The dangers of plastic surgery -

Plastic surgery’s popularity has increased over the years. Once reserved for reconstructive purposes, it was its application as providing aesthetic changes that made this surgical intervention a multi-billion dollar industry. Better and more affordable procedures attract people from all walks of life to go under the knife and cosmetically change whatever body part they choose to. But at what cost? Indeed, plastic surgery carries quite a few risks and has some serious side effects.

Here’s what you need to know before considering a cosmetic procedure. Click on for a real lesson!

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You might get addicted -

While in many circumstances plastic surgery can boost a person’s confidence and well-being, there will always be those who believe the work is never finished.

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You might get addicted -

Addiction to plastic surgery is a real thing. Some people who go under the knife suffer from body dysmorphia, so their body is never perfect in their eyes, leading to more surgical interventions.

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It might lead to memory problems -

A 2020 study found a connection between silicone breast implants and brain fog and loss of memory. Breast implant illness (BII), which usually affects women who undergo breast augmentation surgery, also causes other symptoms, including fatigue and muscle pain.

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It might lead to memory problems -

BII is believed to be caused by an inflammatory reaction in the brain, triggered by the silicone implants. Symptoms usually improve within a few weeks after the implants are removed.

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It can weaken the immune system -

A cosmetic procedure can take a toll on your immune system. It’s a very stressful situation for your body, which is concentrating on healing and recovering following the surgery. This can weaken your immune response, leaving you more susceptible to infections and other health problems.

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You can develop an autoimmune disorder -

A 2019 study found a link between women who received silicone breast implants and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

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You can develop an autoimmune disorder -

The data also showed that some of these women developed quite rare conditions, too, including Sjögren's syndrome and scleroderma.

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It can lead to nerve damage -

Nerve damage can occur as a result of surgical interventions, and cosmetic ones are no exception. Luckily, many times the symptoms are temporary and usually disappear within a few months. Changes in nipple sensation (e.g. numbness, tingling, etc.), for instance, have been reported in women who undergo breast augmentation surgery.

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It can lead to mental health issues -

Cosmetic surgery has an impact on your mental health. After all, you change the way you look, which can lead to a roller-coaster of emotions. As such, an aesthetic procedure can have a major impact on those with a history of mental health issues.

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It can lead to mental health issues -

A study has found that those who did have a history of mental health issues were more emotionally vulnerable. Many of these individuals showed dissatisfaction with the result, unhappiness with their body image, and struggled with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, and self-harming behaviors.

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Blood clots are a risk -

Blood clots are a risk present in many surgical procedures, including cosmetic ones. The most reported amongst plastic surgery patients is venous thromboembolism (VTE), which can be fatal.

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Bruising can be severe -

Bruising is to be expected following plastic surgery, but sometimes it can be very severe, in the form of hematomas. This is when a pool of clotted blood collects under the skin.

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Bruising can be severe -

This complication is more commonly reported among patients who undergo facelifts, as well as those who get breast augmentation surgeries and lipoabdominoplasty.

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Infection is an imminent risk -

The risk of infection is also common to most surgical interventions, but the risk increases when there are implants involved.

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Infection is an imminent risk -

In fact, a 2020 study found that an infection is reported in 35% of implant-based breast reconstruction surgeries. These are usually effectively treated with antibiotics.

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Fluid buildup (seroma) -

Seroma is the name given to the buildup of body fluid underneath the skin around the incision area. This side effect is fairly common.

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Fluid buildup (seroma) -

According to studies, it affects around 15-30% of patients who have tummy liposuctions done, as well as 20% of patients who undergo breast cancer surgery. While complications can occur, seroma is usually harmless, though sometimes the fluid needs to be drained.

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Adverse reaction to anesthesia -

This is also a risk present in any other surgery, but one that you should be aware of nonetheless. Although pretty rare, a bad reaction to anesthesia can happen and, in extreme cases, can even lead to death.

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Bowel obstruction is common -

Postoperative ileus is a gastrointestinal issue that can occur after surgeries, cosmetic ones included. Patients experience severe constipation, as well as abdominal pain and other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

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Excessive bleeding -

This may occur during the surgery or after. When excessive blood loss occurs on the operating table, a blood transfusion may be required, while those occurring post-surgery may require the patient to return to the operating theater.

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Excessive bleeding -

Free-flap breast reconstruction, and combined procedures including breast oncologic and reconstructive cases, put patients at a higher risk of excessive bleeding.

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Granulomas -

Minimally invasive procedures have gained a lot of popularity in recent years. These include soft tissue fillers, chemical peels, and botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, among others. While they carry a lower risk when compared to surgeries, the risk of developing granulomas is fairly high.

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Granulomas -

The incidence of these tiny clusters of inflammation is greater in patients who underwent these procedures in non-medical environments such as beauty salons.

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Scarring is inevitable -

When there is an incision in your skin, a scar is formed, so there is no way around it when it comes to plastic surgery. The presence of an infection can make the scar worse.

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Scarring is inevitable -

Some patients are also more predisposed to keloid scars. This is when scar tissue grows more than expected, leading to larger pronounced scars.

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Separation at the incision site (dehiscence) can occur -

Separation of the two sides of the wound can happen following a surgery. Dehiscence can lead to a rare complication known as evisceration, “where the organs begin to push outside of the open incision."

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Anaphylaxis is a risk -

While most soft tissue fillers are well tolerated, on rare occasions patients can go into anaphylaxis (severe immune system response).

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Vascular occlusion and blindness -

Vascular occlusion is a rare side effect of facial fillers. It occurs when the fluid administered by an injection blocks a blood vessel that supplies blood to the eye. This can actually lead to blindness.

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Organ damage can occur -

Organ damage is a risk, particularly for those who undergo liposuction. Organs such as the intestines, liver, and the lungs are at higher risk of being damaged by a liposuction tool. If left untreated, an accidental puncture in the intestines may result in a serious infection and can indeed be fatal.

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Organ damage can occur -

Liposuction has many other risks and side effects, including nerve damage, burns, and going into shock.

Sources: (Healthline) (Health Digest) (Verywell Health) (Mayo Clinic) (Johns Hopkins Medicine) (Aesthetic Surgery Journal) (American Society of Plastic Surgeons)

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