Beauty is a subjective and personal concept that varies across cultures, time periods, and individuals. However, many people desire to improve their appearance and enhance their beauty according to their standards and preferences. Cosmetic surgery, commonly referred to as aesthetic surgery, is a branch of plastic surgery that offers various procedures to help people achieve their aesthetic goals and improve their self-image and well-being.

The surgery corrects or enhances the facial and body features subject to age-related changes or causes distress to the patient.

Some of the most common aesthetic procedures include:

• Tummy tucks: known as abdominoplasty, tummy tucks aim to tighten the abdominal muscles and eliminate extra skin and fat.
• Breast augmentation: This procedure increases the size and shape of the breasts using implants or fat transfer.
• Breast reduction: The process of reducing the size and weight of the breasts and lifting them to a more comfortable position is collectively known as breast reduction.
• Eyelid surgery: Also known as blepharoplasty, this procedure removes the extra skin or fat in the lower and upper eyelids, improving the appearance of droopy or puffy eyes.
• Nose reshaping: This procedure alters the size, shape, or angle of the nose to improve its proportion and function. This procedure is medically known as rhinoplasty.
• Facelift: Medically known as rhytidectomy, this procedure lifts and tightens the skin and muscles of the face and neck and reduces the signs of ageing.
• Liposuction: A plastic surgeon removes undesirable fat deposits from various body areas using a suction device.

People opt for these surgeries to boost self-esteem, confidence, and happiness by creating a more harmonious and attractive appearance. However, they are not magic solutions that can solve all problems or guarantee satisfaction. Aesthetic surgery has limitations, risks, and complications. Hence one should give it significant thought and plan well, before deciding to go ahead with any procedure.

Benefits of aesthetic surgery

Some of the benefits of aesthetic surgery include:

Risks of aesthetic surgery

It is essential to practice caution while deciding whether to have cosmetic surgery or not. Considering the prospective advantages, hazards, and realistic expectations is critical. While aesthetic surgery can improve one’s appearance and self-confidence but cannot change a person’s life. It is also essential to understand that there is nothing called physical perfection.

Every aesthetic surgery comes with limitations. As with any other surgery, aesthetic surgery too involves some degree of uncertainty and potential harm. Some of the risks include:

Risk of infection

Contracting an infection is a frequent side effect of all surgeries that can cause pain, swelling, redness, fever, pus accumulation and discharge, or drainage at the surgical site. Additionally, an infection may spread to other body parts or cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition when the body’s response to infection causes organ failure.

Following reasonable hygiene procedures before and after surgery, taking antibiotics as the doctor prescribes, and informing the surgeon as soon as you notice any signs of infection can all help to prevent infection.

Excessive bleeding

Aesthetic surgery can cause bruising, hematoma (blood collection under the skin), or haemorrhage (severe blood loss) leading to excessive bleeding.

Excessive bleeding can also lead to anaemia, a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells to deliver oxygen to the tissues and organs.

Bleeding can be prevented by avoiding aspirin or ibuprofen or blood thinners before and after the surgery. Following the surgeon’s instructions on wound care and activity restrictions is important. Report any signs of bleeding to the surgeon as soon as possible.

Scarring

Any procedure that involves cutting the skin will inevitably leave scars. It can cause changes in the skin’s colour, texture, or shape, as well as itching, pain, or numbness. Scarring can also affect the appearance and function of the surgical site, such as causing contractures (a tightening of the skin that limits movement) or keloids (a raised and thickened scar that grows beyond the original wound).

Scarring can be minimized by following the surgeon’s instructions on wound care and sun protection, using silicone sheets or gels to reduce scar formation, and undergoing scar revision surgery if necessary.

Nerve injury

Nerve damage is an uncommon but severe condition that can cause serious complications in any surgery that involves cutting or stretching the nerves. Nerve damage can cause changes in sensation, such as numbness, tingling, or pain, or changes in movement, such as weakness, paralysis, or twitching.

Damaged nerves can also impact the surgical site, causing drooping eyelids, facial asymmetry, or difficulty breathing.

Nerve damage can be prevented by choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon who uses appropriate surgical techniques and instruments. Reporting any signs of nerve damage to the surgeon as soon as possible is crucial.

Implant failure

Implant failure is a specific complication of aesthetic surgery that involves placing artificial materials inside the body, such as breast implants or facial fillers.

Implant failure can cause changes in the appearance or function of the implant, such as deflation, rupture, displacement, infection, inflammation, or capsular contracture (the scar tissue surrounding the implant hardens).

Implant failure may also result in changes to the appearance or function of the surrounding tissues, such as calcification (a build-up of calcium deposits), necrosis (death of tissue), or granuloma (a mass of inflamed tissue).

The risk of implant failure can be minimised by opting for a qualified and experienced surgeon for the operation. Following the surgeon’s instructions on implant care and monitoring, and reporting any signs of implant failure to the surgeon as soon as possible is of utmost importance.

The table below summarises some standard aesthetic procedures, their potential benefits and risks:

Things to consider before going for any aesthetic surgery

So, should you go for aesthetic surgery or not?

If you are considering undergoing any kind of aesthetic surgery, conduct extensive research before you decide on going for it. Here are a few things you should consider before making the final decision:

Choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon

Aesthetic surgery is performed by a medical professional specialising in plastic surgery. Check the medical qualification of the surgeon who will perform your aesthetic surgery. He/she should have qualifications such as MBBS, MD, MBChB or similar qualifications and should be registered with the Malaysian Medical Council [MMC]. Most plastic surgeons in Malaysia are members of the Malaysian Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. Check your doctor’s associations as well.

A plastic surgeon should also operate in an accredited facility that meets safety and quality standards. You should choose a surgeon with extensive training and experience in performing the specific procedure you are interested in.

Choose the Right Procedure

Each individual has unique physical characteristics and desired outcomes, making it essential to select a procedure that aligns with their goals. You are unique in your own way. The surgeon will provide guidance and recommend suitable options based on your specific needs. Discuss the procedure’s benefits, limitations, and potential risks before taking the final decision.

Have realistic expectations

Set reasonable expectations regarding the outcome of aesthetic surgery. It is important to understand that aesthetic surgery can improve one’s appearance, but your identity and personality will remain the same. You should also understand that aesthetic surgery cannot achieve perfection or guarantee happiness.

Before consenting to a procedure, discussing your expectations with your plastic surgeon is absolutely essential.

Other important things to know

If you have already considered all of the above and have made up your mind to go for surgery, here is a brief overview of how to prepare for the surgery and the recovery procedure, to help you prepare beforehand:

Preparing for the surgery

Patients should follow their plastic surgeon’s instructions on preoperative care. It may include stopping smoking, avoiding blood thinners, fasting before surgery, arranging transportation and aftercare, and packing necessary items for recovery.

They should also prepare for surgery by informing their family and friends about their decision and seeking support and understanding.

Recovering from surgery

Following their plastic surgeon’s instructions on postoperative care is absolutely imperative if one wants a healthy recovery. The surgeon may provide you instructions on a variety of topics such as the use of painkillers and antibiotics, keeping the surgical site clean and dry, donning compression clothing or bandages if necessary, avoiding strenuous activities and exposure to the sun, attending follow-up appointments and tests, and alerting the surgeon as soon as you notice any complications.

Mental and physical well-being is essential during this period. Hence, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, get enough rest, manage stress, and seek help if you experience any emotional difficulties.

Sources:

• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/cosmetic-plastic-surgery-overview
• https://www.britannica.com/science/plastic-surgery
• https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/plastic-surgery-techniques
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155757
• https://academic.oup.com/asj
• https://getblogo.com/cosmetic-surgery-benefits-and-risks/