Risks and complexities of aesthetic surgery

Medical experts continue to highlight the significant risks and technical complexities associated with aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries.

Initial warnings focused on the dangers of unregulated substances. In Brazil, Anvisa regulates polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) for restorative use only, as aesthetic use can cause inflammation, infections, and kidney failure. Additionally, the use of hydrogel for aesthetic purposes has been suspended since 2014 due to risks of necrosis and embolism. Professionals emphasize that procedures involving anesthesia and tissue manipulation require qualified specialists and access to Intensive Care Units (ICU) to manage emergencies.

Regarding specific applications, plastic surgeon Gianna Mariel Ramos Agüero emphasizes that liposuction should be used for body contouring rather than weight loss. She advises that patients with morbid obesity or metabolic conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, should prioritize nutrition and endocrinology before surgery. In facial surgery, specialist Juan Carlos Hijano Mir notes that secondary rhinoplasty is increasingly difficult because surgeons must navigate altered anatomy, scar tissue, and weakened cartilage, often requiring grafts from the ear or ribs.

Recent discussions also emphasize patient safety and technological evolution. In observance of World Patient Safety Day, experts suggest patients verify their medical history and confirm a surgeon’s specific credentials. A study in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery involving 4,823 patients indicates that body image satisfaction increases progressively in the months following procedures. Furthermore, technological advancements like ultrasonic rhinoplasty are replacing older, more invasive methods; these tools use piezoelectric vibrations to cut bone with millimeter precision, minimizing damage to surrounding soft tissue.