Surgical Risks

Each surgical procedure Dr. Mary Powers performs is subject to the following general risks as well as others about which she will advise you. To learn more about the specific risks of a procedure, selecting an option below:

1. General risks of surgery: These include infection, pain, delayed wound healing, hematoma (a collection of blood at the surgical site), bleeding, and reactions to anesthetic. Smoking greatly increases many of these risks; therefore, you must stop smoking four weeks prior and four weeks after surgery.

2. Bleeding: After surgery a “pad” may be placed at the surgical site to collect blood which is expected with early healing. These should be changed as they become saturated. On rare occasions, persistent bleeding will require special packs or other treatment to correct the problem. This risk is increased in people who take aspirin or who bruise easily. Let your doctor know if this is the case. Do not aspirin or aspirin-containing products for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. See list of medications which may increase bleeding.

3. Blood clots in the legs or lungs (thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms): Some people (particularly older people) tend to form blood clots in their lungs after abdominal surgery, especially if their hips are in a flexed position. These blood clots can break off and go to the lungs. It is possible for such an event to be fatal. It is important for the patient to get up out of bed and begin walking as early as possible after surgery to avoid this problem. Elastic stockings may also be used to help prevent this problem.

4. Atelectasis and pneumonia: Following a general anesthetic, there is a tendency for the air sacs in the lungs to stick together. It is very important for patients to take deep breaths and to cough vigorously at frequent intervals after surgery to inflate the air sacs. Once in a while, some air sacs will stay collapsed, causing patients to have a fever. The area in the lung that is affected can often be seen as a shadow on a chest x-ray, and is called “atelectasis.” Patients must then make every effort to breathe deeply, to cough frequently and to expand the air sacs. Otherwise, pneumonia can result and hospitalization will be prolonged.

5. Photography: Photographing, filming, or videotaping of the treatment or procedure for educational or diagnostic use is a standard and required part of patient care.

6. No Guarantee: The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there cannot be any guarantee, nor warranty, expressed or implied, by anyone as to the results that may be obtained.

7. Complications and Additional Surgery: Any of the problems noted on this webpage may require additional surgery, hospitalization, and time away from work. If this occurs, there will be additional costs for surgical fees, supplies, anesthesia, etc., depending upon the required operation. Complications of cosmetic surgery generally will not be covered by medical insurance.

Blepharoplasty Risks

1. Bleeding: When blood collects beneath the skin it causes excessive discoloration. Sometimes, lumps that last many months may occur. If bleeding continues, it is sometimes necessary to return to the operating room to stitch the bleeding vessels. If excessive bleeding occurs into the deep tissues around the optic nerve to the eye, emergent surgery is required to treat this problem which can result, very rarely, in blindness. This is an extremely rare complication. This risk is increased in people who take aspirin or who bruise easily. Let your doctor know if this is the case. Do not use aspirin or aspirin-containing products for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. See list of medications that may increase bleeding.

2. Infection: Infection in facial surgery is uncommon but can occur. This is a rare complication, but when it occurs, antibiotic treatment and additional hospitalization may be needed. Some scarring may result. There is an increased risk toward skin loss.

3. Drooping of the upper eyelid (ptosis): In patients who have lax skin of the upper eyelid (particularly older patients), it is not uncommon for the tendon which opens the upper eyelid to be thin and worn and be on the verge of splitting, something which can happen spontaneously. The movements of the surgical instruments can cause the weak area to split. The result is a drooping eyelid if the split is not repaired. Such areas are identified and repaired in the course of the blepharoplasty. Because of the thinness and stretchiness of the tissue, exact repair can be difficult and under-correction or over-correction can occur. When this happens, we adjust the tendon stitches in another brief procedure under local anesthesia.

4. Drooping of the lower eyelid (ectropion): Occasionally, patients have loose supporting tissues and tend to droop for a while in the post-operative period. With taping and massage, this usually goes back to normal. Rarely, an extra operation is needed to tighten up the supporting tissues or to add skin to the lid. If very lax supporting tissues are noted on the pre-operative examination, a lid tightening procedure can be done at the same time as the blepharoplasty. In most cases, this drooping is temporary.

5. Double vision: It is not uncommon to have some double vision for a few hours after surgery due to the local anesthesia or during the next few days due to swelling. There have been reports in medical journals of remote cases of persistent double vision, nerve or muscle injury or scarring.

6. Asymmetry: Every effort is made to make both sides match, but the eyelids are not normally symmetrical to start with, so complete symmetry is never achieved. Sometimes, more asymmetry than normal is noted early in the post-operative period. This almost always improves greatly as the wounds mature.

7. Dry eye syndrome: Even though the tear glands are not directly involved in this operation, tear secretion will sometimes diminish after the surgery. This can cause dryness, itchiness, and soreness of the eyes. Lacri-Lube ointment is used at night and artificial tears are used during the day to lubricate the eye during this period. This is usually a temporary state that gradually improves, although it has been known to be permanent, necessitating the use of artificial tears indefinitely.

8. Pain: Generally, facial operations have surprisingly little pain. However, pain is very subjective. On occasion, a patient will experience tightness, swelling, and discomfort for a prolonged period of time. Scars may remain sensitive for months.

9. Scars: Every operation creates some type of scar. Incisions are planned to hide and minimize visible scarring. Scars, however, are not predictable, and occasional patients will develop scars that are widened, thickened, raised, redder, or generally more visible than we would like (hypertrophic or keloid). Normally, scars go through a maturation process that takes months. This includes an expected period of thickness, redness and firmness during the first 4-6 month, though it takes a year for a scar to mature.

10. Numbness: Parts of the face, forehead, and eyes may feel numb for weeks or months after surgery; this is normal and expected. On occasion, loss of sensation may be prolonged or permanent.

11. Depression: Some patients may experience an emotional let-down after cosmetic surgery. This may be related to the normal chemical changes after extensive surgery or overly high expectations. It is usually self-limited and does not require treatment.

Facelift Risks

1. Bleeding: When blood collects beneath the skin, it causes excessive discoloration. Sometimes lumps which last many months, may occur. If bleeding continues, it is sometimes necessary to return to the operating room to stitch the bleeding vessels. This risk is increased in people who take aspirin or who bruise easily. Let your doctor know if this is the case. Do not use aspirin or aspirin-containing products for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. See list of medications that may increase bleeding

2. Loss of skin: The skin will sometimes lose its blood supply. When this happens, an area of skin will fail to survive and a number of weeks are needed for healing. Rarely, a skin graft may be needed to obtain healing. This risk is increased in smokers; therefore, you must stop smoking at least 4 weeks before and 4 weeks following surgery.

3. Infection: Infection in facial surgery is uncommon but can occur. This requires antibiotics and possible hospitalization. There is an increased risk toward skin loss as mentioned above.

4. Facial nerve injury: Permanent injury to the facial nerve is very rare. It is not uncommon for branches of the facial nerve to be bruised from the operation and for the muscles of the forehead or the corner of the mouth to lose some or even a great deal of their activity temporarily. Activity usually returns to normal within a few weeks. In extremely rare instances, it may take months or more.

5. Discoloration: Sometimes, the skin remains discolored for many months. This may be related to the absorption of blood pigments during the healing process. Permanent discoloration is rare.

6. Asymmetry: Every effort is made to keep both sides even, but since no face is symmetrical to begin, mild asymmetry may remain after surgery. Some changes in the earlobe shape may occur as result of skin tension and scars. The redraping of neck skin may also result in asymmetry or differences in fullness in the submental areas.

7. Numbness: Parts of the face, forehead, eyes, ears, and scalp may feel numb for weeks or months after surgery; this is normal and expected. On occasion, loss of sensation may be prolonged or permanent.

8. Scars: Every operation creates some type of scar. Facelift incisions are planned to hide and minimize visible scarring. However, scars are not predictable and infrequently patients will develop scars that are widened, thickened, raised, redder, or generally more visible than anticipated (hypertrophic or keloid). Normally, scars go through a maturation process that takes months. This includes an expected period of thickness redness and firmness during the first 4-6 months. More information on scars is available upon request.

9. Hair loss: On occasion, hair loss in the temple area or behind the ear may occur. This is usually temporary and the hair re-grows in several months. Rarely, hair loss is permanent.

10. Pain: Generally, facial operations have surprising little pain. However, pain is very subjective. On occasion a patient will experience tightness and discomfort for a prolonged period of time. Scars may remain sensitive for months. These situations are more the exception than the rule but they do occur.

11. Depression: Some patients may experience an emotional letdown after this surgery. This may be related to the normal chemical changes after extensive surgery, or overly high expectations. It is usually self-limited and does not require treatment.

Rhinoplasty

1. Discoloration and swelling: These are expected after surgery. Occasionally, “spider” angiomas (prominent veins) or persistent color changes of the skin will be noted.

2. Shifting of bones and cartilage: This can occur with healing, resulting in a crooked or widened appearance. Septal deviation may recur or persist. These changes that occur from shifting may not be visible for many months.

3. Irregularities in bone and cartilage: These may be seen or felt. They frequently improve over months with healing. Sometimes, these become more visible after weeks or months as swelling subsides. Some (not all) irregularities may be improved with minor touch-up surgery.

4. Infections: These are unusual; they can be superficial and treated with oral antibiotics or rarely, if more severe, may require hospitalization. Synthetic implants may require removal if the infection does not subside. Even more rarely, grafts or implants can extrude or become exposed through the skin or nasal lining requiring removal.

5. Septal Perforation: Infrequently, nasal trauma or septal surgery can result in a perforation, or hole, in the septum. This may require repair if symptomatic.

6. Breathing obstruction: Occasionally, cosmetic changes in the shape of the nose can result in more breathing difficulty. Functional surgery may not completely improve breathing. On occasion relapse of obstruction can occur.

7. Pain, numbness, and sensitivity: Pain lasting more than a week is unusual. There is usually more discomfort from the congestion and stuffiness. Numbness and decreased sensitivity may be replaced after several months with increased sensitivity, which can also last several months.

8. Loss of smell / tear duct damage: When changes in the sense of smell occur, this is usually temporary. The lacrimal drainage (tear duct) system lies within the nasal bones and only rarely is affected by nasal surgery.

Otoplasty

1. A small percentage of patients may develop a blood clot on the ear. It may dissolve naturally or can be drawn out. When blood collects beneath the skin, it causes excessive discoloration. Sometimes, lumps that may last many months may occur. If bleeding continues, it is sometimes necessary to return to the operating room to stitch the bleeding vessels. This risk is increased in people who take aspirin or who bruise easily. Let your doctor know if this is the case. Do not use aspirin or aspirin-containing products for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery See the list of medications that may increase bleeding.

2. Loss of skin: the skin will sometimes lose its blood supply. When this happens, an area of skin will fail to survive and a number of weeks are needed for healing. Rarely, a skin graft may be needed to obtain healing. This risk is increased in smokers; therefore, you must stop smoking at least 4 weeks before and 4 weeks following surgery.

3. Seroma: on occasion, a clear yellowish fluid collects in the wound under the skin. It may require aspiration with a needle and syringe in the office. Aspirations may have to be repeated for several weeks.

4. Numbness or pain: many little nerves are cut as part of the operative procedure. These must grow out again over a period of some months. Numbness of the ear skin will be noticed during this period. Sometimes, the sensation does not return completely. Occasionally, scar tissue forms around a healing nerve, causing pain. Usually, this disappears within a period of several months. Sometimes, the healing ears are hypersensitive.

5. Unsatisfactory scars: the scars are expect to be quite prominent and unsightly during the first 6-12 months after the operation. As the scars mature, they soften, become lighter in color, and flatten out. An occasional patient forms excessive scar tissue and the maturing process is greatly delayed. Very rarely a patient will form a “keloid”: the scar becomes larger and does not go away. If you have a history of true keloids, you should not have this operation.

6. Infection: Occasionally, patients develop an infection in the cartilage, which can cause scar tissue to form. Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics; rarely, surgery may be required to drain the infected area.

7. Prominence and asymmetry: The ears may develop recurrence of prominence or more commonly, asymmetry.

Brow Lift

1. Bleeding: It is possible, though unusual to experience a bleeding episode during or after surgery. Should post-operative bleeding occur, it may require additional emergency treatment to drain accumulated blood (hematoma) or require a blood transfusion. Do not take any aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications for ten days before surgery, as this may contribute to a greater risk of bleeding. Non-prescription “herbs” and dietary supplements can increase the risk of surgical bleeding. Accumulations of blood under the skin and scalp may delay healing and cause scarring.

2. Infection: Infection is unusual after surgery. Should an infection occur, additional treatment including antibiotics or additional surgery may be necessary.

3. Change in Skin Sensation: Diminished (or loss) of skin sensation in the face and scalp area may not totally resolve after Brow Lift surgery. Chronic itching sensations can occur within the scalp and brow following a Brow Lift.

4. Skin Contour Irregularities: Contour irregularities, depressions and wrinkling of the skin may occur after a Brow Lift.

Breast Augmentation

1. Cosmetic complications: You may not be satisfied with the appearance of your implant(s). Incorrect implant size, inappropriate scar location or appearance, and misplacement of implants may interfere with a satisfactory appearance. Asymmetry (unequal breast size or shape) may occur. The implanted breast may sag or droop (ptosis) over time, much like a natural breast. Very rarely, the implant may change position or break through the skin, particularly if you have very thin breast tissue covering it. This is more common with saline implant(s).

2. Bleeding: When blood collects beneath the skin, it causes excessive discoloration. Sometimes lumps which last many months may occur. If bleeding continues, it is sometimes necessary to return to the operating room to stitch the bleeding vessels. This risk increases in people who take aspirin or who bruise easily. Let your doctor know if this is the case. Do not use aspirin or aspirin-containing products for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. See the list of medications that may increase bleeding. Additionally, hematoma may require surgery to remove the collection of blood. Sudden swelling of the breast after surgery should be immediately reported to the doctor.

4. Wrinkling and rippling: Some wrinkling of the implant shell is normal and expected. If your breast tissue is very thin, these wrinkles can show up as visible ripples, especially when you lean forward without wearing a brassiere. The wrinkling can also produce little corners on the implants that can sometimes be felt with your finger if the breast tissue is very thin. This is less likely to occur with silicone gel implants.

5. Cancer: The incidence of cancer in augmented breasts is the same as in normal breasts, actually less in some studies. Additionally, the incidence of collagen vascular disease is the same or less in studies of women with breast implants.

6. Capsular contracture: The scar tissue that forms around the implant can tighten and squeeze the implant as a natural response to a foreign object implanted in the body. This firmness can range from slight to very firm. The firmest ones can cause varying degrees of discomfort or pain. Capsular contracture can occur on one breast or both. Implants under the muscle may result in less contracture.

7. Rupture / deflation: Breast implants may not last a lifetime. The silastic shell can break due to normal wear over time, injury, valve malfunction, breast manipulation (mammograms), or unknown reasons. The usual sign is loss of breast size over days or weeks. The saline (salt water) will be absorbed by the body without any harm. Surgical replacement will be needed to restore the breast size. Replacement will involve additional costs.

8. Numbness: Sensory changes are expected to some degree immediately after surgery but loss of nipple and breast sensation may be permanent. Increased sensitivity is less common but does occur. These changes can interfere with comfort, sexuality and nursing (lactation).

9. Pain: This can be related to the surgery itself or a later response to problems such as tight capsule formation, scar tissue around nerves, or tight scar tissue.

10. Infection: When severe, infection may require removal of the implant if it is not controlled with antibiotics. Rarely, this can occur any time after surgery. Consideration should be given to taking prophylactic antibiotics with dental work or other surgeries. If an implant is removed, replacement may be delayed for three months.

11. Scars: Scars generally do well with all breast incisions. However, healing is unpredictable and occasionally patients may form thickened or red hypertrophic / keloid scars. Additional surgery may be required. Wound healing complications are higher in smokers. Therefore, you must stop smoking at least 2 weeks before and 2 weeks

12. Interference with mammography: An implant can interfere with the detection of early breast cancer because it may “hide” suspicious lesions in the breast during an X-ray exam. It is especially important for women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer to consider this before having implants. Additional views are required for routine mammography in patients with implants. Mammography is more effective with implants under the muscle.

13. Calcium deposits: These can develop in the breast tissue at any time after surgery. These are benign but may be confused on an X-ray with breast cancer calcium deposits and require a biopsy.

14. Alteration in breast feeding: For women who have not had children, this surgery may alter your ability to nurture children in the future. Spontaneous lactation may occur after this surgery but is usually self-limited.

15. Lifetime of implant: Implants will not last forever. The FDA currently estimates saline implants will last about 10 years. This is an estimate.

16. Unknown risks: In addition to these known risks, there are unanswered questions about breast implants. For example, questions have been raised about whether these devices might cause autoimmune diseases such as lupus, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis in some women, or whether they might increase the risk of cancer. There is no scientific evidence at present that women with either silicone gel-filled or saline-filled breast implants have increased risk of these diseases, but the possibility cannot be ruled out.

For more risks/complications of breast augmentation surgery, click here.

Breast Lift and Breast Reduction

1. Loss of skin or nipple: The skin will sometimes lose its blood supply. When this happens, an area of skin or nipple will fail to survive and a number of weeks are needed for healing. Rarely, a skin graft may be needed to obtain healing. This risk is increased in smokers; therefore, you must stop smoking for 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery.

2. Stitch drainage sites: Frequently, small amounts of fluid will drain from around a buried stitch. This is simply washed daily and covered with gauze. The usual course is for the opening to close over a period of 1-2 months with little trace.

3. Numbness or pain: Many little nerves are cut as part of the operative procedure. These must grow out again over a period of some months. Numbness of the skin will be noticed during this period. Sometimes the sensation does not return completely. Occasionally, scar tissue forms around a healing nerve, causing pain. Usually, this disappears within a period of several months.

4. Fat necrosis: Sometimes areas of fat in the breast liquefy (particularly in extremely large breasts), and the liquefied fat must be drained through a small opening. Other areas may become firm or nodular. These usually soften over time.

5. Asymmetry or undesirable shape: Breasts and nipples / areolas are never symmetrical to start, and although we make every effort to make them match, we rarely succeed completely. The difference is usually small, but sometimes the match is poorer than expected or the shape is not as good as expected. Rarely, a second smaller operation is done for improvement.

6. Wound dihescence or separation of incisions: This occurs rarely and will delay the healing process.

7. Scars: Every operation creates some type of scar. Incisions are planned to hide and minimize visible scarring. However, scars are not predictable and patients will infrequently develop scars that are widened, thickened, raised, redder, or generally more visible than anticipated (hypertrophic or keloid). Normally, scars go through a maturation process that take months. This includes an expected period of thickness redness and firmness, during the first 4-6 months.

8. Loss of nipple sensation: Numbness in the nipple area may be permanent and sometimes even erotic sensation (sensation related to sexual stimulation) is lost.

9. Interference with nursing: With current techniques, we try to leave the mild ducts completely intact, and although we have had patients successfully nurse their babies post-operatively, this is not predictable. Large breasts are often deficient in glandular tissue, and nursing may not be successful even though the duct system has been preserved. Milk cysts have been reported in post-reduction mammaplasty patients who have nursed an infant.

10. Recurrent hypertrophy: Young women with excessive growth during adolescence may have continued growth after a breast reduction requiring additional surgery as they get older. In other patients, breasts can change significantly with pregnancy, requiring other operations.

11. Additional surgery: For cosmetic mastopexy procedures, if additional surgery is required, these costs are the responsibility of the patient.

12. Special note on reduction of extraordinarily large breasts: In extraordinarily large or bulky breasts, for healing reasons, we sometimes remove the nipples completely and return them back as “free grafts”. The sensory nerves are not, and even though a certain amount of sensation returns after healing, it will never be normal and erotic sensation can be lost completely. The milk ducts are interrupted in this operation, so nursing is not possible. You will be informed in advance if your breasts are in this category.

13. Risks associated with the potential use of breast implants are covered in a separate informed-consent document according to the type of implant selected. However, patients who choose to undergo breast implant augmentation and elect to have it at the same time as a breast lift  (mastopexy) may be at increased risk of necrosis of skin, nipples, and breast tissue due to decreased blood supply to the tissues.

14. Patients who choose to undergo simulatneous removal of breast implants and capsules and elect to have it at the same time as a breast lift (mastopexy) may be at isk of necrosis of skin, nipples, and breast tissue due to decreased blood supply to the tissues from earlier surgery.

Liposuction

1. Fluid collections (blood and serum: This is usually temporary without consequences, though it can lead to deformity.

2. Waviness and asymmetries (cellulite does not improve): Liposuction is not an exact technique and our bodies are not perfectly symmetric.

3. Tape reactions: Tape may cause burns or blister formation.

4. Pain or sensory changes: Patients may experience a burning sensation, decreased or lost sensation (numbness), or hypersensitivity. This is especially the case with areas that were done with ultrasonic liposuction or repeat areas of liposuction.

5. Prolonged swelling (edema): Patients may experience prolonged swelling.

6. Infection: This can occur rarely, but antibiotics are given at surgery and post-operatively.

7. Skin breakdown: If severe blistering and swelling occur, the overlying skin can result in an open wound.

8. Skin pigment: Skin pigment can change because of this procedure.

9. Shock, fat embolism, and death: Each of these is an extremely rare occurrence in liposuction. Shock may occur with extreme fluid losses due to fat embolism, which is when microscopic fat particles enter the blood circulation and travel to the lungs or other organs. When death occurs, it is most commonly from a doctor’s inadequate monitoring and from extreme body fluid shifts. California state law requires a monitored setting (hospitalization) if the liposuction volume is greater than five liters.

10. Numbness or contour irregularities: These can be long-lasting or even permanent and may require revisional surgery.

Abdominoplasty

1. Bleeding: When blood collects beneath the skin it causes excessive discoloration. Sometimes lumps which last many months may occur. If bleeding continues, it is sometimes necessary to return to the operating room to stitch the bleeding vessels. This risk is increased in people who take aspirin or who bruise easily. Let your doctor know if this is the case. Do not use aspirin or aspirin-containing products for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. See list of medications that may increase bleeding.

2. Loss of skin: The skin will sometimes lose its blood supply. When this happens, an area of skin will fail to survive and a number of weeks are needed for healing. Rarely, a skin graft may be needed to obtain healing. This risk is increased in smokers; therefore, you must stop smoking at least 4 weeks before and 4 weeks following surgery.

3. Infections: A significant wound infection requires antibiotic treatment and a longer stay in the hospital. Sometimes, the wound must be opened to drain the infection and then the healing process is slowed.

4. Seroma: On occasion, a clear yellowish fluid collects in the wound under the skin. It may require aspiration with a needle and syringe in the office. Aspirations may have to be repeated for several weeks.

5. Numbness or pain: Many little nerves are cut as part of the operative procedure. These must grow out again over a period of some months. Numbness of the abdominal skin will be noticed during this period. Sometimes, the sensation does not return completely. Occasionally, scar tissue forms around a healing nerve, causing pain. Usually this disappears within a period of several months.

6. Unsatisfactory scars: The scars are expected to be quite prominent and unsightly during the first 6-12 months after the operation. As the scars mature, they soften, become lighter in color and flatten out. An occasional patient forms excessive scar tissue and the maturing process is greatly delayed. Very rarely a patient will form a “keloid”: the scar becomes larger and does not go away. If you have a history of true keloids, you should not have this operation. Some patients require an additional “midline” scar (an upside down “T” shaped scar) to close the abdominal incision if there is a large amount of loose lower abdominal skin.

7. Blood clots in the legs or lungs (thrombosis and pulmonary embolism): Some people (particularly older people) tend to form blood clots in the legs after abdominal surgery, especially if their hips are in a flexed position. These blood clots can break off and go to the lungs. It is possible for such an event to be fatal. It is important for patients to get up out of bed and begin walking as early as possible after surgery to avoid this problem. Pneumatic compression stockings will also be used to help prevent this problem.

8. Contour irregularities: Areas of depressions, waviness, “lumps,” or asymmetries may occur. Some improve over time while others require additional surgery for improvement.

9. Umbilicus (navel) loss or malposition: As with skin loss, poor circulation can result in partial or complete loss of the navel. Smoking within four weeks of surgery increases this risk Furthermore, on occasion, the position of the navel may be higher or lower than desired or even slightly off midline position.

10. Dehiscence or separation of the incision: This occurs on occasion. These conditions can result from excessive activity, trauma, infection, or tearing of the sutures. This will delay healing.

11. Depression: Some patients may experience an emotional letdown after cosmetic surgery. This may be related to the normal chemical changes after extensive surgery, or overly high expectations. It is usually self-limited and does not require treatment.

12. Alternatives: Diet, exercise, suction lipectomy, or no treatment are alternatives.

Brachioplasty

Change In Sensation:

It is common to experience diminished (or loss of) skin sensation in areas what have had surgery. It is rare to experience permanent changes in sensation of the hands and forearms after brachioplasty. Diminished (or complete loss of) skin sensation may not totally resolve after brachioplasty

Skin Discoloration/Swelling:

Bruising and swelling normally occurs following brachioplasty. The skin in or near the surgical site can appear either lighter or darker than surrounding skin. Although uncommon, swelling (including the forearms and hands) and skin discoloration may persist for long periods of time and, in rare situations, may be permanent.

Sensation Of Arm Tightness:

After lifting the arm skin, there can be a sensation of the arm skin being tight. Usually this feeling subsides over time. Additional surgery may be required to correct this problem.

Pain:

You will experience pain after your surgery. Pain of varying intensity and duration may occur and persist after brachioplasty surgery. Chronic pain may occur very infrequently from nerves becoming trapped in scar tissue after a brachioplasty.