Cosmetic Procedures

Fighting the effects of aging—on the outside. Your guide to the risks of cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures

Trying to fight the effects of aging? Below is a basic guide to the risks involved in both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. For more information on each procedure, see the resources below the charts.

Cosmetic Procedures: Surgical

Procedure/What is it?	Risks
Breast augmentation Breasts are enlarged by placing an implant behind each breast.	implants can rupture, leak, and deflate infection hardening of scar tissue around implant, causing breast firmness, pain, distorted shape, or implant movement bleeding pain nipples may get more or less sensitive numbness near incision blood collection around implant/incision calcium deposits around implant harder to find breast lumps
Breast lift Extra skin is removed from the breast to raise and reshape breast.	Scarring skin loss infection loss of feeling in nipples or breast nipples put in the wrong place breasts not symmetrical
Breast reduction Fat, tissue, and skin is removed from breast.	if nipples and areola are detached, may lose sensation and decreased ability to breastfeed bleeding infection scarring harder to find breast lumps poor shape, size, or position of nipples or breasts
Eyelid surgery Extra fat, skin, and muscle in the upper and/or lower eyelid is removed to correct “droopy” eyelids.	blurred or double vision infection bleeding under the skin swelling dry eyes whiteheads can’t close eye completely pulling of lower lids blindness
Facelift Extra fat is removed, muscles are tightened, and skin is rewrapped around the face and neck to improve sagging facial skin, jowls, and loose neck skin.	Infection bleeding under skin scarring irregular earlobes nerve damage causing numbness or inability to move your face hair loss skin damage
Facial implant Implants are used to change the nose, jaws, cheeks, or chin.	infection feeling of tightness or scarring around implant shifting of implant
Forehead lift Extra skin and muscles that cause wrinkles are removed, eyebrows are lifted, and forehead skin is tightened.	Infection Scarring bleeding under skin eye dryness or irritation impaired eyelid function loss of feeling in eyelid skin injury to facial nerve causing loss of motion or muscle weakness
Lip augmentation Material is injected or implanted into the lips to create fuller lips and reduce wrinkles around the mouth.	infection bleeding lip asymmetry lumping scarring
Liposuction Excess fat from a targeted area is removed with a vacuum to shape the body.	baggy skin skin may change color and fall off fluid retention shock infection burning fat clots in the lungs pain damage to organs if punctured numbness at the surgery site heart problems kidney problems disability death
Nose surgery Nose is reshaped by resculpting the bone and cartilage in the nose.	Infection bursting blood vessels red spots bleeding under the skin scarring
Tummy tuck Extra fat and skin in the abdomen is removed, and muscles are tightened to flatten tummy.	blood clots infection bleeding scarring fluid accumulation under the skin

Cosmetic Procedures: Non-Surgical

Procedure/What is it?	Risks
Botox injection Botox is injected into a facial muscle to paralyze it, so lines don’t form when a person frowns or squints.	face pain muscle weakness flu-like symptoms headaches loss of facial expression droopy eyelids asymmetric smile drooling
Collagen/fat injection Collagen from a cow or fat from your thigh or abdomen is injected into facial wrinkles, pits, or scars.	trigger an autoimmune disease contour problems hives rash swelling flu-like symptoms
Dermabrasion A small, spinning wheel or brush with a roughened surface removes the upper layers of facial skin. A new layer of skin appears during healing, giving the face a smoother appearance. Used to treat facial scars, heavy wrinkles, and problems like rosacea.	abnormal color changes whiteheads infection allergic reaction fever blisters cold sores thickened skin
Hyaluronic acid injection This gel is injected into your face to smooth lines, wrinkles, and scars on the skin.	swelling infection redness tenderness acne lumps tissue hardening risks unknown if used in combination with collagen
Laser hair removal Laser light is passed over the skin to remove hair.	hair regrowth scarring change in skin color
Laser skin resurfacing Laser light is used to remove wrinkles, lines, age spots, scars, moles, tattoos, and warts from the surface of the skin.	burns scarring change in skin color infection herpes flare-up (fever, facial pain, and flu-like symptoms)
Sclerotherapy A solution is injected into spider and varicose leg veins (small purple and red blood vessels) to remove the veins.	blood clots color changes in the skin vein removal may not be permanent scarring
Chemical Peel A solution is put onto the face (or parts of the face) that causes the skin to blister and peel off. It is replaced with new skin.	whiteheads Infection raised scarring allergic reaction cold sores color changes or blotchiness heart problems
Tooth Whiteners (peroxide agents) Depending on the product, either you or the dentist applies peroxide using strips; a mouth guard with gel; or a tray inside your mouth around your teeth	if not customized for you by a dentist or dental hygienist, there may be unknown ingredients and unknown results

Updated August 2004

Publications

1.   Botox Cosmetic: A Look at Looking Good
   This on-line publication illustrates how botox works, explains the recommendations of the FDA, and provides a list of what to look for if considering botox injections.

2.   FDA Breast Implant Consumer Handbook - 2004
   This handbook contains the latest information about breast implants to assist you in making an informed decision about whether or not to have breast implants. It includes potential complications, issues to consider, and breast implant resource groups.

3.   FDA Talk Paper: FDA Approves Botox to Treat Frown Lines
   This brief publication provides basic information on the approval of Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox Cosmetic) to temporarily improve the appearance of frown lines.

4.   Frequently Asked Questions - Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
   This publication contains information on varicose and spider veins, what they are, how they are caused, why they appear in the legs, if they are dangerous, how to prevent getting them, and how they are treated.

5.   Liposuction Information
   Liposuction is a surgical procedure intended to remove fat deposits and shape the body. This publication further discusses liposuction and its alternatives, risks and complications that are associated with this procedure, and what to expect before, during and after the procedure.

6.   Planning to Look Flab-u-less? Know the Facts about Liposuction
   This publication discusses the possible benefits and risks associated with liposuction, guidelines for consumers considering liposuction, and where to report serious adverse reactions.

7. Abdominoplasty (Copyright © ASPS)
   This on-line publication provides basic information about abdominoplasty also known as "tummy tuck". It includes what to expect from surgery before and afterwards.

8. Blepharoplasty (Copyright © ASPS)
   This on-line publication provides you with the basic understanding of blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), how it is performed, and the results that you may expect.

9. Botox Injections (Copyright © AAFPRS)
   This fact sheet provides recommendations for those considering botox injections.

10. Breast Lift Mastopexy (Copyright © ASPRS)
    This publication provides information about breast lift surgery. It discusses who should get the surgery and provides detailed information on the procedure.

11. Breast reduction surgery: When less is more (Copyright © MayoClinic)
    This on-line publication provides the consumer information about breast reduction. It includes why some women decide for it and what happens before, during, and after surgery.

12. Breast Reduction/Mammaplasty (Copyright © ASPS)
    This publication discusses who should consider breast reduction surgery and what the procedure entails. It is not recommended for women who intend to breastfeed.

13. Chemical Peeling (Copyright © AAD)
    This brochure explains the technique of chemical peeling. It describes how it is performed, what to expect afterwards, and the limitations to the procedure.

14. Dermabrasion (Copyright © ASPS)
    If considering dermabrasion for a skin refinishing treatment, this on-line brochure provides the basic understanding of the procedure, how it is performed, and what results you may expect.

15. Facial Implants (Copyright © ASPS)
    This brochure describes some of the facial implants that are currently available. It includes the techniques as well as some of the details about the procedures.

16. Forehead Lift Surgery (Copyright © AAFPRS)
    This on-line publication provides information about forehead lift surgery and what to expect after surgery.

17. Injectable Fillers (Copyright © ASPS)
    If considering a facial-rejuvenation treatment with injectable fillers, this on-line brochure provides the basic understanding of the procedure, how it is performed, and what results you may expect.

18. Laser Hair Removal (Copyright © ASDS)
    This fact sheet provides information about how lasers and intense pulse light sources remove hair. It includes the types of lasers, the advantages, and limitations of laser hair removal.

19. Laser hair removal: Zapping unwanted hair (Copyright © MFMER)
    This on-line publication gives a brief description of what laser hair removal is and what to expect from this treatment.

20. Rhytidectomy (Copyright © ASPS)
    This on-line brochure will provide you the basic understanding of a rhytidectomy (facelift), the way it’s performed, and the results that you should expect.

21. Spider and Varicose Veins (copyright © ASDS)
    This fact sheet contains information on spider and varicose veins, who develops them, sclerotherapy, possible side effects and other treatment options available.

22. Spider Vein, Varicose Vein Therapy (Copyright © AAD)
    This brochure provides information on how spider and varicose veins occur. It Includes information on sclerotherapy, a treatment method use for unwanted blood vessels.

23. Tooth Whitening Treatments (Copyright © ADA)
    This on-line publication provides information about tooth whitening treatments. It includes what you should ask your dentist, what is in-office bleaching, what are at-home procedures and products, and how to choose a whitening product.

24. Understanding Nose Surgery (Copyright © AAFPRS)
    This on-line publication describes what rhinoplasty is, how it is performed, and what you can expect after the surgery.

Organizations

1.   Food and Drug Administration, HHS

2. American Academy of Dermatology

3. American Academy of Facial, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc.

4. American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

5. American Society For Dermatologic Surgery

6. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

7. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research