People go “under the knife” for all sorts of reasons. Some believe that plastic surgery will enhance their appearance, some want to lose weight, and yet others undergo reconstructive surgery after an accident or some type of trauma. No matter why people decide that cosmetic or reconstructive surgery is right for them, the procedures are not without risk.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 15 million people had cosmetic surgery in 2014. These procedures included those that were considered to be minimally-invasive. In 2013, there were over 5 million reconstructive surgeries performed. While there are risks with any procedure, some are more risky than others. This is especially true when surgery involves more than one area of the body or an area that is particularly sensitive. Here are three procedures that have the most substantial risk.
1. Body Lift
Because it is actually several procedures in one, the body lift is considered the most risky for patients. This surgery involves lifting the belly, buttocks, thighs and genitals at once in an effort to improve the overall shape of the body. These surgeries are most often performed on people who have lost an extraordinary amount of weight quickly.
This procedure is risky due to the amount of time a patient must be under anesthesia. It is also risky because more than one area of the body is operated on at a time. People considering a body lift should only do so after a serious talk with their surgeon.
2. Liposuction
Liposuction, or “lipo,” is thought by many to be a quick fix for excess body fat. Many people who choose to undergo liposuction do so in lieu of trying diet and exercise first. The procedure reshapes the contours and proportions of the body but is considered risky due to the possibility of blood clots, fat clogs in the lungs, perforation of the stomach wall and systemic infections.
3. Facial Reconstruction
Facial reconstruction surgeries often involve several sections of the face and are considered to be very complex procedures. While some facial reconstructive procedures are certainly for vanity, many are performed due to some type of disfigurement or deformation of the face. One of the riskiest procedures under the umbrella of facial reconstruction is called Orthognathic surgery, or the reshaping of the jaw. This area of the face contains several important blood vessels.
Any person who is considering undergoing plastic surgery that is considered elective should do their research and speak to several surgeons before undergoing the procedure. There may be alternative ways to achieve a desired look that does not carry the same risk as surgery.
If you believe that you have been injured due to an unnecessary surgery or medical negligence in Charleston, reach out to our team of medical malpractice attorneys. We will review the details of your injury during a free case evaluation and advise you of all available legal options. Call today or browse our website for more information about our firm and the types of cases we have successfully handled.