Plastic surgery techniques have improved greatly in recent years; however there are still risks involved. If you are considering having plastic surgery, it is important that you understand first what these risks are. More and more people these days are considering plastic surgery, even when they are aware of the risks. Modern surgical innovations have made it a lot safer, however.

The potential risks of plastic surgery are reduced by preparing the patient beforehand for the possible consequences, which also helps them to approach it in a more relaxed manner. The saying ‘no gain without pain' is particularly apt for these surgical procedures.

It is crucial to the success of your plastic surgery if you choose an expertly qualified surgeon, with an excellent record of successful procedures. The skill of the surgeon is more important in the successful outcome of your surgery than is the use of the latest inventions in the field. You don't want added risks in your procedure because the surgeon lacks expertise with regard to minimizing risks and recognizing potential dangers.

However, no matter how much you minimize the risks, you can't eliminate them altogether. Plastic surgery risks will vary depending on the person and the particular procedure involved. The patient's health has a big impact; for example factors such as heavy smoking and diabetes make the patient more susceptible to risks and recovery complications.

Here are some of the most likely risks associated with plastic surgery:

Infection

The open wounds are vulnerable to entry by bacteria and viral infection, both during surgery and afterwards (by means of drain sites and sutures). For this reason the patient is usually given antibiotics during and after the procedure. If infection occurs, the patient may suffer local inflammation, discharge, foul odor and fever.

Scarring

Every patient should understand this risk, which is connected to the patient's ability to heal and reactions to suturing. As the wound heals, the edge of the skin thickens and granular tissue may form there. Surgeons usually minimize this risk by making incisions in less visible spots, such as under the breast's crease line, in the case of breast surgery.

Bleeding

For a few hours after surgery the patient is likely to bleed, and there can sometimes be complications from this such as hematoma. This means clotting and bleeding beneath the skin, causing bruising and soreness. The hematoma will in most cases eventually be re-absorbed into the body and clear up, however.

If the hematoma keeps spreading, however, then it can prevent oxygen flow to the area, which can lead to swelling, numbness, inflammation, infection and death of the skin, as well as separation of the wound. This situation therefore requires further medical attention, maybe surgery.

Seroma is when fluid collects under the skin, and this will need to be either drained or compressed.

Nerve Damage

This is very rare, and causes the patient to feel tingling or numbness in the area. This usually lasts for up to a year after surgery. If the affected nerve is one which assists muscle movement, then the patient may experience weakness or paralysis of that muscle, and this will require surgery to correct.

Reaction to Anesthetic

This is a very rare complication, but still possible. Commonly experienced reactions are sore throat and nausea. Risks increase depending on the patient's state of health and nature of the procedure, but are still very rare.

Necrosis

This means tissues which die because they do not get sufficient oxygen. In many types of plastic surgery this risk is very low, however it is higher in the case of tummy tucks, breast reductions and face lifts, and particularly if the patient is a smoker.