Avoiding Complications Don't confuse normal reactions to a surgical procedure with complications. It is normal to 'have the blues' after an operation, as well as bruising and some swelling. Generally, complications are caused by insufficient blood flow in soft tissue areas, excessive bleeding, infection, and improper healing. The surgeon focuses on preventing the development of complications, however rarely they may occur, by using the appropriate techniques. It is crucial, however, that the patient cooperates and follows the surgeon's directives prior to surgery.
Complications usually stem from the patient's existing health problems or bad lifestyle habits.
They can be prevented. For instance, slow recovery, or in rare cases, partial loss of tissue, are often associated with smoking or obesity. Therefore it is very important to avoid smoking as long as possible before and after any operation, especially for surgery requiring the 'lifting' of skin-particularly in the case of a facelift, breast or abdomen lift. It is also advisable to control any type of high blood pressure. The nature of the resulting scars depends to a great degree on the patient's skin type.