All potential patients should consider the risks involved before consenting to surgery. While plastic surgery can have many benefits, there are inevitable risks, and being aware of these will help you mentally prepare and make an informed decision. Some risks and complications are specific to the surgery, and Dr Perron will discuss these with you during the consultation process. However, the general risks of any surgical procedure include the following:
Some amount of bruising and swelling is a normal part of recovery from surgery; however, excessive or prolonged swelling and bruising is a risk. Your doctor will provide you with instructions on how you may minimise post-surgical bruising and swelling, such as sleeping with your head elevated and using a cold compress. If the bruising and swelling persist, contact your doctor.
Although your surgeon will make efforts to minimise the risk of infection, there is still a risk of this occurring. Infection occurs when germs infect the surgical site, causing symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, and delayed healing. Keeping your incision sites clean and following aftercare instructions given by your surgeon can help prevent this complication. If you suspect that your surgical wound is infected, it is important to contact a medical professional for treatment.
Every surgery results in some amount of bleeding. However, excessive bleeding is not normal after surgery and can be dangerous. In discussion with your surgeon before the procedure, you should gain a clear idea of how much bleeding from the surgical site is expected after surgery, as a small amount of bleeding is not generally a cause for concern. If the bleeding exceeds this normal amount, you should contact your surgeon right away.
Pain is also somewhat expected after a surgical procedure. The degree of pain you experience depends on the type of surgery you have had, your aftercare, and your pain tolerance. Although pain is a normal part of recovery from surgery, it is generally manageable with cold compresses and pain medication. If your pain becomes prolonged, severe, or unmanageable, this could be indicative of a complication and you should contact your surgeon.
Anaesthesia plays an integral and necessary role in patient comfort during surgery. But it too comes with risks. Adverse reactions to anaesthesia can manifest in different ways, including allergic reaction, fever, nausea, and respiratory issues. In order to reduce your risk of such reactions, your medical team will monitor your condition throughout your procedure.
Scarring occurs when there is healing from a wound or injury, which means all surgery patients will experience scarring. While the degree of scarring is dependent on the type of procedure and post-operative wound care regimen, some people might be genetically at an increased risk of developing usually large or raised scars. If you are concerned about scarring, it’s important to speak with your surgeon about this prior to going in for your surgery.
It is important to choose an experienced surgeon who is qualified to perform procedures successfully, as this lowers the risk of unwanted outcomes. However, there some degree of risk of unwanted results regardless of your surgeon’s qualifications. Each patient has their own surgical plan based on their own characteristics and desired outcomes, which means results can vary widely. When preparing for your procedure, you should discuss your desired outcomes thoroughly with your surgeon and ensure that your expectations are well-considered and realistic.
Seroma is a potential complication from surgical procedures. It refers to an accumulation of fluid at the surgical site, which builds up under the skin. This complication is not typically severe, but it can cause a significant degree of discomfort due to swelling. If you are worried about fluid accumulation at your incision site post-operatively, contact your surgeon for further advice.
While qualified surgeons are trained to avoid injury to nerves and other important structures, there is a risk that nerves will be affected by surgery. Typically, long-term nerve damage is rare, and in most cases, sensations of numbness or loss of sensation are temporary. However, if the condition persists, you should address this with your surgeon or another medical professional.
Death is a very rare complication of surgery. Patients are at a higher risk if they choose an inexperienced surgeon or have severe underlying health conditions. Remember that your surgical team have a duty of care to prioritise your health and safety during a surgical procedure. You should ensure to disclose any relevant details about your medical history with your surgeon so that we have the necessary information and can plan your medical care accordingly.
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