Is cosmetic surgery safe?

“Is cosmetic surgery safe?” This is one of the questions that most people thinking of surgical options to enhance their looks tend to ask. Before the advent of modern methods the answer would probably have been yes. But that’s not the case now as technological advances have not only made aesthetic surgery safe but also very effective in bringing about the desired results.

However, there are certain risks involved with cosmetic plastic surgery, especially for individuals with health issues. The plastic surgeon carefully evaluates the patient at the initial consultations to determine candidature for the procedure in question.

Statistics prove plastic surgery is safe

Experts vouch that plastic surgery is safe, with statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) proving that there is only a one in 57,000 chance of death from cosmetic surgery. But safety can only be ensured if the plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Moreover, The experience of the surgeon certainly counts in assuring procedural safety and efficiency.

It’s also important that the surgical facility where the operation is performed is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). AAAASF-accreditation guarantees the safety of the surgical environment, high standards of patient safety, surgeon credentials, medication, medical record keeping, operating/recovery room policy, and other important categories. An AAAASF-accredited surgery would also have skilled, certified anesthesiologists.

An FDA (Food and drug Administration) approved cosmetic surgery procedure is also one that ensures your safety.

Finding the right plastic surgeon

For their safety, patients should browse plastic surgery websites to check whether all the relevant safety norms are met. Board certification can be verified at the website of the American Board of Plastic Surgery abplsurg.org or at plasticsurgery.org, the website of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The latter is not a board, but American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified surgeons are usually enrolled as members of the Society.

Factors increasing risk

Patients should also be wary of doctors calling themselves “cosmetic surgeons”. This is a highly misinterpreted term and needn’t necessarily imply board certification.

• One of the major reasons for deaths in cosmetic surgery is when several complex procedures are performed in a single session. Reliable surgeons advise patients against going in for multiple procedures at the same time.
• Cosmetic plastic surgery generally requires the patient to be in good health. If a surgeon warns you against a procedure due to a health condition, don’t go in for it.

Good health is vital

The failure to reduce the duration of a surgical procedure (say, to less than 6 hours at least), conducting multiple procedures in multiple sessions and disregard for the patient’s health risks could be fatal. Cosmetic surgery is safe for healthy individuals if the procedure is carried out by an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon in a facility using the latest technology. If the surgeon informs you of reasons why you should avoid the procedure, go by the advice.