How high is the possibility of dying during this surgery?

Question

This is probably a really dumb question but I watch alooooooot of medical shows and read a lot of stories about people dying because of reactions to the anesthesia, people die of some crazy stuff. Is it possible that something bad could happen during this surgery? I appreciate all your answers. Thanks for taking your time out to answer all my questions.

Sarah Mess, MD · Answer

For a relatively healthy person undergoing elective surgey the risk is very low. Do your due dilegence regarding the accreditadation of the surgery center and credentials of your surgeon, but don't buy into television hype.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's normal to be a little nervous about having surgery.  The risk for serious complications, including death is extremely rare for a generally healthy person having elective plastic surgery.  It is important to remember that during this relatively short procedure that you will have an entire trained medical TEAM whose number one priority is your safety.  You will be monitored prior to, during, and after your surgery.  To do your part, it is important that you give a thorough medical history to your surgeon, discuss all medications that you take including prescription, over the counter, and supplements that you take, and follow all preoperative instructions.

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

Very interesting question. I have been performing plastic surgery since my days in the military in 1970, and I have seen not a single death from anesthesia. Yes, there were gunshot wounds or auto accidents that I could not save, and I can count these on one hand.But with cosmetic surgery, even extensive procedures the death rate is extremely low--almost non-existent. I suggest you find an accredited facility with an experienced anesthesiologist or anesthetists and a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery for your procedure. Both the plastic surgeon and anesthetists will review your history and lab work, and your plastic surgeon will do a history and physical on you to assure the lowest possible complication rate. Thank you for your question, and I wish you the best in your quest for plastic surgery

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The risk is extremely low in a healthy patient under normal circumstances. It is more likely in patients  with co-morbidity, prolonged surgery, etc...

Paul Watterson, MD · Answer

Safety is the number one concern for both surgeon and patient.  Surgery in a well respected, certified facility with the proper personnel and training makes it all the more safe.Board certified plastic surgeons and careful preoperative clearance and evaluation make for a safe procedure.  In reality, the risks are exceedingly low especially in healthy patients.  Great question and safety should always be discussed.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

With any surgical procedure, there is a risk of death.  However, breast augmentation is a relatively short procedure for healthy women. The risk of dying is very low. Should you have medical problems, your doctor will need to give an approval for the procedure.

Victor Ferrari, MD, FACS · Answer

Everything in life has relative risks associated with it.  I commend you for not just jumping into a surgical procedure without considering the risks when compared to the benefits.  However, the media loves to show people "crazy stuff" because it sells TV airtime.  As long as you are healthy and you select your PS carefully, your risk of dying is higher driving to and from your plastic surgeon's office then it is from dying from breast implant surgery.  Best wishes!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Your concerns about undergoing surgery/anesthesia are understandable and very common. Assuming you have chosen your plastic surgeon carefully and he/she works with well experienced anesthesia providers in a fully accredited surgery center, the chances of you dying are extremely small.  Of course, your past medical and surgical history should be carefully evaluated as well. Based on your question and the ( almost palpable) anxiety,  I think that you will be best off spending additional time with your plastic surgeon discussing your specific concerns. You should be aware that, generally speaking, patients who are relatively calm prior to surgery tend to do well afterwards as well. Best wishes.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

I/ve included a reference from a non-medical journal (Time Magazine) quoting an incidence of 4 to 7 deaths per million anesthetics.Most anesthesia related deaths occur in the very young, the very old, and those with pre-existing medical problems, none of which are commonly found in breast augmentation patients. All the best.

Joseph W. Aguiar, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

When you take a reasonably healthy person + board certified plastic surgeon + board certified anesthesiologist + accreditated surgery center + appropriate medical history + appropriate pre-op evaluation = very, very, very low risk (almost 0) chance of death from anesthesia.Remember this:  cosmetic surgeries are elective.  You don't have to have them done.  Your surgeon doesn't have to do the surgery.  If you aren't a low risk candidate, the surgery shouldn't be done.I believe the vast majority of people dying from cosmetic procedures is carelessness on the patient and doctor both.  Cosmetic surgery has become so common place.  We forget that an expert in the field is needed.  When seeking out experts for your cosmetic surgery options, make sure you have all the components is the equation above.

How high is the possibility of dying during this surgery?

Answers (11)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (11)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

2 weeks post op, how come my 800 cc looks 600 or 700 cc? (photos)

What teas are allowed pre and post breast augmentation surgery?

is it normal to have a 42F bra size at the age of 16?

Are there any doctors where I can directly send pictures of my breasts to?

Sex positions after Breast Augmentation.

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS