Plastic surgery is not always about vanity. It is very useful to give a more standard look to the disfigured. But plastic surgery still remains a fashionable way for people to retain or gain a more youthful or more socially acceptable appearance. Whatever the reason for having the procedure done, plastic surgery patients need to be aware that plastic surgery carries risks that must be carefully considered before surgery is undertaken.

A board certified surgeon, proficient in the field performing the surgery can undoubtedly decrease plastic surgery risks. But no matter the reputation of the surgeon, any plastic surgery carries a risk. Patient should thoroughly discuss these inherent risks with a surgeon before undergoing any plastic surgery procedure.

Physically unhealthy people with chronic conditions that could increase plastic surgery risks should probably avoid undergoing plastic surgical procedures altogether. Plastic surgery risks are tied in closely to the emotional and physical health of any patient. For instance, a person's lifestyle can adversely affect the outcome of plastic surgery. Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption can drastically increase plastic surgery risks. Smoking, in particular, increases recovery time and can significantly raise the risk of necrosis, as well as hindering the healing to the point that ugly scarring may be a result. Some herbal supplements and prescription drugs can increase plastic surgery risks so any of those being taken must be discussed with the plastic surgeon before treatment. Aspirin, for instance, acts as a blood thinner and can contribute to excessive bleeding, so anyone on aspirin therapy needs to bring that to the surgeon's attention.

Since a patient will be under anesthesia for longer times if they are undergoing multiple procedures during the same surgery, they have increased risk of side effects. Prolonged exposure to general anesthesia always increases the risk of blood clots and other serious complications. Age is also a factor in risks associated with general anesthesia. Some problems that arise from general anesthesia use include abnormal heart rhythms or heart attacks, malignant hyperthermia, blood clots, airway obstruction, brain damage, temporary paralysis, stroke, and even death. Although they are rare, anyone undergoing surgery needs to be aware of these anesthesia associated plastic surgery risks.

Plastic surgery risks involve complications in the actual outcome of the surgery itself on occasion. Necrosis may occur if infection arises after a surgery. The development of Seromas from fluid collecting below the skin is another risk. Surgical errors may even result in asymmetries created in a surgical area, such a rhinoplasty creating a nasal passage that is off-center. Unsightly irregularities, divots, puckers and dimples may occur in the skin after a surgery. Some very serious plastic surgery risks from the surgery itself include long term or permanent paralysis, tingling, or numbness caused by nerve damage. More emotional trauma as well as physical trauma is associated with multiple plastic surgery procedures.

Plastic surgery risks are always lower when procedures are performed in a sterile hospital environment or in the surgical medical office of a plastic surgeon, and are performed by surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and not some discount cosmetic surgeon. Usually complications are rare, with serious complications being less than ½ of 1 percent and mortality risks affecting just 1 in 57,000 plastic surgery patients, but every patient should be aware of all risks before contemplating any plastic surgery procedure.