Risks and complications of cosmetic surgery

Cosmetic surgery is surgery. It carries the same risks as any other operation, plus some specific to individual procedures - and unlike surgery you need, you are choosing to accept those risks for a result you want rather than a problem you have.

That makes reading this page part of the decision, not a formality. Everything below can happen. Most of it is uncommon. Some of it is serious.

General risks of surgery

Infection

A risk with any surgical procedure. Post-operative care may include antibiotics, which reduce but do not eliminate the risk. Infection can require further treatment, drainage, or in some cases removal of an implant.

Bleeding and haematoma

A haematoma is a collection of blood under the skin - like a large, painful, expanding bruise. It occurs in up to 6% of breast augmentation procedures and is the most common complication after a facelift. Significant haematoma usually requires a return to theatre to evacuate it.

Seroma

A collection of clear fluid beneath the skin, causing swelling and discomfort. Most common after abdominoplasty, but possible after other procedures. May need drainage, sometimes more than once.

Bruising and swelling

Expected rather than exceptional. Swelling typically peaks around 48 hours and then settles, but some can persist for weeks or months after more extensive procedures. Bruising generally fades over a few weeks.

Pain

Pain after surgery is normal and varies considerably with the procedure and the person. It is managed, not eliminated.

Scarring

All surgery scars. The extent and visibility vary with the procedure, the site, your skin and how you heal. Some people form hypertrophic or keloid scars. Scars fade over 12 to 18 months; they do not disappear. See scars.

Nerve damage

Numbness and tingling are common after surgery and can indicate nerve injury. Most resolves; some does not. Most women experience a change in sensitivity after breast augmentation, and around 15% experience permanent changes in nipple sensation.

Anaesthetic complications

Anaesthesia carries its own risks. Minor ones include confusion, nausea and short-term memory disturbance. Serious complications - chest infection, stroke, heart attack and, rarely, death - are uncommon but real. Your anaesthetist will discuss your individual risk.

Blood clots

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are risks with any surgery. Clots forming in the leg or pelvic veins can travel to the lungs, causing serious illness, disability or death. Risk is higher with longer procedures, immobility and flying soon afterwards.

Organ damage

Specific to some procedures. In liposuction, the cannula can perforate an internal organ. This is uncommon and serious, and repair requires further surgery.

Unsatisfactory results

The result may not match what you hoped for - in size, shape, symmetry or overall appearance. Further surgery may be needed, at additional cost, and revision surgery is often more complex than the original.

Psychological impact

Surgery changes appearance; it does not reliably change how you feel about yourself. Some people experience low mood, dissatisfaction or regret afterwards. This is one reason screening for underlying psychological conditions is required before cosmetic surgery.

Risk and severity vary with the procedure and with your own health, age, weight, smoking status and medical history. Your surgeon will give you the figures relevant to you.

Warning signs - contact us or seek care immediately

Do not wait to see if these settle:

Severe or worsening pain, particularly pain that is increasing rather than easing
Rapidly increasing swelling, or swelling on one side only
Bruising that is not starting to fade after a couple of weeks
Spreading redness, heat, or a red streak from the wound
Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
Pus or foul-smelling discharge from a wound
A wound opening, or edges separating
Heavy or continuing bleeding
Calf pain, swelling, warmth or tenderness - possible DVT
Chest pain, shortness of breath or coughing blood - possible pulmonary embolism. Call 000.
Numbness that is spreading or worsening
Skin turning white, dusky, purple or black at or near the operated area
Nausea and vomiting preventing you keeping fluids down

If it is an emergency, call 000 or go to an emergency department. Otherwise contact us on 1300 852 050 or (03) 9569 3511. Tell us early rather than late - most complications are easier to manage when caught early, and we would far rather you called unnecessarily.

Reducing your risk

Give a complete medical history, including every medication and supplement
Stop smoking well before surgery - smoking substantially impairs wound healing
Follow pre-operative instructions about fasting and medications
Arrange someone to drive you home and stay with you afterwards
Follow post-operative instructions on medication, compression, activity and wound care
Move and walk as advised - it reduces clot risk
Attend every follow-up appointment
Do not fly until your surgeon says it is safe
Allow proper recovery time rather than the minimum you can get away with

Before you consent

Since 1 July 2023, cosmetic surgery in Australia requires a GP referral, screening for underlying psychological conditions, and at least two consultations before booking. Use that time. See cosmetic surgery rule changes and choosing the right practitioner.

Ask your surgeon for the risks specific to your procedure and your health, in writing, and what a complication would cost to manage.

Required statement

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Before and after images

The Medical Board of Australia's Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service govern the use of before and after photographs. Images on this site are of genuine patients and are not retouched to enhance or alter a result; any editing is limited to protecting patient privacy. Every set represents one person's experience, and results may vary between individuals.

Website disclaimer

The content of this website has been prepared carefully, but Me Clinic disclaims all warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy of the information in it. The information here is general and indicative only and is not a substitute for proper medical advice from a practitioner who has examined you.

Me Clinic makes no warranty that this website will be uninterrupted or error free, and shall not be liable for any losses or damages (including without limitation consequential loss or damage) arising from the use of, or reliance on, information on this website or from use of the internet generally.

Contact

Me Clinic, 4 Burke Road, Malvern East VIC 3145. Phone 1300 852 050 or (03) 9569 3511, or use the online consultation form.