Plastic Surgery Gone Wrong: Everything You Need to Know

Plastic surgery was not always so widely accepted. It used to be possible only for the rich and famous and was viewed as something only superficial or vain people would want. But with so many medical reasons for plastic surgery and the lowered cost of entirely elective plastic surgery, people are accepting it as a means of achieving one’s desired aesthetics in much the same way makeup is used. But with lowered price comes shoddy workmanship, and plastic surgery horror stories are now more prevalent. That’s why, regardless of the reason for plastic surgery, it’s important to choose your surgeon and surgical centre wisely.

Plastic surgery should be performed by a specialist who’s properly certified in plastic surgery. That means that the surgeon has met the medical qualifications necessary to perform the required procedure successfully. You’ll also want someone with plenty of experience and a good track record of great results. Here, we share tips on that exact topic to help you avoid complications from plastic surgery. We don’t want to hear of any more ‘plastic surgery gone wrong’ horror stories!

What is plastic surgery?​

Plastic surgery is a medical term used to describe a surgical procedure that involves improving one’s appearance through the reconstruction of facial and body tissue defects caused by illness, trauma, or birth disorders. Cosmetic surgery can involve surgery on any part of the body, except for the central nervous system.

Plastic surgery includes both reconstructive and aesthetic (cosmetic) procedures:

Reconstructive surgery is often done to improve function but can also be done to change one’s appearance. This is usually done on abnormal structures of the body and is often caused by:

• Congenital anomalies
• Developmental abnormalities
• Disease
• Infection
• Trauma
• Tumours

Cosmetic surgery is done to repair or reshape what would otherwise be normal structures of the body. This is usually done to improve appearance.

Cosmetic surgery gone wrong in Turkey​

For thousands of years, human beings have been actively engaged in the pursuit of self-improvement and have used plastic surgery procedures to accommodate that. Plastic surgery is one of the world’s oldest healing treatments. Skin grafts began in India as early as 800 B.C., and procedures began to advance among European countries after that.

Turkey has made a name for itself when it comes to plastic surgery, especially over the last two decades. But as is always the case when something is available cheaply, people wonder whether the lower cost in Turkey equates to more instances of plastic surgery having gone wrong in Turkey.

Thankfully, Turkish plastic surgeons offer very affordable and safe cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. The lower costs are not a reflection of standards, but rather is due to a combination of low cost of living and government subsidies to build a robust medical tourism industry.

What are the common plastic surgery complications and what can you do to prevent them?​

In recent years, millions of plastic surgery procedures have been done, with a good percentage of those being reconstructive surgery. The most popular procedures are breast augmentations, nose jobs, and liposuction. But no matter the type of procedure, there’s always a risk involved because it’s still surgery.

Interestingly, when plastic surgery goes wrong, it’s not often the procedure itself that has a problem. The biggest risk involves medical complications that come about after the procedure.

These are the most common things that can go wrong with plastic surgery:

• A separation at the site of the incision
• An infection
• Blood clotting
• Excessive bleeding
• Fluid buildup
• Nerve damage
• Reaction to anaesthesia
• Scarring

Even some less invasive procedures, like injections, have risks. It’s ironic that injections has become much more popular in recent years. In just the last few years, the incidence of this procedure has rapidly increased by 154% because it’s minimally invasive with fewer risks associated with it than more invasive plastic surgery. However, even with injections, you risk:

• Bruising
• Granulomas (lumps of cells from your immune system)
• Infection
• Pain or irritation
• Redness of the skin

Anyone is susceptible to risks or complications from plastic surgery. However, your risk is higher
if you:

• Don’t make healthy food choices
• Have a weakened immune system
• Have poor circulation in the area of the surgery
• Has HIV
• Are obese
• Are a diabetic
• Smoke

Some specific instructions might include exercising, not smoking or following a specific diet before surgery. You’ll also need to follow any post-surgery instructions. Make sure to get plenty of rest following surgery. Don’t over-exert or strain yourself and stay hydrated. Also, smoking isn’t recommended prior to surgery, but we recommend you also consider limiting smoking or not smoking after surgery for a period as it can negatively impact your healing.

Following these instructions will lessen the chance of plastic surgery going wrong and increase the chance of getting the results you desire.

What to consider before having plastic surgery?​

Qualifications​

Before having plastic surgery, make sure you’ve thoroughly researched the doctor that will be performing the procedure as well as the facility where the procedure will take place. The surgeon should have the proper licensing and certifications necessary to perform the required procedure and the facility should be properly accredited. Not all countries have the same requirements for licensing, so be sure to research the country you are getting the procedure done to know what those qualifications should be. These are the first steps in limiting complications with plastic surgery

Consultation​

Once you've identified a surgeon, there will be a consultation between the two of you before the surgery. It is okay to ask any additional questions you may have about their experience with the specific procedure. Feel free to ask any questions you have about the procedure that would make you feel more comfortable about having it done and ensuring that plastic surgery does not go horribly wrong. You should know the risks involved and if you have any conditions that may make it a bigger risk for you.

The best way for your doctor to answer questions regarding your conditions is if you provide honest answers. The more the doctor knows about your medical condition, the more they will be able to honestly share any felt concerns with you. So, answer honestly about past surgeries you’ve had, health issues you may have, and make sure they’re aware of all the medications and supplements that you take regularly, even if you buy them over the counter.

You should have a clear understanding of everything that will take place during the procedure. You should also be made aware of anything you need to know before the surgery and afterwards. That’s why it’s important to take full advantage of the consultation time. Get all of your questions answered in advance. Most importantly, make sure your doctor tells you everything.

Your surgeon should explain how the procedure will physically change your body. That will help to ensure you get the results you desire. You should be informed by your doctor about what to expect and the benefits of the surgery. Your doctor should also inform you of any risks and complications the surgery could bring. If there are alternatives, your doctor should let you know about them. Sometimes there’s a way to get what we’re looking for without surgery.

Depending on the procedure, you may need to stay one or two days in the hospital, with additional personal care in the weeks following. But for the most part, you will be good to live your life following your plastic surgery procedure. However, you and your doctor working together, with you following pre-surgery instructions, as provided, will make all the difference in how well prepared you are for plastic surgery.

How to choose your plastic surgery facility​

Plastic surgery should never be taken lightly, regardless of the level of surgery. Complications can happen and are known to happen even in the simplest procedures. That’s why it’s important to take extreme care in researching who and where to get your plastic surgery.

At Welfare Abroad, our world-class medical specialists are highly qualified and use the latest techniques available in their field. We've been treating patients for hair transplants and other forms of cosmetic surgery from all over the world (e.g. the UK, USA, Australia and Europe), and our goal is to make hair transplantation and cosmetic surgery affordable for everyone, regardless of where they live.

It may seem a long way to go to get the procedure you need or want. But coming to Turkey will save you money, and in many cases, coming here will give you access to more talented and experienced surgeons than what you could find in your home country. Plus, you get the chance to experience the famous Istanbul and make a real holiday of it while you're here.

So, if you're keen to explore permanent surgical methods of altering your appearance, our exceptional surgical and recovery staff provide exceptional service for a low price. Get in touch for an obligation-free discussion.