It was not always like that but today plastic surgery is quite safe. The mortality rate has dropped to about 1 in less than 60,000 cases. Less than 1 percent of the patients suffer from critical complications. The great safety record was not only achieved by big improvements in the used equipment and materials. Today plastic surgeons have to go through a certification process. Ongoing education in this field is the best protection against risks. Awful plastic surgery is mainly history but can still happen.

There are still dangers though, not everything can be removed. If a patient is overweight for example, he or she has a much higher chance of getting blood clots. If the patient has problems with the heart or the lungs it also increases to risk for serious complications. Diseases of the nervous system, hormone problems, cancer and other factors can make the difference between success and failure.

The better your overall health the lower your risks. There are very common diseases like arthritis or diabetes that can cause problems. No matter what health conditions you have or what medications you need to take, you must inform your plastic surgeon about every detail.

Smoking can cause serious infection problems. If you don't stop smoking weeks before the surgery then you are at high risk. But you shouldn't smoke after your surgery as well because smoking reduces the blood circulation and increases recovery time.

Maybe you are not the perfect candidate for a cosmetic surgery but that doesn't mean it is not possible. It just means that your risks increase. However, if you meet all the criteria of a non-ideal candidate you should change your lifestyle before you go under a cosmetic surgery.

Beside the common risk factors, there is always something that can go wrong with a surgery. There are thousands of cosmetic surgeries performed each and every week. A liposuction is the most common surgery followed by breast implant surgery. Women have about ten times more surgeries than men.

Sometimes it is the anesthesia that can cause problems and the doctor may have to insert a tube. Blood loss is another big problem. There is always bleeding but excessive bleeding can lead to lower blood pressure during the surgery and to irregular heart beat and even heart attacks. After the surgery it could lead to another surgery.

Infections are another reason when a plastic surgery gone wrong. Smokers have a much higher risk of infections. Antibiotics must be taken several days after a surgery to avoid the serious complications of an infection.

The statistics seem to proof the fact that plastic surgery is very safe. It is indeed but never forget that it is not only the surgeon who can do things wrong but many of the risk factors are caused by you. Don't risk the results of a great cosmetic surgery by working against yourself.