Dr. Peter Chen
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, MD, FACS
Every surgery carries risks, and being informed helps you make the best decision. Common risks (apply to most procedures): bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry, temporary numbness, swelling, and dissatisfaction with results. These occur in a small percentage of cases and are usually manageable. Procedure-specific risks: Breast implants—capsular contracture, implant rupture, rippling. Tummy tuck—seroma (fluid collection), wound healing issues, DVT. Liposuction—contour irregularities, fluid shifts. Facelift—nerve damage (usually temporary), hematoma. Anesthesia risks: nausea, allergic reactions, and very rarely, serious cardiac or respiratory events. Factors that reduce risk: choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon, operating in an accredited facility, being in good health, following pre and post-op instructions (especially regarding medications and smoking), and disclosing your full medical history. The complication rate for elective cosmetic surgery is low overall—about 1-4% for major complications—but being informed allows you to weigh the decision properly.