Numbness, Seroma and Necrosis, Oh My!

We have written about the risks associated with plastic surgery here on RealSelf, and Forbes has a new article out entitled, “Ten Plastic Surgery Risks You Need to Know.” I’d like to highlight three of the risks they mention.

Numbness – Though not usually a permanent side effect, numbness at the incision site often goes hand in hand with face-lifts and tummy tucks. Forbes quotes Dr. Nahai, president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery as saying, “Numbness after breast surgeries of any type is the most common. Loss of sensation in the nipple in particular occurs anywhere from 10% to 70% of the time.”

Seroma – Defined as “a collection of watery body fluids," this outcome occurs most often in tummy tucks.” A drain is sometimes inserted during surgery to prevent this side effect.

Necrosis – Tissue death which occurs due to surgical manipulation. This side effect
occurs after most surgical procedures, and smoking increases risks surrounding necrosis due to the compromised blood supply in the body tissues of smokers.

These risks are good reminders to speak with your doctor about all eventualities involved in the procedure you are electing.