Risks & Recovery

Specific Risks and Complications – associated with Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

In addition to the general risks of anesthesia and surgery, each type of cosmetic surgery procedure carries its own specific risks. Understanding these risks will help you make an informed decision and take the necessary precautions to minimise complications.

Risks of Body Lift Procedures

• Body lift surgeries, such as back lift, thigh lift (thighplasty), tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), and arm lift (brachioplasty), are extensive procedures that involve the removal of significant amounts of tissue and skin. These procedures are generally safe, but there is a specific risk you should be aware of:

• Loss of Sensation: Some patients may experience a loss of touch sensation in the area where the lift was performed. This sensation loss can be temporary, but in some cases, it may be permanent.

Risks of Liposuction Procedures

• Liposuction is a popular procedure that removes fat from under the skin using a thin, metallic catheter. While generally safe, liposuction does come with a rare but serious risk:

• Internal Organ Injury: During the procedure, the metallic catheter is moved beneath the skin to target fat deposits. In extremely rare cases, this catheter may come into contact with an internal organ, such as the liver, leading to serious complications. Quick medical intervention is crucial if this occurs.

Risks of Breast Surgery

• Breast surgery, including breast augmentation, breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction, and implant procedures, carries specific risks, particularly over the long term:

• Capsular Contracture: This is the most common complication of breast implants, where a tough scar capsule forms around the implant, causing breast deformity, pain, and asymmetry.

• Implant Malrotation or Malposition: The implant may rotate or shift from its original position, leading to breast deformity and unevenness.

• Implant Rupture: Breast implants can rupture, resulting in asymmetric breasts and deflation on the affected side.

• Loss of Sensation: Nerve injury during breast surgery may lead to temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the nipple or a patch of breast skin.

• Inability to Breastfeed: Damage to the milk ducts during surgery can result in an inability to breastfeed. This risk should be discussed with your before the procedure.

• BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma): This rare cancer is associated with textured implants and typically presents as a seroma. Treatment usually involves removing the implant and possibly performing an en bloc capsulectomy.

• Breast Implant Illness (BII): A newly recognized condition with non-specific symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive issues, potentially linked to chronic low-grade inflammation around the implant. The only treatment is implant removal.

• Pneumothorax: This is an intraoperative complication where the lung is accidentally injured, leading to air leaking into the chest cavity. This can occur during procedures like en bloc capsulectomy or other breast surgeries.

If you notice any unusual symptoms or suspect a problem with your breast implants, contact your immediately. Many of these complications can be managed with revision surgery.

Risks of Facial Surgery

• Facial surgeries, including eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), facelifts (rhytidectomy), and nose surgery (rhinoplasty), carry their own set of risks:

• Risks of Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

• Inability to Fully Close the Eyes: Overcorrection during eyelid surgery can prevent the eyes from closing completely, leading to dryness and irritation.

• Overexposure of Conjunctiva: Tightening the eyelid too much may expose the inner red part of the eye (conjunctiva).

• Asymmetric Eyes: Uneven reshaping of the eyelids can result in asymmetry between the eyes.

• Problems with Eye Movement: Rarely, damage to the eye muscles during surgery can lead to movement issues.

• Vision Problems: Direct trauma to the eye or nerve damage, though rare, can result in vision impairment.

Risks of Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

• Facial Nerve Injury: The facial nerve, which controls facial expressions, can be damaged during a facelift, potentially leading to facial muscle weakness or asymmetry. This is a rare complication but can have significant effects.

Each of these risks, while rare, underscores the importance of choosing a highly skilled and experienced cosmetic like Dr. David Ong. During your consultation, Dr. Ong will discuss these risks in detail, answer your questions, and help you weigh the benefits and potential complications of your chosen procedure.