Did you know that Americans spent $6.5 billion on cosmetic surgeries in 2017? From altering their breasts to augmenting their eyelids, going under the knife can bring some serious changes to your appearance. However, these medical procedures are not completely immune from risks. Here are some side effects of cosmetic surgeries that you need to know to make an informed decision.
1. Chronic discomfort
The most common complaint after a cosmetic surgery that most patients make is that of headaches, nausea, vomiting, and persistent pain. In some cases, the area surrounding the treated body part may also appear inflamed.
2. Loss of blood
Losing too much blood at the time of surgery is a sign that something went wrong. This blood loss, if severe, can also lead to organ failure and even death. While some blood loss is acceptable on the operation table at the time of cosmetic surgery, an internal one can cause your blood pressure to drop to a dangerous levels.
3. Allergic reactions
Patients who undergo cosmetic surgery should be aware of all their allergies. Sometimes, they may be allergic to metal instruments used at the time of surgery or they might adversely react to certain medications, complicating the recovery process.
4. Hematoma
When blood collects under the skin, it can lead to pressure and swelling, which is the one of the most common side effects of cosmetic surgeries of the face. Hematoma may appear after 24-hours of your surgery.
5. Nerve damage
Nerve injury can cause damage to the nerves that are responsible for controlling the muscles. It can lead to temporary paralysis and result in incongruent facial expressions. The risk of nerve damage is a palpable one in many cosmetic procedures. Numbness and tingling in your fingers after the procedure is a sign of nerve damage. In most cases this damage may be temporary, but in some cases it can be permanent.
6. Hair fall
Sometimes you may also experience permanent hair loss or temporary hair fall. However, it is possible to overcome this side effect by performing hair follicle transplant.
7. Permanent scarring
Surgery may leave behind some form of scarring. Since a cosmetic procedure is supposed to improve your look, scars such as these can be disturbing.
8. Dissatisfaction from your appearance
Usually people are satisfied with the outcome of their surgical process. However, what if you are dissatisfied with your appearance? This disappointment is not only a risk but a real possibility.
When people think about cosmetic surgeries, the only thing that comes to their mind is a smooth body and perfect results. They rarely ever think about the risks, and this can lead to some unpleasant surprises after they have gone under the knife. That is why it is important to have a lengthy talk with your doctor about what to expect and the probable side effects of the procedure beforehand.
