent.
Preventing Nerve Damage
To reduce the risk of nerve damage, it is crucial to:
- Choose a highly experienced and board-certified cosmetic surgeon
- Discuss any underlying conditions (such as diabetes or prior surgeries) that may affect your nerve function
3. Health Conditions and Risk Factors
Certain health conditions and lifestyle choices can increase the likelihood of cosmetic surgery complications. Being aware of these risk factors is essential for anyone considering surgery.
a. Pre-existing Health Conditions
Conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or respiratory disorders can increase the risks associated with surgery. These conditions can affect how your body responds to anesthesia, healing time, and the ability to manage infections or complications.
How to Minimize Risk
If you have a chronic condition, it’s essential to:
- Discuss your medical history with your cosmetic surgeon during the consultation
- Ensure your condition is well-managed with the help of your doctor
- Be prepared for additional testing or clearance from a medical professional before surgery
b. Obesity and High BMI
Patients with a high body mass index (BMI) are at a higher risk of complications such as infection, blood clots, and poor wound healing. In addition, some plastic surgery procedures, such as liposuction and tummy tucks, may not be suitable for individuals with a high BMI.
How to Minimize Risk
If you have a high BMI, your cosmetic surgeon may suggest:
- Losing weight before undergoing surgery to reduce risks
- Optimizing health conditions and improving fitness before surgery
c. Smoking and Alcohol Use
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are known to impair healing and increase the risk of infection and complications after cosmetic surgery. Smoking, in particular, reduces blood flow, which can impair wound healing and lead to poor plastic surgery outcomes.
How to Minimize Risk
It is strongly recommended that you:
- Stop smoking at least four to six weeks before and after surgery
- Limit alcohol intake and avoid drinking excessively in the weeks leading up to the procedure
4. The Impact of Multiple Procedures
While many patients undergo multiple cosmetic procedures simultaneously, combining surgeries can increase the risk of complications. When multiple procedures are performed, the body is under greater stress, and the recovery process can be longer and more complicated.
Risks of Multiple Procedures
- Increased risk of infection and blood clots
- Prolonged anesthesia exposure
- Delayed healing
Minimizing Risks
If you’re considering multiple surgeries, it’s essential to:
- Consult with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon to ensure your body can handle the procedure
- Consider spacing out surgeries to give your body time to recover between procedures
5. Cosmetic Dentistry: Risks and Considerations
While cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers, whitening, and implants are generally safe, there are still risks associated with these treatments.
a. Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Some cosmetic dental treatments may cause damage to the enamel or lead to gum recession. If oral hygiene is improperly maintained, tooth decay and gum disease can occur, leading to long-term complications.
b. Infection and Nerve Damage
Invasive cosmetic dentistry procedures such as implants or root canals can cause infection or nerve damage if performed incorrectly. Anesthesia risks also apply to these procedures, especially when general anesthesia is used for more extensive surgeries.
How to Minimize Risks and Ensure a Safe Outcome
Choosing a highly skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon is one of the most important steps to minimize risks. Additionally, carefully following pre-surgery and post-surgery instructions, maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding smoking, and staying in good overall health will help ensure the best possible outcome.
Postoperative Care
Proper postoperative care is essential for a smooth recovery and minimizing the risk of complications. This includes:
- Resting and avoiding strenuous activities during recovery
- Monitoring for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or unusual discharge
- Taking prescribed medications, including antibiotics to prevent infections and painkillers to manage discomfort
Conclusion
While cosmetic surgery offers incredible opportunities for individuals to enhance their appearance, it’s essential to acknowledge that certain procedures carry higher risks than others. Surgeries like the Brazilian butt lift, tummy tuck, breast augmentation, and facelifts all come with potential complications that must be carefully considered.
Before deciding to undergo any cosmetic surgery procedure, consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon and fully understanding the risks involved is crucial. With the right preparation, a skilled surgeon, and proper care, the likelihood of complications can be minimized, and the cosmetic surgery outcomes can be highly satisfying. Always prioritize safety and choose wisely to ensure a successful and risk-free surgery.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-would-disqualify-you-from-getting-plastic-surgery
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-to-know-about-plastic-surgery-risks
https://www.businessinsider.com/most-dangerous-plastic-surgeries-2018-8