Plastic Surgery's Dark Side: Stroke Risk Explored

Plastic surgery is a broad term for surgical procedures that alter a person's physical appearance and/or body function. While it can be elective or necessary, plastic surgery is not without risks. One of the most serious complications is stroke, which can be caused by general anaesthesia. This complication is rare, with a 2018 review of 25,000 cases showing complications in fewer than 1% of outpatient surgeries. However, the risk is higher for certain groups, such as smokers, older adults, and obese individuals. Thus, it is important for individuals considering plastic surgery to fully vet their doctor and the facility, educate themselves about the procedure and risks, and discuss any concerns with their doctor to manage expectations and reduce the risk of complications.

Can rhinoplasty cause a stroke?

Rhinoplasty is associated with many risks, and it is considered an operation with high risks due to the limited predictability of the aesthetic result. The risks for rhinoplasty-related complications can be reduced with increasing experience. However, there are still some potential complications that can occur.

One possible complication is a hematoma, which is a pocket of blood that resembles a large, painful bruise. Hematomas can occur after any surgery, but they are particularly common after rhinoplasty, affecting 1% of patients. They can usually be treated with additional operations to drain the blood.

Another potential complication is an infection. Infections after rhinoplasty are rare, occurring in less than 1% of cases. However, they can sometimes be life-threatening, such as in the case of toxic shock syndrome.

Other possible complications include nerve damage, scarring, and dissatisfaction with the cosmetic results. In some rare cases, more serious complications such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism can occur. These complications are relatively uncommon, affecting only 0.09% of all patients undergoing plastic surgery.

Overall, while rhinoplasty can cause various complications, the risk of experiencing these complications is relatively low, and they can often be treated effectively.

Can hyaluronic acid injections cause a stroke?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps retain moisture in the skin and eyes and lubricates the joints. It is also available in the form of injections, face creams, serums, and eye drops.

Hyaluronic acid injections are used to treat knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. They are administered under the supervision of a doctor and are given as a shot into the knee joint. While hyaluronic acid is considered safe, it may produce adverse side effects and allergic reactions in some people.

There have been rare cases of hyaluronic acid injections causing strokes. In one case, a 61-year-old male presented to the emergency department with ocular pain and visual loss in the left eye after receiving a cosmetic filler injection containing hyaluronic acid and polylactic acid. The patient was diagnosed with cerebral infarction and intracranial hemorrhage. Another case involved a 23-year-old man who experienced sudden ocular pain and vision loss in the right eye after a perinasal filler injection using hyaluronic acid gel. He was referred to the emergency department and subsequently diagnosed with complicated cerebral infarction.

While these cases demonstrate a potential link between hyaluronic acid injections and stroke, they are considered rare complications. It is important to note that the injection process itself may contribute to the side effects rather than the hyaluronic acid solution. As with any medical procedure, it is crucial to consult with a doctor and weigh the risks and benefits before undergoing hyaluronic acid injections.

Can cosmetic surgery cause facial paralysis?

Facial paralysis can be caused by nerve damage due to congenital conditions, trauma, or disease, such as a stroke, brain tumour, or Bell's palsy. It can also be caused by surgical trauma, with iatrogenic injury to the facial nerve being one of the most feared complications of surgery.

The loss of facial movement has both social and functional consequences for the patient. A survey of 22,954 patients at the Facial Palsy Clinic in Edinburgh, Scotland, found that over 50% experienced considerable psychological distress and social withdrawal as a result of their facial paralysis.

Facial paralysis surgery, or facial reanimation surgery, can restore motion to the face by using all or parts of muscles and nerves from other parts of the body. The type of surgery depends on the duration of paralysis, its cause, and whether it is complete or partial.

For acute facial paralysis, the main surgical therapies are facial nerve decompression and facial nerve repair. For intermediate-duration paralysis, nerve transfer procedures are appropriate. For chronic paralysis, regional or free muscle transfer is typically required.

One surgical option is the temporalis tendon transfer (T3). This procedure involves moving the temporalis muscle and tendon, which are located in the face and help with chewing, to another position. This operation takes less than an hour and can restore symmetry, reduce drooling, and enable smiling. However, it requires the patient to clench their teeth to smile, which can be achieved effortlessly with practice.

Another option is the gracilis muscle transplant (free flap). The gracilis muscle is located in the inner thigh, and a small portion of it, along with its nerve and blood supply, can be transplanted to the face to restore the smile. This procedure is more complex, requiring two surgeries and a two-day hospital stay. However, it produces a more natural-looking smile that does not require teeth clenching.

In summary, cosmetic surgery can cause facial paralysis, and there are various surgical options available to restore motion to the face depending on the patient's specific needs and the duration of paralysis.

Can cosmetic surgery cause nerve damage?

Nerve damage is a potential complication of cosmetic surgery. While plastic surgery carries a low risk of complications overall, nerve damage is a possibility that prospective patients should be aware of.

Nerve damage can occur when the skin is cut, or if nerves are stretched or cauterized. The potential for nerve damage exists in many different types of surgical procedures, and it is more likely when the surgeon is inexperienced or the wrong surgical approach is taken. Temporary numbness or tingling is common after plastic surgery and can be a sign of nerve damage. Most often, this damage is minor and temporary, but in some cases, it can be permanent.

There are two types of nerves to consider: motor nerves and sensory nerves. Motor nerves supply input to the muscles that govern facial functions. Sensory nerves provide sensation to the skin. The facial nerve (7th cranial nerve) is the predominant motor nerve in the face, and the trigeminal nerve (5th cranial nerve) provides most of the sensation to the face. During a facelift, for example, temporary numbness of the cheeks can occur due to damage to the peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve in the skin. However, the major branches of this nerve should never be injured, and almost all sensibility will eventually return, although it may take months.

In addition to the cheeks, other areas of the face and head can also be affected by nerve damage following cosmetic surgery. These include the eyes, lips, chin, forehead, scalp, and ears. For instance, an eyelid lift can result in an inability to close the eyes, while a forehead lift can lead to a loss of feeling in the forehead and scalp. Rhinoplasty can cause numbness of the nasal skin, and a neck lift can result in numbness in the ear area.

While nerve damage is a potential risk of cosmetic surgery, correct techniques performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon can minimize this risk. For example, during a deep plane facelift, a technique can be employed where the surgeon uses their fingers instead of a scalpel in areas where there are facial nerves, allowing them to feel the nerves and avoid damaging them. This technique reduces the risk of nerve damage and creates less bruising and pain, resulting in longer-lasting outcomes.

In conclusion, while cosmetic surgery can cause nerve damage, this risk can be mitigated by consulting with a qualified and experienced surgeon who can evaluate your specific circumstances and advise on the most appropriate procedures.

Can cosmetic surgery cause blood loss?

Blood loss is a common risk in all types of surgery, and cosmetic surgery is no exception. While some blood loss is expected in any surgery, uncontrolled bleeding can lead to a drop in blood pressure and even death. This can occur during the operation or internally after the surgery.

Post-operative bleeding is normal and is usually residual blood from the procedure, but it can be alarming for patients. It is important to know what amount of bleeding is considered normal and when to contact your clinic or proceed to the emergency department. A small amount of bleeding from the surgical site after discharge is to be expected, and this can often be seen as staining on garments or surgical tapes. This is usually not a sign of a serious complication. However, if the bleeding is more than a tablespoon, occurs multiple times in a 24-hour period, or starts two or more weeks after surgery, it is important to contact your clinic. If you experience large amounts of sudden blood loss, you should go to your nearest emergency department.

To prevent post-operative bleeding, compression garments are recommended as they restrict movement and apply pressure and support to the wound site.

While cosmetic surgery carries the risk of blood loss, it is important to note that this risk is relatively low. According to a 2018 review of over 25,000 cases, complications occur in fewer than 1% of outpatient surgeries.

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