The number of people opting for plastic surgery in our country has been increasing in recent years, according to research by Erasmus MC. More and more people, especially women, are opting for treatment under the knife.
There are different types of operations for which you can go to the plastic surgeon. For example, just think of one eyelid correction, a scar correction or the application of botox. But: to what extent is this form of surgery safe and what else do you need to know about it? We looked into it for you.
What does plastic surgery involve?
Plastic surgery is a specialty within surgery in which an existing part of the body is modified. The focus here is on improving a body or body part; often from an aesthetic or functional point of view. There are different types of plastic surgery you can choose from. It is good to know that some of these operations are medical. For example, were you born with a skin defect or do you suffer from droopy eyelids? In such a case, an operation such as an eyelid correction is of a medical nature.
But: plastic surgery has also been used for years to adjust other parts of the appearance that are not abnormal at first. This concerns the aesthetic character of such an operation. For example, if you are not happy with your nose or if you think your breasts are too small, you can have such parts operated on. Scars, birthmarks, wrinkles and tattoos can also be reduced or removed through plastic surgery. Such treatments often go hand in hand with eventual functional improvement. Plastic surgery can therefore be used in various ways.
Exactly how safe is plastic surgery?
In general, plastic surgery can be called safe, as long as you have it performed at a reliable clinic. For example, do you want a labia correction or if you are interested in liposuction, it is of course also nice to have this done by a professional you trust. As long as you pay close attention to this, such an operation is safe, but not without risks. That is the case with any medical procedure; there is always a risk of complications. That is why it is important to be aware of this.
Now you may be wondering what the main risks of plastic surgery are. You should be aware of the following possible complications:
- Plastic procedures can go hand in hand with pain. This may mean that you need to take painkillers for a few days after surgery.
- One of the most common complications is infection. Sometimes it is a local infection, while in other cases antibiotics are needed.
- You may also experience bleeding after surgery. If it is a major operation, you may even need a blood transfusion.
- With every procedure you have a chance of scarring. After all, in some cases, your body is literally cut. Be well informed about this so that you know where you stand.
- Is there an operation with an implant? Then it is possible that you will run into problems with that. An implant can leak or be rejected by your body. Be well informed about this.
This is how you choose a reliable clinic for surgery
Now that there is an increasing demand for plastic surgery in the Netherlands, the supply is also increasing. This means that it can be difficult to find a reliable clinic or place where you can have such an operation or treatment performed. There are a few points to look out for in your search. For example, always look for a clinic that has the ZKN quality mark. Also check immediately whether the treating specialist is registered with the BIG register and the Register of Medical Specialists. Preferably look at a clinic in your area, so that you can quickly return home after your procedure.
If you cannot find anything nearby, it is advisable to have someone accompany you to the treatment. Never let yourself be tempted by offers with competitive prices. After all, it is about your body, so it can be dangerous to go for a good deal rather than to read up first. Always take a good look at the website of the clinic you are interested in and whether you can find reviews from other customers. It is most important not to make hasty decisions for eyelid correction or labia correction, for example; do what feels right for you.
