Common cosmetic surgery complications, such as infected wounds and scar tissue, can have a severe negative effect on a patient’s wellbeing. In the most severe cases, when complications arise from the use of anaesthesia during surgery, the patient can die. According to the German Medical Association’s scientific journal, there is evidence that, after decades of decline, the worldwide death rate during full anaesthesia is back on the rise, to about seven patients in every million. UAE-based cosmetic surgeons urge both medical practitioners and patients to avoid complications at all costs.

Dr. Sanjay Parashar, CEO, Specialist Plastic Surgeon & Laser Specialist, Cocoon Centre for Aesthetic Transformation, Dubai, commented: “At my practice in Dubai, I receive various patients who have undergone cosmetic surgeries elsewhere.  What typically happens is that their surgeon meticulously dresses the wounds, then sends the patients home and instructs them to get the dressing seen to or stitches removed one week after their procedure. I had a tummy tuck patient who had swelling and pain after the surgery and was given high dose of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory. After few days the wound started discharging purulent material. I had to drain the abscess and treat the wound until it subsided in one week. This patient probably had a haematoma under the wound which got infected and became an abscess. In my opinion the wounds need regular inspection, if haematoma is suspected, it needs aspiration and removal”.

In order to avoid complications prior to undergoing cosmetic surgery, patients should stop smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, and disclose all medical conditions to their surgeon in the consultation stage. The risk of surgery increases if the patient suffers from chronic medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, deep vein thrombosis, and varicose veins. Therefore, these conditions must be highlighted in the planning stage of any surgical procedure.

According to Dr. Parashar, patients should undergo a thorough medical check-up prior to undergoing any cosmetic surgery. They should prepare themselves for surgery by stopping certain medications such as aspirin, multivitamins, vitamin E, hormone tablets, roaccutane, but only after seeking medical advice.