To know

Even for aesthetic purposes, surgery is a serious matter that can sometimes lead to complications. These are rare and usually do not cause long-term problems, but it is still important to be aware of them before deciding on a procedure.

SCARS

Any surgical intervention leaves a scar, which is inevitable and permanent. Healing is a slow process that takes several months to reach a stable final state (up to 3 years, usually 6 to 12 months). Initially, the scar is fine and beautiful, then it becomes 'active' after about 1 month: it turns red and can sometimes cause discomfort (itching). These phenomena vary in intensity from one individual to another. After this stage, the scar slowly evolves towards its final stage, flattening, softening, and turning white.

As long as the scar is red or pink, it must be protected from sun exposure due to the risk of possible and permanent pigmentation. The final appearance of a scar cannot be predicted! Some areas of the body heal less well, mainly due to the tension on the scar, regardless of the suturing technique used (the back, for example).

GENERAL RISKS

Edema (swelling) and bruises: benign phenomena that are almost constant, but whose severity is unpredictable. They disappear spontaneously within a few weeks.

Hyperpigmentation: following bruises that took a long time to resolve, local spots or hyperpigmentation can form and take several months to disappear. It is important to protect them from the sun; otherwise, they may persist or even worsen for a year or more.

Hemorrhage, hematoma, or seroma: possible complications that may require surgical intervention (sometimes urgently) to stop bleeding or evacuate an internal accumulation of blood (hematoma) or lymphatic effusion (seroma). The need for a blood transfusion is exceptional.

Infection: can range from a small local superinfection around a suture thread, which is common and frequent, to a dermo-hypodermitis or even an abscess (much rarer) that may require surgical drainage or antibiotic treatment. The usual sequelae are an enlarged scar. A very rare form of infection is necrotizing fasciitis, which requires antibiotic treatment and excision of infected tissues.

Alteration of sensitivity: small cutaneous nerve endings are inevitably severed during a surgical procedure. The person may experience decreased sensitivity (numbness) or even increased sensitivity (hyperesthesia) temporarily in the operated area. Nerve regrowth is slow; these phenomena mostly disappear after several months (3 to 6 months in general).

Dehiscence: (opening) of the wound due to the loosening of sutures. Exceptional.

Venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism: following immobilization, stagnant blood in the veins of the lower limbs can lead to the formation of a clot, mainly in the calves. If a clot has formed, it can detach and 'rise' towards the heart, where it will be projected into the pulmonary vessels: this is pulmonary embolism, a serious and sometimes fatal complication. There are preventive measures: early mobilization after surgery, compression stockings, subcutaneous anticoagulant prophylaxis (injection), to be adapted according to personal history.

Skin necrosis: death of part of the skin due to inadequate blood supply. Rare, it can occur after significant skin detachment. Significantly favored by active smoking. May require further intervention.

The risks and complications listed here are common to all surgical interventions. Other risks may be related to a specific procedure.
Your surgeon will inform you during the consultation.