Is Plastic Surgery Permanent?

What Does the Durability of Plastic Surgery depend on?

Plastic surgery is a procedure that involves reconstructing or repairing body parts. This is performed by taking tissue from one area and using it to reconstruct the area undergoing surgery. Patients undergo this surgery either to treat injuries or for aesthetic purposes.

With the increasing popularity of plastic surgery, patients are questioning its longevity and whether these cosmetic changes will last forever or not. 

The result after surgery will last on the basis of the durability of the procedure, the lifestyle of an individual, and other factors. Where certain surgeries have long-lasting results, others may require follow-up treatments. 

Factors Leading to Durability of Plastic Surgery Results

Let us discuss the factors under which the results of plastic surgeries last for a long time:

• Age and Skin Type of Patient: In the case of younger patients, since the skin has higher elasticity, the treatment tends to have long-lasting results.  
• Lifestyle: Surgical outcomes have an impact on unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking, sun exposure, and significant weight fluctuations.
• Procedure: Plastic surgeries that involve surgical procedures tend to last longer than non-surgical ones. 

Plastic surgeries include various procedures, both cosmetic and reconstructive. They are long-lasting but not permanent. As a person starts to age naturally, over a period of time, the changes are noticeable in their appearance. However, you can expect the results of this procedure to last a maximum of up to a decade. 

Follow-up Procedure 

This process is a maintenance procedure to retain the aesthetic of the existing surgery. However, if there are other treatments that patients require, such as:

• Skincare Regimens: The outcome of facial surgery can be retained through proper skincare practices.
• Non-Surgical Procedures: One can opt for Botox or fillers along with a follow-up procedure for an existing surgery.

Permanent Plastic Surgery Procedures

There are certain procedures that seem to give results that are close to permanent. Let us know more:

• Breast Augmentation: This involves placing saline or silicone implants to enhance breast size. Breast implants will last between 10 to 20 years, with some lasting longer based on individual factors. Regular monitoring is important to assess implant integrity. Usually, women keep it for decades without any follow-up surgery. About 25% of women opt for a follow-up procedure after 10 years for scar correction.
• Rhinoplasty: It is a surgical process under which medical professionals correct the functioning and shape of a patient's nose. After surgery, it can take up to a year to see the final result. The factors affecting its shape are ageing and gravity. Rhinoplasty results are generally permanent; however, natural ageing can subtly alter nasal appearance over time.  
• Otoplasty: This surgery focuses on correcting the shape of the ear cartilage. The duration of this procedure does not go beyond 2 hours, and the results are permanent. There might be a requirement for recurrent surgery, but in most cases, one does not need to worry about it. 

Safe Temporary Surgery

As a patient manifests ageing, the aesthetics of surgery also tend to change. Certain surgeries give permanent results, but they are also affected by age. Here is a list of such procedures that are safe but provide temporary outcomes due to ageing:
Microdermabrasion: This procedure treats the skin by removing the dead cells from the topmost layer of the skin. It is non-invasive in nature.

• Laser Skin Resurfacing: This focuses on improving the texture of the skin and its appearance. This procedure requires being minimally invasive.
• Botox and Fillers: This involves no surgery and requires the least time for recovery.

What are the Disadvantages of Plastic Surgery?

In recent years, plastic surgery has become increasingly popular, so many people prefer plastic surgery simply to make themselves look better or to fix physical problems. Although it has lots of benefits, it has its own set of disadvantages that should not be overlooked before making a choice. Here are some common drawbacks:

• Expensive: Undergoing plastic surgery is quite expensive, particularly when done in private clinics. However, most procedures are not covered unless they are medically necessary. You may also need to pay for consultation, medications, and follow-up visits, as well as the surgery itself.
• Surgical Risks: Similar to other types of surgery, there are also risks of bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and complications that might arise from anaesthesia. Allergic response and irreversible scarring can also be experienced by some patients. 
• Recovery Downtime: Recovery from surgery might take days, weeks and even months. At this time, patients may be in pain, swelling, uncomfortable, etc. In this case, they may even need to miss work or avoid doing their daily activities. 
• Unsatisfactory Outcome: It is not necessary that undergoing plastic surgery will result in meeting desired expectations. It might look unnatural and is unlikely to turn out as expected. In some scenarios, patients need to undergo surgeries again, thereby adding more stress and additional costs.

What are the Risks of Plastic Surgery?

The main risk you might face after undergoing plastic surgery is the medical complications that might arise post-surgery. Apart from this, other risks of plastic surgery include:

An unexpected response to anaesthesia

●  Scarring
●  Infections
●  Excess bleeding
●  Clotting of blood
●  Nerve damage
●  Fluid buildup
●  Separation at the incision area

How to Lower the Risk of Plastic Surgery Complications?

Here are the ways to follow to lower your risk of plastic surgery complications with ease:

Research Your Plastic Surgeon

You should go with a certified and experienced plastic surgeon. And check their reviews and credentials and the work they have done in the past. Ensure that they operate in a nicely sanitised and safe medical centre.

Respond to Your Surgeon’s Questions Honestly

Be prepared to tell your surgeon anything about your medical history, medicines, allergies and about your habits like smoking or alcohol. They can use honest answers to plan the safest approach for you.

Follow the Pre-surgery Instructions

Follow the instructions of your surgeon about stopping smoking and taking unnecessary medicines. This will thereby help your body to prepare well and heal faster and better.

Closely Follow the Post-operative Instructions

Follow the medication instructions carefully, keep the wound clean, and attend all follow-up appointments. These rules help prevent getting infected and also help with fast healing.

Avoid Low-Cost Surgeries that Compromise on Quality or Safety 

Poor-quality materials or unqualified doctors can be used for very low-cost types of surgeries. Always go with safety in preference to low prices to avoid serious health risks.

Plastic surgery can help change your appearance, but it is not always easy or free of risks. From being expensive to facing possible health issues, there are several disadvantages to consider.

 
Some people even feel disappointed with the outcome of this surgery. Thus, it is essential to consult a skilled doctor, ask relevant questions and make a proper decision before opting for this surgery.

The outcome of plastic surgery depends on multiple factors, and it cannot be estimated accurately. However, its longevity depends on the type of surgery you undergo.

Also Read:

→ What is the Cost of Plastic Surgery in India

→ Is Plastic Surgery Safe

→ What is the Cost of Nose Plastic Surgery in India

→ What is the Age Limit for Plastic Surgery