The effects of cosmetic surgery can be both physical and psychological, ranging from larger breasts or a decrease in body fat to improved self-image and confidence. Negative effects usually occur when mistakes are made in the operating room or patients enter into the surgery with unrealistic expectations. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery recommends patients interview a surgeon in-depth before proceeding with a procedure to make sure the physician understands the needs of the patient and the patient trusts the work of the doctor.
Complications
While plastic surgery has a low rate of adverse complications, general anesthesia is used and every patient reacts differently to surgical procedures, leaving room for error and complications. Under sedation, patients may experience nerve damage, paralysis, heart attack or stroke. Excessive bleeding can occur as in any surgery and may require additional surgeries if blood accumulates under the skin. Infections, though rare, can occur and are typically treated with antibiotics. Patients who smoke, have vascular conditions or take steroids are at higher risk for infection and excessive bleeding. Other physical complications that can occur from cosmetic surgery include asymmetrical outcomes, in which the surgeon has to redo the surgery to even out the facial features or breasts, slow healing or irregular dimples or puckering. In addition, many patients experience temporary and sometimes permanent tingling and numbness from nerve damage.
Psychological
Depression is common after plastic surgery, often because patients expected dramatic changes in their appearance that did not happen. Coupled with the withdrawal from the anesthesia and pain medications, the trauma of the surgery and the stress and fear about the outcome of the procedure, many people are exhausted and sink into a depression during their recoveries. Patients must deal with the reactions of friends, family and coworkers, which sometimes causes additional stress. Cosmetic surgery is expensive and sometimes adds financial stress. At the same time, patients who are prepared for the downtime and make plans to keep busy during their recoveries, experience considerably fewer incidences of depression.
Care
Patients who follow discharge procedures after surgery have more successful recoveries. While each surgery has varying degrees of recovery times, patients are encouraged to walk around immediately following surgery and during the recovery period to avoid blood clots. Patients should follow instructions as to when to resume normal activities and when to begin strenuous exercise so as not to tear stitches or harm the careful work that has been done. Ice and compresses can minimize swelling and its inherent discomfort. Most patients can return to normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks with little bruising or outward effects left from the surgery.
