Introduction Individuals seek out cosmetic plastic surgery procedures for a variety of reasons. Many

Transcription

1 Introduction Individuals seek out cosmetic plastic surgery procedures for a variety of reasons. Many individuals believe that unnaturally altering their bodies can be their ticket to happiness and confidence. In recent decades, plastic surgery has been on the rise, as the ideal male and female body changes more, and more. The effects of plastic surgery have been popularized by numerous television shows like Nip/Tuck, Extreme Makeover, and Doctor The general public is exposed to the benefits of plastic surgery, by observing the glamorous lives of celebrities, and witnessing the cases of emotional, and psychological improvement of regular people receiving miracle opportunities to receive cosmetic surgeries. However, many people are often left in the dark about the countless risks and devastating side effects that are linked to plastic surgery, and that are way too often omitted from the media. Face Lift The face lift is a very popular form of cosmetic surgery. The procedure is quite simple and it involves cutting the skin around the ear, and the top of the head. When that portion of the surgery is complete, the doctor will discard the excess skin, and tighten the facial skin by pulling it and attaching it with stitches. (Face Lift Plastic Surgery Side Effects, n.d) Though this is a simple procedure it has an abundance of unsafe side effects. During this procedure you are treated with a very strong anesthetic and risks associated with that include being allergic to an anesthetic or not responding properly to it. If a patient is allergic to the anesthetic or medicine given afterwards, this may cause serious respiration difficulties and can even be fatal. (Face Lift Plastic Surgery Side Effects, n.d) Common reactions after this surgery are tightness of skin in

2 certain places. Dangerous risks include hematomas, swelling and scarring, and facial nerve injuries. Hematomas are areas of concentrated bleeding on certain parts of the skin. If this should happen than the patient will require an extra operation to remove clotting and prevent the bleeding. Swelling, bruising, and scarring are all side effects the patient can experience. Although this effect is usually only temporary it is still quite dangerous. If a patient should experience a facial nerve injury they will experience tender nerve endings after plastic surgery, weakness in their face, and injuries to their face. These effects are usually associated with a patient who smokes. (Cosmetic surgery - Better Health Channel, N.D) Rhinoplasty Rhinoplasty commonly knows as nose jobs, is a very common surgical procedure. It often involves the surgeon making small incisions in the nostrils, and if all goes well leaving no visible scars. Through the incisions, the surgeon is able to trim bone and cartilage, and create a new shape for the nose. Often adjustments are made to the nasal tip, nose bridge, or to reduce a visible bump. For certain surgeries nostril packs or splints may be needed. Rhinosplasty can be performed for reasons other than aesthetic purposes. For instance it can be performed to improve breathing, or to correct birth abnormalities in the function or appearance of the nose. (Cosmetic surgery - Better Health Channel.. (n.d.) Some common side effects of aesthetic rhinoplasty include bruising, and swelling which may be present for up to four months after surgery. In rare instances, blood vessels in the nose may burst and cause tiny red dots which may be permanent. Bleeding can occur for up to a month after the surgery, and to prevent

3 excessive bleeding patients are urged to refrain from blowing their nose. The nose can become an abnormal shape as a result of several factors, such as the surgeon s error during the operation, the patient not keeping their head up, or the patient sleeping on one side without appropriate support. In some cases the nose may even pull back if it is not supported adequately. Although the chances of wound infections post surgery only occur in about 2 percent of patients, they can be serious. Abscesses, an accumulation of puss, and cellulitis, inflammation of connective tissue underneath the surface of the skin, are two common bacterial infections that can occur. They can be treated with antibiotics, drainage, and in more severe cases an additional operation to remove them. When implants are inserted into the nose, the presence of this foreign body, may increase the susceptibility to infection. Toxic shock syndrome, a potentially fatal disease caused by certain bacterial toxins, is a rare complication that can arise from surgery. Certain surgical scars are permanent. If the nose job involves a close procedure, any scars will not be visible since they will be hidden in the nose. However, if the nose job consists of an open procedure, a scar will be apparent between the nostrils. In addition to all the aforementioned risks, smoking increases the odds of all complications, and a patient who is a smoker may have a more difficult time breathing during the operation. (Nose Jobs Surgery Costs, Treatment and Side Effects) Liposuction Liposuction is another fairly common cosmetic surgery. It involves the removal of fat tissue form certain areas of the body. Fat can be removed from the abdomen, thighs, arms and throat. The basic procedure involves inserting a narrow tube through the throat and extracting the fat by using suction. The patient is normally under heavy anesthetic during the procedure,

4 so any risks associated with anesthetics are present. (Liposuction. (2008, April 21). In Wikipedia) Following the operation, for several months, the patient must wear a pressure garment to help the skin heal properly and to ensure it stays smooth. Common side effects include bruising and swelling for up to a month, as well as a fair deal of pain around the area that the fat was removed from. Some complications can include a numbing sensation around the area, and changes in the pigments of skin. More serious complications are fat or blood clots, which can travel around the body and even be fatal, and fluid loss which can lead to shock and also be fatal in certain cases. If too much fluid accumulates in a given area, it will require drainage. Damage to the skin, nerves, and organs is also a serious risk. Too much liposuction, either to a part of the body or too excessively in a single day, can pose some significant problems. The skin around the targeted area may develop dents or sag. Fainting after surgery is a minor risk. Since the anesthetic used during the surgery is quite heavy, complications like adverse responses, as well as allergic reactions, and in more rare instances brain damage, are magnified. Other more severe risks that can arise during the surgery include cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmia, excessive bleeding, clotting, seizures and damage to nerve endings. (Post- Liposuction Side Effects Swelling, Scars, and Bruises) Additional Information When deciding to get plastic surgery, one is in essence placing their life in someone else s hands. In recent years, their have been cases of individuals seeking plastic surgery who trust the wrong plastic surgeon, and end up often times with devastating results. For example, in the United States, plastic surgery is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. However cosmetic surgery is not a recognized specialty and therefore any type of doctor, such as a general physician, or even a dentist, can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon. These cosmetic surgeons may lack the appropriate schooling, and experience. In Canada being a board certified plastic surgeon basically translates to being certified by the Royal College of Plastic Surgery. This means one can be assured that their plastic surgeon has all

5 their credentials, and significant amount of training, and experience. By having a board certified plastic surgeon, one can have more confidence that they will be properly taken care of. Conclusion Although plastic surgery can have many positive consequences, like augmenting one s self esteem, it is important to be aware of exactly what the surgery entails. It is essential that before an individual considers cosmetic surgery, that they consult with a physician and learn about all potential risks and complications. It is also vital that a potential patient know their medical history and recognize any of their lifestyle choices that may place them at a higher risk for side effects. Bibliography Face Lift Plastic Surgery Side Effects. (n.d.). Retrieved March 6, 2008, from Effects.htm Cosmetic surgery - Better Health Channel.. (n.d.). Retrieved April 1, 2008, from open. Post-Liposuction Side Effects Swelling, Scars, and Bruises. (n.d.). Retrieved March 6, 2008, from Liposuction. (2008, April 21). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 13:56, April 26, 2008, from Nose Jobs Surgery Costs, Treatment and Side Effects - Rhinoplasty plastic surgery in Miami, FL. (n.d.). Retrieved March 6, 2008, fromhttp://

6