Reasons People Die From Plastic Surgery

There are many horror stories we've all heard about patients dying while undergoing or as a result of plastic surgery. However, it is important to know that death and plastic surgery are not very commonly linked events. In fact, most deaths are related to surgery in general rather than cosmetic surgery specifically.

So how do the patients die?

Pulmonary Embolism -

The first risk is that patients undergoing cosmetic procedures are at times left lying still for 6-8 hours while under anesthesia. As a result of not moving their extremities for an extended time, blood clots can form in the patient's legs. The clot can then travel to the lungs, and block blood flow through the lungs. As a result these patients actually asphyxiate and die of lack of oxygen.

This can also occur when a surgeon is careless during a liposuction procedure. During liposuction a surgeon inserts a long cannula (long metal straw) into a small incision, and passes it back and forth through the patients fat layers to break them up and remove them. If the surgeon is careless, blood vessels can be nicked allowing air or fat cells into the patient's blood stream. The result is that the patient dies of a heart attack.

Bleeding -

It is always possible that if a surgeon is not careful, large blood vessels can be nicked and bleeding cannot always be directly stopped.

Heart related complications -

Heart attack, rhythm problem from side effects of anesthesia.

Overdose -

Pain medication is very dangerous if not taken as prescribed.

Lidocaine overdose in Liposuction. If a surgeon is not careful, they can use too much lidocane causing an overdose in the patient. (The excess lidocane causes tingling and confusion then interferes with breathing).

More unusual causes:

Perforation of the abdomen during liposuction leading to infection

Punctured lung with breast augmentation that is not managed properly

How Can You Keep Yourself Safe?

Have a complete history and physician with labwork. You may also need extra workup with EKG, Chest Xray, and a cardiology consult depending on your age and medical history.

Choose a surgical facility that is AAASF or AAAHC certified operating rooms. Meet with your doctor as many times before surgery as you need to feel comfortable and to understand all the risks involved. Make sure your doctor has trained for the procedure they are providing. They are slightly different for every surgery and can be different from patient to patient.

Don't Smoke. Smoking increasing risk of blood clots, breathing complications, infections, and pneumonia after surgery.