Nerve Injury: Both motor and sensory nerves can be damaged during Cosmetic Surgery. To actually cut the nerve (which, if not corrected, would result in permanent loss of sensation or movement in an area supplied by that nerve) is distinctly rare, but occasionally, nerves may be bruised during the surgery, and will “malfunction” for a period of a few weeks. Bruised nerves should regain full function after some weeks. After liposuction, the skin may take several months to regain normal sensation, and similarly, after facelifts, the cheeks may be quite numb for some months – this will return to normal.

Systemic complications: Although fortunately VERY RARE indeed, they are worthy of mention, as they can be potentially dangerous, and even life-threatening. Fluid imbalances, severe infections, heart attacks, strokes etc may all follow surgery – hence the need for fit, healthy patients to begin Cosmetic Surgery!! Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE) are clots that may form in the leg veins and may travel to the heart and lungs and make one very sick indeed, and can even be fatal.
If you are considering plastic surgery, you must be honest with yourself. Exactly why do you want surgery? And, what are your goals for surgery-what do you expect plastic surgery to do for you? There are two categories of patients who are good candidates for Cosmetic Surgery. The first includes patients with a strong self-image, who are bothered by a physical characteristic that they'd like to improve or change. After surgery, these patients feel good about the results and maintain a positive image about themselves.
The second category includes patients who have a physical Cosmetic Surgery defect or cosmetic flaw that has diminished their self-esteem over time. These patients may adjust rather slowly after surgery, as rebuilding confidence takes time. However, as they adjust, these patients' self-image is strengthened, sometimes dramatically
We take every precaution to minimize the patient’s risk and this may include special stockings (T.E.D.) and sometimes calf pump machines to keep the circulation moving in the legs. Having the procedure done under regional anaesthetic blocks and sedation (as opposed to a full general anaesthetic) is also protective. These complications are not specifically related to Cosmetic Surgery at all – they are common to all surgery procedures lasting longer than an hour.



