Procedure Risks

Face
Breast
Body
Skin

Face

  • Blepharoplasty

    Side effects, risks and potential complications

    There are some common side effects associated with blepharoplasty. These include bruising, swelling, eye watering, itchiness and irritation, conjunctivitis. You may be recommended lubricating eye drops and if you wear contact lenses, they should be avoided for ~ 2 weeks post operatively.

    Risks and complications include:

    • infection
    • bleeding/haematoma
    • asymmetry
    • ectropion (eversion of the lower eyelid)
    • wound healing problems
    • corneal injury
    • skin necrosis
    • exacerbation of dry eyes
    • small cysts along the incisions line (lower eyelid)
    • droopiness of the eyelids

    Visual changes are uncommon but can include blurred vision, double vision and rarely, blindness.

  • Facelift

    Facelift surgery involves common side effects of surgery including some pain and discomfort, bruising, swelling. There will be new scars which will soften and fade over time. Changes in skin sensation can occur and are usually temporary.

    Risks and complications can include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, skin necrosis, poor scarring (eg keloid or hypertrophic scars). Nerve injury can occur during face lift surgery. The facial nerve branches, which provide innervation to the muscles of the face, can be bruised. This can cause some weakness which takes a few weeks to recover. Very rarely these branches may be cut. The greater auricular nerve supplying sensation to the lower ear skin is very close to the skin and is at risk of being divided, particularly in patients who have had previous facelift (including thread lift) procedures.

  • Lipofilling

    Small volume lipofilling is generally a very low risk procedure. Dr Taylor recommends a staged approach to achieve the larger volumes sometimes required for breast and body surgery.

    General side effects include bruising, swelling, some mild pain and discomfort and temporary numbness.

    Risks and complications include infection, haematoma, delayed healing, skin necrosis and seroma. Asymmetry or skin irregularity occurs rarely. Oily cysts may develop which are easily treated in the rooms. There are risks associated with general anaesthesia risks including cardiac/respiratory issues and DVT.

Breast

  • Breast Augmentation

    All surgery causes bruising, swelling, some oozing or small amount of bleeding from wounds, new scars and carries a risk of wound infection and wound healing problems. Deep vein thrombosis and risks associated with general anaesthesia must be considered.

    Some risks and complications specific to breast implant surgery include:

    • Postoperative bleeding requiring return to theatre
    • Nipple-areaola complex changes – changes in sensation/sensitivity
    • Seroma – accumulation of fluid within the breast which may become infected
    • Asymmetry
    • Wound infection, which may require antibiotics, ongoing dressings and occasionally surgical management
    • Implant infection which in most cases requires surgical intervention and removal of the implant
    • Appearance of rippling, visible contour of implant
    • Implant rupture
    • Implant migration
    • Capsular contracture
    • Poor scarring including hypertophic and keloid scars
    • Small lumps in the breast tissue and/or lymph node tissue due to silicon
    • Need for revision surgery
  • Breast Asymmetry

    All surgery causes bruising, swelling, some oozing or small amount of bleeding from wounds, new scars and carries a risk of wound infection and wound healing problems. There are risks associated with general anaesthesia risks including cardiac/respiratory issues and DVT.

    Some risks and complications specific to surgery to correct breast asymmetry and congenital breast deformity:

    • Postoperative bleeding requiring return to theatre
    • Nipple-areaola complex changes – changes in sensation which may be temporary or permanent, rarely poor healing or loss of part or all of the nipple
    • Seroma – accumulation of fluid within the breast which may become infected
    • Asymmetry
    • Small lumps due to fat necrosis
    • Fat cysts which can be aspirated easily in the office
    • Decrease in volume post lipofilling due to graft “take”
    • Changes in appearance with weight gain or loss
    • Wound infection, which may require antibiotics, ongoing dressings and occasionally surgical management
    • Poor scarring including hypertophic and keloid scars
  • Breast Lift

    All surgery causes bruising, swelling, some oozing or small amount of bleeding from wounds, new scars, infection and wound healing problems. There are risks associated with general anaesthesia risks including cardiac/respiratory issues and DVT.

    Some risks and complications specific to breast lift surgery include:

    • Postoperative bleeding requiring return to theatre
    • Nipple-areaola complex changes – changes in sensation which may be temporary or permanent. Rarely, poor healing or loss of part or all of the nipple
    • Seroma – accumulation of fluid within the breast which may become infected
    • Asymmetry
    • Wound infection, which may require antibiotics, ongoing dressings and occasionally surgical management
    • Poor scarring including hypertrophic and keloid scars
    • Ability to breastfeed may be affected
    • Need for revision surgery
    • Complications related to implants when used
  • Breast Reconstruction

    Risks and complications are present with any procedure you may undergo, and it is essential to be aware of them before deciding on surgery. Potential risks and complications associated with breast reconstruction surgery include:

    • Excessive bleeding
    • Infection
    • Wound healing issues
    • Poor scarring
    • Changes to sensation
    • Asymmetry and contour irregularities
    • Implant complications like infection, capsular contracture and implant rupture
    • Anaesthetic complications
    • Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
    • Chest infection

    Following Dr Taylor’s post-procedure instructions will be vital in helping to reduce the potential for complications and minimise scarring.

  • Breast Revision Surgery

    Successful breast revision surgery can rectify issues from past surgeries and leave you with a more desirable breast shape or size. However, despite the overwhelming success of the procedure, all surgeries carry risks. It is important to discuss these risks with your surgeon to ensure you have realistic expectations and are fully informed.

    Some degree of redness and swelling is expected after breast revision surgery. This should subside within a couple of weeks. The degree of surgical success is contingent on how the individual’s body responds to surgery and recovery. Great results are expected but not guaranteed, and the resulting scar may be slightly different from the scar following the original implant insertion.

    After the procedure, you will be required to wear a specially prescribed surgical bra to reduce strain on the breasts and ease the healing process. This should be worn for at least four weeks, depending on the specifics of the surgery. Post-operative swelling and incision lines will subside over time, and your prescribed pain relief medication will lessen any pain or discomfort. Your breasts will settle into their final shape and appearance after three or four months.

  • Breast Reduction

    All surgery causes side effects such as bruising, swelling, some oozing or small amount of bleeding from wounds, new scars, infection and wound healing problems. General anaesthesia and carries a risk of wound infection and wound healing problems. There are risks associated with general anaesthesia risks including cardiac/respiratory issues and DVT.

    Some risks and complications specific to breast reduction surgery include:

    • Postoperative bleeding requiring return to theatre
    • Nipple-areaola complex changes
      • Changes in sensation which may be temporary or permanent
      • Rarely poor healing or loss (necrosis) of part or all of the nipple
      • Change in shape and size of the nipple-areola complex
    • Seroma – accumulation of fluid within the breast which may become infected
    • Asymmetry
    • Small lumps due to fat necrosis
    • Wound infection, which may require antibiotics, ongoing dressings and occasionally surgical management
    • Poor scarring including hypertrophic and keloid scars
    • Ability to breastfeed may be affected
    • Need for revision surgery
  • Gynaecomastia

    All surgery causes side effects such as bruising, swelling, some oozing or small amount of bleeding from wounds, new scars, infection and wound healing problems. There are risks associated with general anaesthesia.
    With any procedure you choose to undergo, potential risks and complications can occur, and it is vital to understand them before deciding on surgery.

    Possible risks and complications associated with male breast reduction surgery include:

    • Poor scarring
    • Excessive bleeding
    • Fluid accumulation
    • Changes to nipple and skin sensation including nipple loss
    • Infection
    • Asymmetry
    • Small lumps due to fat necrosis
    • Need for secondary surgery

    It is important that you follow Dr Taylor’s aftercare instructions to ensure minimal scarring occurs where possible and you achieve the most optimal results. Dr Taylor will go into more depth about the associated risks and complications during your consultation.

  • Breast Lipomodeling

    There is always the possibility of risks or complications arising with any procedure you decide to undergo. Although breast lipomodeling is an alternative method with very low risk profile, the following complications can occur from time to time:

    • Oil cysts
    • Excessive bleeding and fluid accumulation
    • Changes to skin and breast sensation
    • Infection
    • Loss of fat cells
    • Contour irregularities
    • Asymmetry
    • Fat necrosis and fat embolism

Body

  • Abdominoplasty

    All surgery causes bruising, swelling, some oozing or small amount of bleeding from wounds, new scars and carries a risk of wound infection and wound healing problems. Deep vein thrombosis and risks associated with general anaesthesia must be considered.

    Some risks and complications specific to abdominoplasty surgery include:

    • Bleeding
    • Seroma – accumulation of fluid under the abdominal skin and fat which may become infected
    • Asymmetry, contour irregularities
    • Small lumps due to fat necrosis
    • Wound healing problems, delayed healing or wound infection, which may require antibiotics, ongoing dressings and occasionally surgical management
    • Poor scarring including hypertrophic and keloid scars
    • Need for secondary surgery
  • Body Lift

    Body lift procedures require an extensive recovery period and diligent adherence to aftercare instructions. Adhering to your specific aftercare instructions will assist the healing process and help reduce the risk of infection. During your home recovery, it is important to take adequate time to rest and recover. After two weeks, most patients can begin performing light activities, but it is still best to avoid unnecessary physical exertion. Exercise and strenuous activities should be avoided for six weeks.

    Like any surgery, the procedure comes with risks. It is important for patients to weigh the risks and benefits when considering undergoing a body lift procedure.

    Potential complications can include:

    • Bleeding
    • Infection
    • Anaesthesia complications
    • Fluid accumulation
    • Poor wound healing
    • Changes in skin sensation
    • Pain and swelling
    • Asymmetries
    • Reoccurrence of loose skin
    • Loss of blood supply to areas of fat and skin
    • Irregular skin texture
    • Unfavourable scarring
  • Thigh Lift

    All surgery causes discomfort, bruising, swelling, some oozing or small amount of bleeding from wounds, new scars and carries a risk of wound infection and wound healing problems. Deep vein thrombosis and risks associated with general anaesthesia must be considered.

    Some risks and complications specific to thigh lift surgery include:

    • Postoperative bleeding
    • Seroma – accumulation of fluid under the abdominal skin and fat which may become infected
    • Asymmetry, contour irregularities
    • Wound healing problems and skin necrosis
    • Changes in skin sensation
    • Poor scarring including hypertophic and keloid scars
    • Need for revision surgery
  • Lipofilling

    Small volume lipofilling is generally a very low risk procedure. Dr Taylor recommends a staged approach to achieve the larger volumes sometimes required for breast and body surgery.

    General side effects include bruising, swelling, some mild pain and discomfort and temporary numbness.

    Risks and complications include infection, haematoma, delayed healing, skin necrosis and seroma. Asymmetry or skin irregularity occurs rarely. Oily cysts may develop which are easily treated in the rooms. There are risks associated with general anaesthesia risks including cardiac/respiratory issues and DVT.

  • Liposuction

    Risks and complications have the potential to arise with any procedure you undergo, whether it be medical or cosmetic, and understanding these risks is vital in helping you decide if liposuction is suitable for you.

    The potential risks and complications associated with liposuction can include:

    • Uneven skin, with ripples or dimples
    • Changes to skin sensation and temporary numbness
    • Poor scarring
    • Skin colour changes
    • Excessive bleeding
    • Bruising
    • Swelling
    • Fluid accumulation under the surgical site
    • Fat necrosis (if fat is being redistributed elsewhere)
    • Infection

    It is crucial that you follow the post-operative instructions given to you by Dr Taylor if you choose to undergo your procedure. This will minimise the potential for risks or complications to arise and reduce the chances of visibly poor scarring occurring.

  • Labiaplasty

    Risks and complications have the potential to occur with any medical or cosmetic procedure you choose to undergo.

    The following risks and complications are associated with labiaplasty:

    Excessive bleeding and swelling
    Poor scarring or pigment discolouration
    Anaesthesia complications
    Delayed healing and skin loss
    Infection
    Loss of sensation
    It is essential that you understand the potential risks and complications associated with labiaplasty before choosing to proceed. Following your post-operative recovery plan as advised by Dr Taylor will help decrease the potential for risks or complications and minimise scarring where possible.

  • Post Bariatric Surgery

    Despite an excellent success rate, each of these procedures come with risks. Surgery in the post-bariatric surgery population is associated with increased risk and higher complications rates, so it is crucial to be fully informed about the procedure, risk and complications and likely outcomes associated with each procedure before going ahead.

    These can include but are not limited to:

    • Bleeding, bruising, swelling
    • Pain and discomfort
    • Changes in skin sensation
    • Poor wound healing and wound breakdown
    • Skin loss
    • Seroma (fluid accumulation)
    • Asymmetry
    • Contour irregularities
    • Small lumps due to fat necrosis
    • Poor and prominent scarring
    • Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
    • Chest infectionsMultiple procedures to achieve best results

Skin

  • Skin Cancer

    It is common to experience some swelling and discomfort around the incisions after surgery. Risks and complications depend on the location and extent of your skin cancer surgery and reconstruction but may include:

    • Incomplete excision
    • Changes in skin sensation
    • Changes in appearance
    • Unfavourable scarring
    • Recurrence
  • Benign Skin Conditions

    You may experience some redness, tenderness, or swelling following your procedure. This is usually temporary and will subside with healing. It is best to avoid strenuous activity and strain on the affected area during the healing process. This will lessen any discomfort, prevent complications and encourage an optimal result. Like any surgical procedure, there are some risks to be aware of before pursuing skin lesion removal. These can include:

    • Recurrence
    • Bleeding
    • Infection
    • Poor or slow wound healing
    • Unfavourable scarring

    If bleeding occurs, hold a clean towel against the wound and press on it firmly for 15-20 minutes, or until the bleeding stops. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, seek medical attention. It should be noted that these complications are rare. Dr Taylor is experienced in using surgical techniques to effectively and carefully remove skin lesions for a great result.

  • Scar Revision & Management
    • Further scarring
    • Infection
    • Changes to skin sensation
    • Poor healing
    • Skin discolouration
    • Skin loss

    It is vitally important that you consider these associated risks and complications before deciding to go ahead with the surgery. Whilst scar revision procedures can certainly produce enhanced results for patients, there is always a chance for further scarring to occur, which is why patients must follow their recovery and scar management instructions to help achieve their desired outcomes.