When considering undergoing Plastic Surgery, it is important to understand the potential risks associated with each procedure. Risks and recovery will vary from person-to-person. Prior to providing surgical consent, your Plastic Surgeon will thoroughly assess and explain your exposure to risk and discuss your individual recovery.

This page contains general information about the risks of Plastic Surgery and information about the main Cosmetic procedures our Surgeons perform here at East Coast Plastic Surgery.

General Risks

• Complications due to the anaesthetic and allergies to anaesthetic agents, antiseptic solutions, suture material or dressings.
• Pain and discomfort around any incisions.
• Heavy bleeding from incision (rare complication).
• Wound infection – treatment with antibiotics may be needed.
• Poor or slow healing.
• Separation of wound edges.
• Abnormal scarring on the incision (Keloid or hypertrophic scars). These can be itchy and tender for months.
• Nausea and/or vomiting (usually from anaesthetic).
• If you have a large amount of blood loss during the surgery, a blood transfusion may be needed (this is uncommon).
• You may develop a chest infection after a general anaesthetic (this is more common in smokers/vapers).
• Heart and circulation problems such as blood clots, which can cause pulmonary embolisms, heart attack or stroke can occur. These can be life threatening.
• It is possible, though unusual to experience a bleeding episode during or after the surgery. Should post operative bleeding occur, it may require emergency treatment to drain accumulated blood (haematoma). Do not take blood thinning drugs such as Aspirin, Warfarin, Clopidogrel (Plavix or Iscover) or Dipyridaole (Persantin or Asasantin) or any other anti-inflammatory medications for 14 days before and after surgery as this may contribute to a greater risk of bleeding.

 

Breast Augmentation

• Haematoma (an accumulation of blood around the surgical site that may require drainage).
• If post-operative complications occur, removal of an implant/implants and additional surgery may be needed at your own expense.
• Changes in sensation around the nipple are common, normal sensation usually returns within weeks to months. Permanent loss of sensation is uncommon but can occur.
• Intracapsular or extracapsular ruptures can occur with breast implants and additional surgery would be required (at your own expense) to have them removed or replaced.
• Capsular contracture is thought to occur due to a chronic low-grade infection but is uncommon (happens in about 4% of cases).
• Seroma occurs when a tear forms around the implant with fluid accumulating and although uncommon, seroma is considered a late complication. Treatment includes needing an exploration in theatre and sometimes a change in implants.
• There have been recent reports of possible association between breast implants and a rare lymphoma called Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). Our surgeons use a “14 point plan” to minimise the risk of ALCL, capsular contracture and other implication relating to implant usage.

 

Breast Lifts & Reductions

• Haematoma (an accumulation of blood around the surgical site that may require drainage).
• Poor or slow healing of the skin and breast tissue – more likely to occur in smokers.
• Bruising and swelling (usually subsides after a week or two but always a possibility that it can last longer).
• Nipple congestion is a very uncommon complication that becomes noticeable when the nipple turns purple and in extreme cases, can result in the nipple falling off.
• Poor wound healing of the T junction is an uncommon complication and can be noticed through the wound oozing liquid . Treatment involves dressing the wound and taking oral antibiotics.
• Temporary loss of sensation in the nipple and areola is very common and it varies from numbness to hypersensitivity, but is very rarely permanent although it can take several months to return to normal or near normal. In some cases, the nipple and areola may stay attached to their nerve supply throughout the procedure, but the loss of sensation may become permanent. If the nipple and areola are removed and grafted into a new position, then the loss of sensation is always permanent.
• The nipple and areola, in rare cases, can lose its blood supply and die causing a need for a reconstruction. The reconstructions come at a later stage in the form of a skin graft from another section of the body.
• Breast reduction surgery is not recommended for women who want to breastfeed. While some reduction techniques can preserve the nipple structure and milk ducts, other techniques may lead to their removal. Breast lift surgery does not usually affect the ability to breastfeed.

Explant (Removal of Implants)

• Changes in breast shape or volume may occur after implant removal.
• There is a risk of skin laxity or irregular contour, especially after long-term implants.
• Scar tissue from previous surgeries may complicate removal and affect healing.
• Risk of infection and delayed wound healing.
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation may occur and can be temporary or permanent.
• Haematoma may occur and could require drainage.
• Additional procedures, such as a breast lift, may be needed to address functional or aesthetic concerns.

Breast Reconstruction

• Risks vary depending on whether implants or tissue flaps are used.
• Possible complications include delayed healing, capsular contracture, implant rupture, or infection.
• Flap-based reconstruction may involve risk of partial or total flap failure.
• Asymmetry or contour irregularities may require revision.
• Changes in breast or donor site sensation can occur and may be permanent.
• Scarring can be significant, depending on the surgical technique used.

Gynaecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)

• Swelling and bruising may take several weeks to resolve.
• Temporary or permanent changes in nipple sensation may occur.
• Bleeding, infection, or seroma (fluid build-up) may occur.
• Irregular contour or asymmetry may require revision.
• Scarring will vary depending on technique and healing.
• Compression garments are often recommended to support healing.

 

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

• There may be swelling around the operated area which can persist for several weeks and in rare cases, longer following the procedure.
• Scars which are permanent require an indefinite period to soften, fade and look their best, usually six months to a year. Although good wound healing after a surgical procedure is expected, abnormal scars may occur within both the skin and deeper tissue.There is a possibility of visible marks from sutures used to close the wound. There is a possibility scars may limit motion and function. Additional treatments, including surgery, may be needed to treat scarring.
• There may be discolouration of the skin (bruising) for several weeks.
• Delayed healing at times occurs along the margins of the incisions and occasionally there is some loss along the skin’s edges that will require prolonged dressings or additional surgery to correct. Additional surgical procedures will involve additional charges or fees. Smokers have a greater risk of skin loss and wound healing complications.
• There may be scattered numbness over the operated area following surgery which may persist for an indefinite period.
• Deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels and muscles may be damaged during the course of the surgery. The potential for this to occur varies with where in the body the surgery is being performed. Injury to deeper structures may be temporary or permanent.
• You may be unable to stand fully upright for up to six weeks due to the tightness of the abdominal skin with resultant excessive pulling to the surgical scar.

Postpartum (Abdominoplasty & Breast Augmentation)

• Combines risks of both individual procedures, including infection, swelling, and bruising.
• Higher risk of blood clots due to extended duration of surgery.
• Delayed wound healing and changes in nipple sensation may occur.
• Scarring and discomfort may be more pronounced due to multiple surgical sites.
• Recovery may take longer depending on the extent of surgery.

Labiaplasty

• Incisions are used in and around the labia, and these incisions heal with scar tissue.
• Delayed healing at times occurs along the margins of the incisions and occasionally there is some loss along the skin’s edges that will require prolonged dressings or additional surgery for correction. Additional surgical procedures will involve additional charges or fees.
• Smokers have a greater risk of skin loss and wound healing complications.
• There will be discolouration around the labia for several days, and in some cases, this can persist for considerably longer.
• Due to the nature of the procedure, an exact result cannot be predicted and there is no guarantee of specific results.

 

Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

• Incisions are typically made around the hairline and ears and heal with scar tissue, which can vary in appearance depending on individual healing.
• Bruising and swelling are common after surgery and usually subside within a few weeks, though some may experience prolonged recovery.
• Temporary numbness or changes in skin sensation may occur around the surgical area.
• In some cases, facial nerve injury may result in temporary or permanent weakness or asymmetry.
• Hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin) may occur and could require drainage in theatre.
• Skin loss, especially behind the ears, may occur in smokers or those with poor circulation and may require additional wound care or revision surgery.
• Delayed wound healing or wound separation may occur, particularly in patients with risk factors such as smoking or certain medical conditions.
• There is a risk of infection, which may require antibiotic treatment.
• As with all surgical procedures, outcomes vary from patient to patient and are influenced by factors such as anatomy, age, lifestyle and adherence to post-operative care instructions.

Blepharoplasty

• Incisions are used in and around the eyelids and these incisions heal with scar tissue.
• There will be discolouration around the eyelids for several days, and in some cases, this can persist for considerably longer.
• Ectropion or pulling down, usually of the lower eyelids, is an uncommon but possible complication that may require additional surgery for correction.
• Cosmetics/makeup around the eyes are not to be used for at least one week after surgery.
• The eyelids may have a more sunken appearance after surgery.
• An extremely rare complication is blindness in one or both eyes.

Female to Male (FTM) Top Surgery

• Infection, bleeding, or delayed wound healing may occur.
• Nipple necrosis, asymmetry, or contour issues may require revision.
• Permanent loss of nipple sensation is common.
• Scarring varies based on technique and individual healing.
• Compression garments are typically used post-operatively.
• Smokers have an increased risk of complications.

Brow Lift

• Bruising and swelling around the forehead and eyes are common.
• Temporary numbness, asymmetry, or hairline changes may occur.
• Rare risk of facial nerve injury causing weakness.
• Infection or poor wound healing is possible.
• Scars are typically concealed in the hairline but vary in appearance.

 

Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)

• Incisions are made behind or around the ears and will heal with scar tissue, which can vary in appearance depending on individual healing.
• Temporary bruising and swelling are common and usually subside within a few weeks.
• Numbness or tingling around the ears may occur and typically improves with time, though it can be long-lasting in some cases.
• Asymmetry may persist or occur after surgery and in some cases, may require a secondary procedure.
• Infection at the incision site is a possible complication and may require antibiotic treatment.
• Delayed wound healing or wound separation may occur, particularly in patients with risk factors such as smoking.
• Changes in ear shape due to cartilage healing or scarring may occur and, in some cases, may require revision surgery.
• As with all surgical procedures, outcomes vary and are influenced by factors such as anatomy, age, lifestyle and adherence to post-operative instructions.

Skin Cancer Removal

• Risk of bleeding, infection, and scarring at the excision site.
• Healing varies with lesion location and size.
• Skin grafts or flaps may carry risk of failure.
• Pigment changes or contour irregularities may occur.
• Ongoing monitoring for recurrence is recommended.

Scar Revision

• Scars may recur as keloid or hypertrophic.
• Risk of infection, bleeding, or wound issues.
• Multiple treatments may be needed for desired results.
• Healing and outcomes vary between individuals.
• Additional treatments such as laser or steroid injections may be required.

Benign Skin Lesion Removal

• Minor risks include bleeding, infection, and scarring.
• Lesions may recur or pigmentation changes may occur.
• Healing typically occurs within days to weeks.
• Scar appearance varies by location and healing response.