Do you always scroll through RealSelf and dream about getting that nose job or BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift, for those not familiar with the term)? You may want to think again. Even non-surgical procedures like the famous CoolSculpting (basically freezing your fat cells) have dangerous consequences. Read on to find out more.
Remember that BBL we mentioned above? You’ll be surprised to know that that’s the deadliest cosmetic surgery in the world. A 2017 study of 692 surgeons from around the world discovered that 3% (approximately 21) of them had a patient die due to BBL gone wrong operations. The researchers of this study stated that BBL-like operations appear to be connected with “much greater fatality rates” than any other plastic surgery.
Plastic Vs. Cosmetic Surgery
Both cosmetic (aesthetic) operations and reconstructive procedures fall under the umbrella of plastic surgery. Congenital abnormalities, cancer removals, trauma, and other reasons for reconstructive surgery are all included under the category of plastic surgery.
Most people associate the phrase “plastic surgery” with procedures to enhance one’s appearance to boost one’s sense of self-worth. Purely aesthetic procedures are cosmetic surgeries. These operations are not covered by insurance, and patients must be in good health before undergoing them.
Why Do People Get Cosmetic Surgery?
According to a 2019 RealSelf/Harris Poll survey, “to improve self-esteem/confidence” and “to look as good as I feel” are the most often mentioned reasons for undergoing or contemplating cosmetic surgery.
Common Plastic Surgery Complications
Warning: Google these at your own risk! The pictures of BBL gone wrong procedures may be pretty graphic.
Hematoma
A hematoma is a clot of blood formed outside of a vessel. After surgery, a hematoma may develop, resulting in a swollen and bruised area with a bloody pocket underneath. A hematoma can cause pain and even decrease blood flow to the affected area in some cases. Surgery may be required to remove blood from a large hematoma if the surgeon feels it is safe to do so.
Seromas
An injury to the lymphatic system results in a seroma similar to a hematoma. A seroma is a pocket of clear fluid that forms around the surgical site. The surgeon may use a syringe to remove fluid from the pocket if there is a lot of it. More invasive cosmetic procedures, like a tummy tuck, are more likely to result in seromas.
Poor Results
Bad After-Surgery Results from BBL gone wrong procedures may be a cosmetic surgery patient’s biggest fear. This is a result that doesn’t just make them look the same but makes them look worse than they did before the surgery.
Scars
Although scarring is not always predictable, it is possible to control scarring in most cases. Avoiding smoking, eating well after surgery, and following the surgeon’s recovery instructions can all help patients reduce their scarring.
Nerve Damage
Nerves can be damaged or severed during any surgical procedure, resulting in numbness or pain. However, the outcome will be more obvious if it’s a facial nerve. Eye or mouth drooping (ptosis) and facial paralysis can be the result of damage to those nerves.
Necrosis
Tissue death, or necrosis, can be brought on by surgery or complications that arise afterward. Non-necrotic wound healing removes any necrotic tissue from the wound site in most cases.
Excessive Or Abnormal Bleeding
Bleeding can and will occur during any surgical procedure. When bleeding is excessive or continues after the wound should have healed, it becomes a problem. Bloody discharge following surgery may indicate that the patient is overactive too soon after the operation.
Unravelling The Truth About “Non-surgical Procedures”
There is no such thing as a “risk-free” non-invasive procedure in the world of cosmetic surgery.
CoolSculpting
When something as seemingly harmless and non-invasive as CoolSculpting goes wrong, you’ve got to start wondering, “What is safe?” If you haven’t heard of CoolSculpting, it’s the brand name for a fat-freezing procedure that aims to remove stubborn fat in specific areas of your body. The procedure is known as cryolipolysis and was approved by the FDA in 2010.
Unfortunately, CoolSculpting can sometimes result in a tremendously dangerous, albeit rare, adverse reaction just like BBL gone wrong cases. Cryolipolysis-induced paradoxical adipose hyperplasia is a rare and previously unreported adverse effect.
To reduce the amount of fat in the treated area, cryolipolysis uses cooling to damage and destroy subcutaneous fat cells without damaging the skin. This PAH phenomenon has been reported to occur in 0.0051 percent of the 1.5 million CoolSculpting procedures performed worldwide.
PAH causes the treated area to enlarge gradually. It happens when the stimulus (fat cell freezing) triggers a reactionary process in the fatty tissue that thickens and expands the fat cells rather than breaking them down and allowing the body to process and remove them.
PAH has only been observed after a cryolipolysis or CoolSculpting body contouring treatment. PAH is typically not confirmed until six months after the procedure, with patients complaining that they are growing larger in the exact shape of the applicator.
Lipodissolve
Several cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists agree that Lipodissolve — a shot that is supposed to dissolve stubborn fat deposits — is one procedure to avoid when hunting for a leaner appearance.
Permanent Filler Injections
Simply put, injectable fillers are special gels injected into the skin to plump up lips, push out wrinkles and fine lines, and “fill out” spaces in the face that need a little extra volume.
Most fillers on the market today are temporary, meaning they are absorbed into the body, and the results are lost after a certain amount of time. This fill category includes natural fillers like collagen and newer gels like hyaluronic acid.
However, some fillers are intended to remain in the body for extended periods. These fillers, appropriately dubbed permanent fillers, include liquid silicone and Aquamid.
Though appealing to some consumers who would prefer to pay for fillers once rather than repeatedly, such fillers have been linked to several complications, including irreversible binding with tissues and a tendency to “drift,” which can result in a distorted appearance.
A Few Final Thoughts
The possible benefits of plastic surgery vary greatly from patient to patient. Many plastic surgery patients state that their sole regret is not undergoing the procedure sooner.
However, many wish they had never undergone the procedure or who wish they had at least conducted more research or selected a different surgeon because of BBL gone wrong cases.
You can reduce the risks by doing your own due diligence and becoming a well-informed patient. Aside from the fact that risks differ from procedure to procedure, some are significant. It’s up to you to decide whether it’s worthwhile. Learn about yourself and consider the pros and cons. Your loved ones may be able to assist you. If you decide to go forward, choose the best surgeon to avoid and say no to BBL gone wrong procedures.
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