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Risk & Complications for Teens After Plastic Surgery

Many teenagers have self-esteem and body issues, and some look to plastic surgery to fix their problems. Plastic surgery, especially cosmetic surgery procedures, can have many risks and complications. Parents and teenagers should know these risks before teens undergo any type of plastic surgery.

  1. Breast Augmentation Risks

    • According to an article published in the "Journal of Adolescent Health," breast implants in adolescents is one of the most popular and controversial plastic surgeries for teens. Implant companies report most young women have at least one serious complication within the first three years. These include infection, hematomas and seromas, loss of nipple sensation, hypertrophic scarring and capsular contracture. Most breast implants last only 10 years, which means teenagers could undergo several surgeries throughout a lifetime. Breast implants are also unpredictable and often break or leak. This raises the odds of complications. Also, many teenagers do not realize that they may not be able to breastfeed and that implants may interfere with mammograms in later phases of their lives.

    Liposuction Risks

    • Main risks of liposuction include infection; damage to skin, nerves and vital organs; fat or blood clots; and excessive fluid loss that may lead to death. Also, liposuction techniques can cause complications including lidocaine toxicity, fluid accumulation in the lungs, and skin or deep tissue damage. Other risks, such as irregularities, dimples and puckers, may result from surgeon error. Perforation of the bowels or abdominal walls is also possible during the liposuction procedure. Most teens have the metabolism and energy to lose weight naturally and put themselves at risk by looking for a quick fix.

    General Plastic Surgery Risks

    • There are many potential complications associated with any type of surgery that uses anesthesia or sedation. They include blood clots, brain damage, heart attacks, nerve damage, strokes, temporary paralysis, abnormal heart rhythms, airway obstructions and death. Aspiration may occur if the teenager vomits during surgery, and it may lead to chronic cough or pneumonia. If sutures loosen during recovery, internal bleeding or a hernia may occur. This would typically require an additional surgery. Cosmetic surgeries are usually expensive and seldom covered by insurance policies. If a teenager finances the procedure herself, she may face financial problems that begin very early in life.

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