The Risks & Rewards of Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is a range of procedures that reshapes or restores the form of the body. Although the term is usually associated with cosmetic procedures, it actually includes a broad range of practical operations, including reconstructive surgery, craniofacial surgery, burn treatment, and more.

Whatever the motivation, the decision to undergo surgery should never be made lightly—the risks and rewards should always be considered.

This article will review the potential benefits and drawbacks to having plastic surgery.

Risks of Plastic Surgery

No surgery is without risk, and the risks that could occur with plastic surgery can affect both mental and physical health.

Mental Health

The potential adverse psychological and social effects of plastic surgery have a lot to do with a patient’s expectations and their mental and emotional state before surgery.

For some people, plastic surgery is an opportunity to fix a perceived flaw that has troubled them for years.

However, people who strongly perceive imperfections within themselves may suffer from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). This psychological disorder is characterized by an obsessive fixation on a perceived physical flaw. It affects between 1.7% and 2.4% of the general population.

In many cases, people with BDD will seek out multiple plastic surgery procedures and are usually unhappy with the results. Sometimes plastic surgeons will not operate on people with BDD.

Physical Health

As with any surgery, plastic surgery carries risks. Surgery does have the potential to cause some unwanted physical side effects. While the worst outcomes are rare, they are a possibility.

While each type of surgery bears its risks that are specific to that particular procedure, certain risks are common to all surgical procedures. These risks include:

• Infection
• Excessive or unexpected bleeding (hemorrhage or hematoma)
• Blood clots
• Seroma (fluid accumulation)
• Nerve or organ damage
• Scarring
• Anesthesia risks (including shock, respiratory failure, drug or allergic reactions, cardiac arrest, coma, death)

Benefits of Plastic Surgery

It's important to remember that there can be good things that happen from plastic surgery as well, both mentally and physically.

Improved Self Esteem and Confidence

For many patients, successful plastic surgery can lead to an increase in self-esteem and confidence.

Correcting a "problem" perceived by the patient can make them less self-conscious, and relieve social anxiety. It may make them more outgoing, less vulnerable, and more willing to show off their new, flattering features. This new confidence might show itself in many aspects of life—socially, professionally, and romantically.

In addition, some studies have shown that physical attractiveness correlates with professional success, such as hiring decisions, promotions, and salary. Some studies have shown that attractive people receive favorable treatment in restaurants and retail establishments.

Improved Quality of Life

In some cases, plastic surgery can boost a person's quality of life. For instance, an eyelid lift may help reduce vision problems by removing excess skin, and breast-reduction surgery can relieve chronic back and shoulder pain.

Weighing Risks and Rewards

The potential rewards of plastic surgery are highly individual. Many plastic surgery patients say their only regret is that they didn’t do it sooner.

Yet, there are also many who wish they had never done it at all, or who at least wish they had done more research or chosen a different surgeon. You can lower your risk by doing your homework and becoming an informed patient.

Be sure that you go into surgery in the best health possible by taking care of yourself, and don’t let your desire for the surgery overshadow any serious health considerations.

While the risks of plastic surgery do vary from one procedure to another, certain risks are common among all surgeries, and some of the risks are grave. Only you can decide if it’s worth it for you. Educate yourself. Take into account all the pros and cons. Talk it over with your loved ones.

If you decide to go for it, choose the best surgeon you can find. Follow their preoperative and postoperative instructions to the letter. Then enjoy your new look!

Summary

Plastic surgery comprises many different surgeries and procedures, with the goal of changing parts of the body, for either medical necessity or cosmetic reasons. There can be risks and benefits, both mentally and physically, for someone who is deciding to have plastic surgery.

A Word From Verywell

Choosing the surgeon who will perform your surgery is probably the most important step you'll take in having plastic surgery. You have to be confident in their skills and knowledge. Research surgeons who are skilled in the type of surgery you will be having. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) advises looking for a plastic surgeon who's board-certified.