According to MayoClinic.com, plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery is a general term for surgical procedures that aim to enhance a person's physical appearance by altering normal body parts. Although these body parts function normally, plastic surgery is performed because individuals may not be happy with their physical appearance. Plastic surgery also reduces scarring or disfigurement that may occur as a result of accidents, birth defects or treatment for diseases. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that complications are rare, occurring in 0.34 percent of cases, with death occurring in 0.0019 percent of such cases.
Blood Clots
According to Merck.com, the patient may experience blood clots in the legs or pelvic region that occur after plastic surgery. Due to the stasis of blood that occurs during surgery, a blood clot can form, which can eventually break loose and cause obstruction in a vein. This condition is also known as deep vein thrombosis and can lead to further complications such as a stroke, heart attack or death. Although some patients have blood clots without knowing, according to MayoClinic.com, some can experience pain and cramping in that region and/or swelling, redness and warmth. Merck.com advises patients not to stay in one position for too long and to move their feet often to prevent the possibility of deep vein thrombosis. Following surgery, if a patient notices any such symptoms, Merck.com further recommends that a physician should be contacted for treatment through medication.
Bleeding and Accumulation of Fluids
According to MayoClinic.com, bleeding and accumulation of fluids are complications of plastic surgery. In surgeries such as a tummy tuck where the excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen, an incision is made. Clear fluid may accumulate just beneath this incision. This is called a seroma. If fluid has collected beneath the incision, it needs to be drained out. Seromas can also result from liposuction and breast augmentation. Surgeries such as nose surgeries may cause bleeding, which may cause blood to accumulate after the surgery. This is called hematoma. Removal of a hematoma will require additional surgery. In nose surgery, the bruising and swelling may take three to four months to subside.
If a large amount of bleeding occurs during the surgical procedure, the patient's blood pressure may drop and further complications may occur. MayoClinic.com recommends an immediate blood transfusion in such patients.
Skin Breakdown
According to MayoClinic.com, plastic surgery may result in skin breakdown. Skin breakdown is the separation of any part of the skin from healthy skin due to poor blood circulation. In the case of skin necrosis, the skin may need to be surgically removed, which may affect the outcome of the plastic surgery. This complication is more likely to occur in people who smoke.
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