A plastic surgeon marks a woman’s body for surgery (Ronstik/Getty Images)
- Eye colour change surgery tops the list of riskiest cosmetic surgeries with a staggering 92.3% complication rate potentially leading to vision loss and glaucoma.
- A thigh lift is the second most risky procedure, with a 78% complication rate involving blood clots and microbial invasion.
- The Brazilian butt lift (BBL) takes third place with a 37.94% complication rate, notorious for severe threats like a fat embolism.
Knowing the risks of cosmetic procedures is vital in a world where people often have surgery to improve their appearance.
A new study ranked the riskiest cosmetic surgeries based on essential factors like how often things go wrong, how long it takes to get better, what kind of complications can happen, and how many people die.
The study, commissioned by Overnight Glasses, also examined how popular each surgery is and what it costs on average. This gave a complete picture of the risks. What they found reminds potential patients of the real dangers.
1. Eye colour change surgery
Topping the list is eye colour change surgery, which boasts a staggering 92.3% complication rate. This procedure has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and involves significant risks such as vision loss, glaucoma, and corneal damage. Recovery can take 1 to 8 weeks, depending on the specific method. Despite its high cost, averaging R 218 390 ($12 000), the severe complications make this the most dangerous cosmetic procedure.
2. Thigh lift
The second place goes to the thigh lift, which has a 78% complication rate. This procedure comes with risks like blood clots, microbial invasion, and variations in skin sensation. Due to its high level of intricacy, this surgery, along with the recovery time of 4 to 6 weeks, is very likely to result in complications, making it even more risky than other procedures.
3. Brazilian butt lift
Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is one of the operations with a 37.94% complication rate. Despite its high profile, the method is considered the most life-threatening because of fat embolism, infection, and other severe complications. The recovery time is between 6 and 8 weeks, which signifies the severe threats common to this operation.
4. Body lift
Fourth on the list is the body lift, with a complication rate of 42%. The patients have a high chance of infection after the operation; they may suffer from wound healing issues, and blood clots may occur at the same time. This surgery requires rest for at least 4 to 6 weeks to recover the patient to a level where they can continue daily activities. So, severe potential complications make this procedure highly dangerous.
5. Injectable fillers
Injectable fillers rank fifth due to a 64.61% complication rate. Common issues include allergic reactions, infection, and asymmetry. While the recovery time is short, between 1 and 2 days, the frequency of complications justifies its position on the list.
6. Breast reduction
Breast reduction surgery is the sixth most dangerous procedure, with a 38% complication rate. The risks include blood clots, infection, and anaesthesia complications, with a recovery period of 2 to 4 weeks. Interestingly, breast reduction surgeries have twice the complication rate of breast augmentation procedures.
7. Butt implants
Butt implants come in seventh, with a 21.6% complication rate. Patients face risks such as infection, implant displacement, and nerve damage. Recovery time is 4 to 6 weeks, and the significant risks place this procedure high on the danger list.
8. Breast augmentation
Breast augmentation ranks eighth with a 14.4% complication rate. Risks include implant complications, infection, and capsular contracture. The recovery period is 4 to 6 weeks, making it less risky than higher-ranked surgeries but still a procedure with notable dangers.
9. Arm lift
Ninth on the list is the arm lift, with a 21% complication rate. This procedure carries risks of infection, scarring, and nerve damage. Recovery time is 2 to 4 weeks, and while it has fewer severe complications than body lifts or other procedures, it remains a risky surgery.
10. Breast lift
Rounding out the top 10 is breast lifts, with a 10.4% chance of complications. Possible problems include blood clots, infections, and altered feeling in the nipples or breasts. The healing process takes 4 to 6 weeks. Because of its high risk of issues, this procedure ranks among the riskiest cosmetic surgeries.
This study’s results reveal the significant dangers linked to many common cosmetic surgeries. Though the allure of changing one’s looks is powerful, people must grasp the possible side effects and healing needs before choosing to have an operation. Talking to skilled doctors and looking into safer options can help reduce these dangers.
– Information supplied by Overnight Glasses
ALSO READ | How the BBL became social media’s most viral cosmetic procedure