What are the risks of cosmetic procedures?

Although cosmetic procedures are well developed and are performed without harm thousands of times a year, both non-surgical and surgical cosmetic procedures involve some risk.

Each cosmetic procedure has a special process that the doctor or surgeon will discuss with you. It is important to discuss the risks associated with the procedure with your doctor. Inform yourself by doing research and asking questions.

Listed below are some examples of risks associated with some non-surgical cosmetic procedures:

Botox® injections

  • swelling and bruising at the injection site
  • facial pain
  • flu-like symptoms
  • mild headaches
  • muscle weakness

Fat deposit removal

  • aches
  • bruising
  • swelling
  • numbness
  • skin sensitivity
  • a paradoxical growth of fat cells (for CoolSculpting)

Soft tissue fillers

  • bruising
  • swelling
  • redness
  • vision loss (rare; can occur if the filler is accidently injected into certain arteries in the face)
  • scarring
  • infection
  • itching
  • peeling
  • rash
  • filler migration, causing uneven shape

Chemical peels

  • infection
  • skin discolouration
  • prolonged or areas of intense redness
  • scarring

Dermabrasion

  • allergic reaction
  • flare up of acne or small cysts (milia)
  • skin discolouration
  • thickened skin or scarring
  • increased sensitivity to the sun
  • redness
  • infection

Microdermabrasion

  • bruising
  • redness
  • swelling
  • dry, flaky skin
  • increased sensitivity to the sun
  • infection

Laser hair removal

  • pain
  • bruising and swelling
  • redness
  • skin discolouration
  • excess hair growth in area of treatment
  • changes to skin texture
  • increased sensitivity to the sun
  • scarring

Laser skin resurfacing

  • burning
  • bumps
  • rash
  • infection
  • redness and swelling
  • scarring
  • skin discolouration

All surgery must be taken seriously. Generally, the risk involved in a surgical cosmetic procedure is low if a well-trained surgeon performs the surgery and if proper precautions are taken. However, complications that may occur include:

  • bruising
  • bleeding
  • swelling
  • complications or side effects due to anesthesia
  • infection
  • injury to nerves
  • blood clots
  • damage to internal organs
  • numbness
  • scarring
  • skin discolouration
  • whiteheads or enlarged pores

Bruising, swelling, infection, bleeding, numbness, and whiteheads or enlarged pores often disappear with time. If there are complications related to nerve injury, blood clots, organ damage, or scarring, further surgery may be required.

Before a surgical cosmetic procedure

If you are planning a surgical cosmetic procedure, your doctor will discuss what you should do before and after the surgery to get the best results and to minimize risks or complications. Your doctor will consider your general health and your health history and may:

  • ask you questions to determine how to help you achieve the best possible result
  • ask you to do a number of things in order to obtain the best possible result
  • show you some pictures from actual patients who have had the same surgery

If possible, speak to someone who has had the procedure done. Your doctor may have patients that are willing to discuss how they felt and go over the process with you.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Cosmetic-Procedures