There are many ways to change one’s appearance by undergoing different cosmetic procedures. Sometimes, some patients might experience complications after plastic surgery. To minimise complications after plastic surgery, you should choose the plastic surgeon carefully and follow his recommendations to the letter.
Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt is an experienced plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of body and face procedures in Australia. Dr Hunt practices in Sydney and Wollongong NSW.
Reasons People Undergo Plastic Surgery
Nowadays more and more people resort to plastic surgery procedures to alter the aspect of the face or the body. Plastic surgery procedures can also be used to rejuvenate the appearance, reduce the signs of ageing, erase wrinkles and add more volume to different areas of the body.
Men and women of different ages become plastic surgery patients. The most commonly performed interventions are facelift (rhytidectomy), liposuction, tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty, rhinoplasty and breast augmentation mammoplasty. But there are also patients getting plastic surgery after massive weight loss.
Just like is the case with other types of surgical procedures, there are certain risks and complications associated with getting plastic surgery.
Risks and Complications That Can Occur After Plastic Surgery
In some cases, patients may experience problems with plastic surgery. Some complications can be life-threatening, while others can affect your aesthetic appearance and not your health. For example, some patients might develop blot clots after undergoing a tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty, while others might get unsightly scarring after getting a breast augmentation mammoplasty procedure.
Generally speaking, the more complex the procedure, the higher are the risks. Complex procedures often need to be performed with the patient under a general anaesthesia, and this factor alone can trigger certain complications.
Here are some of the potential side effects and complications that can occur after plastic surgery:
- Scarring
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Changes in sensitivity in the area treated
- Seroma and haematoma
- Anaesthesia related complications
Tips to Minimise Complications after Plastic Surgery
1. Choose the right plastic surgeon
It is important to choose an experienced plastic surgeon who is regularly performing the procedure you are interested in. Take your time and do your research before making this decision as it can influence the success of your procedure. An experienced plastic surgeon can guide you and help you avoid certain complications.
2. Don’t smoke
The recommendation is to quit smoking at least three weeks before the surgery and remain a non-smoker for at least the same amount of time after the intervention. Smoking can negatively impact the healing process leading to infections, delayed wound healing, skin and fat tissue necrosis and bad scarring. If you want to get good results after your plastic surgery intervention and to avoid unwanted complications, quitting smoking is mandatory.
3. Keep a healthy diet rich in nutrients
After undergoing surgery, your body needs time to heal and restore and to do this, it needs proper nutrition. It is important to have a balanced diet, rich in lean proteins, fruit and vegies after getting plastic surgery. Avoid foods rich in salt as it might lead to fluid retention.
4. Don’t exercise too early
Generally speaking, patients should get plenty of rest during the first few days post-op. However, walking is recommended as soon as it is possible as it can help you reduce the risk of developing blood clots and speed up the recovery. Exercising too early or engaging in intense physical activities could lead to incisions opening, infections and unsatisfactory results after the intervention. Make sure to follow the recommendations of your plastic surgeon to avoid complications related to intense physical activities. Even your return to work might be delayed if your job is physically demanding.
5. Take your medication
After your plastic surgery intervention, your plastic surgeon will prescribe medication. In most cases, we are talking about regular analgesic medication to help you avoid pain and discomfort and antibiotics to help you avoid infections. Taking your medication as per doctor’s orders can help you minimise complications and have a smooth and fast recovery period after your surgery.
FAQs about Minimising Complications after Plastic Surgery
Who is more likely to develop complications after cosmetic surgeries?
- Patients with a compromised immune system, overweight or obese patients and smokers are at a high risk of developing complications after a surgical intervention.
How can you prevent post-op bleeding?
- To prevent excessive bleeding after the surgery, make sure to discuss with the plastic surgeon the medication you are taking before the intervention. Certain medication, as well as natural supplements can lead to bleeding after the surgery. Hence, your plastic surgeon might ask you to stop taking that medication and avoid anti-inflammatory medication for about two weeks prior to getting surgery.
How can I prepare myself for plastic surgery?
- Have a healthy diet, avoid drinking alcohol and smoking and excessive sun exposure for at least two weeks before plastic surgery. These recommendations work for most plastic surgery interventions. If you will undergo a general anaesthesia, you shouldn’t drink of eat anything for at least 8 hours before the procedure. Keep your body hydrated.
What is the most common complication after surgery?
- Infection is one of the most common complications you might experience after the surgery. This is why it is essential to follow the plastic surgeon’s recommendations regarding wounds’ care. At the same time, avoid baths, pools and saunas until your wounds are fully closed. Cold compresses applied at the surgical site can reduce swelling and bruising.
What are some common side effects of plastic surgery?
- Unlike complications, side effects can naturally occur after plastic surgery. Bruising and swelling are common side effects after any type of intervention, they can occur even when a non-surgical procedure was performed such as Dermal fillers. Keep in mind that there are solutions to reduce swelling and bruising after surgery, but generally they subside without additional treatment after a few weeks post-op.
Further Reading about Minimising Complications of Plastic Surgery
- What to know about plastic surgery risks
- Reducing your risks of bleeding after surgery
- Tanning After Cosmetic Surgery
- Evidence-Based Strategies to Reduce Postoperative Complications in Plastic Surgery
About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing cosmetic and plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.
Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
- Find out more about pricing, medical payment plans and paying for your surgery
- Request more information about the procedure – call on 1300 157 200 or contact us
If breast reduction mammoplasty is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.
- Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
