Plastic Surgery
What Are the Risks of Plastic Surgery?
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Haute MD Editorial Team
All surgical procedures carry inherent risks. Common risks of plastic surgery include infection, bleeding and hematoma, seroma, poor wound healing, hypertrophic or keloid scars, numbness or hypersensitivity, asymmetry, unsatisfactory aesthetic outcomes, and anesthesia-related complications. More serious risks — though less common — include deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, fat embolism (associated with BBL), and in rare cases life-threatening complications.
General surgical risks
Infection is treated with antibiotics; in rare cases requires surgical drainage. Hematoma — blood collection — occurs in 1-10% of facelifts and 1-4% of augmentations and may require drainage. Seroma — fluid collection — is most common after tummy tuck and liposuction. Poor scarring includes hypertrophic or keloid scars that may require treatment.
Procedure-specific risks
Facelift: nerve injury, skin necrosis, hair loss near incisions. Rhinoplasty: breathing difficulty, asymmetry, need for revision. Breast augmentation: capsular contracture, implant rupture, implant malposition. Liposuction: contour irregularities, skin laxity. BBL: fat embolism — the most dangerous complication of any cosmetic procedure.
How to minimize risk
Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon operating in an accredited facility. Stop smoking at least 4 weeks before and after surgery. Disclose all medications and health conditions. Follow all pre- and post-operative instructions precisely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most dangerous plastic surgery procedure?
Brazilian butt lift (BBL) has the highest mortality rate of any elective cosmetic procedure, primarily due to fat embolism risk. Risk is significantly reduced when performed by experienced surgeons following established safety guidelines.
What is capsular contracture?
Capsular contracture is scar tissue that forms around a breast implant, hardening and squeezing it. It is the most common complication of breast augmentation, occurring in approximately 10% of patients over their lifetime.
Can I prevent scars after plastic surgery?
Scars are inevitable after any surgery, but their appearance can be optimized by following wound care instructions, using silicone sheets or gels, avoiding sun exposure, and in some cases undergoing scar treatments after healing is complete.
How do I know if a surgical facility is safe?
Ensure the surgical facility is accredited by AAAASF, AAAHC, or is a licensed ambulatory surgical center or hospital. These accreditations confirm the facility meets established safety standards.
Get Help Now
Speak with a Haute MD Plastic Surgery physician
Dr. Daniel Careaga
Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Plastic Surgery · Coral Gables, FL
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Dr. Alexandra Condé-Green
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Plastic Surgery · Boca Raton, FL
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Dr. Samuel Lin
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Plastic Surgery · Boston, MA
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