Beyond Know How

Any surgery comes with risks. While the media portrays cosmetic surgery as being quick and easy, the truth of the matter is that there is often a long recovery time involved and there is always a risk of complications. The chances of something going wrong are slim in most cases but it’s important to acknowledge the fact that risks are still involved.

Facial cosmetic surgery, like, any avenue of cosmetic surgery, comes with an equal risk factor. You can drastically reduce your chances of developing complications afterwards if you research the cosmetic procedure beforehand and if you pick a good, reputable surgeon. Cosmetic surgery is much more costly in the United States compared to other regions (Mexico, for example) and while it may sound like a good deal to have a nose job or an eyelid surgery performed for a fraction of the cost but know that you get what you pay for and in most cases, cheaper means higher risks.

Numbness is one of the most common issues after surgery and the risk can be debated. Some people would rather live with a bit of numbness around their face than what they perceive to be an unattractive feature. Tingling, depending on how severe it is, can be considered a bigger issue.

Assymetry is also a risk, one that should be addressed as soon as possible. Cosmetic surgery can give you miraculous results but it is not a perfect science yet. Assymetry is always a risk after surgery but with any luck, your surgeon will be able to correct the mistake. Infections, while incredibly rare, can be very dangerous if not treated immediately. With antibiotics and a reputable surgeon’s instructions, however, the chance of infection is very little.

Anethesia comes with a long list of risks albeit the chances are slim. People with heart problems, who are obese or who have lung disease are at a greater risk than others. It’s important to tell your doctor about any medication you are taking and to let your doctor know about your complete medical history. The risks of anethesia are:

- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Airway obstruction
- Blood clots
- Brain damage
- Heart attack
- Malignant hyperthermia
- Nerve damage
- Stroke
- Temporary paralysis

Malignant hyperthermia is a rare, although it must be recognized and treated fast, otherwise it can lead to death. It is a complication where blood pressure, body temperature and heart rate all rise to dangerously hyperactive levels. Temporary paralysis, which occurs when muscle relaxants have not worn off completely after surgery, is easy to fix.

The list of complications might seem daunting to anyone who is seriously considering cosmetic surgery. If you do your homework and pick a skilled surgeon, though, chances weigh heavily in your favour that you will have a clean operation with few risks to none.

Many people will often wonder how that can get their insurance company to pay for a nose job.  In order to provide the answer, we must quickly review why you would have to pay for a nose job.

If you simply want to alter your appearance for aesthetic reasons, this surgery will be considered elective cosmetic surgery.  This means that the insurance company will not pay for the cost of nose surgery.

With that said, if your doctor categorizes your nose surgery as needing to be performed for medical reasons, then the insurance company will pay for it.  An example of a medically necessary reason is to repair a deviated septum that impairs proper airflow.

Before we conclude, we want to point out that trying to defraud insurance companies can get you sent to jail.  So unless you really have a medically necessary condition, please do not try to get your doctor to lie.