"Botched," a reality TV show that first launched nearly a decade ago, presented viewers with striking examples of plastic surgery mishaps that went awry. The show, which continues to be in production, follows two plastic surgeons based in Los Angeles as they work to alleviate and straighten out botched cosmetic surgeries. Although the content may sometimes be exaggerated, the episodes highlight the significance of consulting with highly qualified plastic surgeons and the potential risks associated with inexpensive cosmetic treatments.
According to Dr. David Shafer, a double-board-certified plastic surgeon, the most frequent cause of surgical complications occurs when patients travel abroad for procedures without allowing sufficient recovery time or follow-up care. Another common cause is patients choosing non-specialist physicians, such as those who are not board-certified plastic surgeons, dermatologists, or ENT specialists, or when patients prioritize cost over the qualifications of their healthcare providers.
The most common yypes of plastic surgery mishaps
Dr. Kassir often encounters botched rhinoplasties, or nose jobs, in his practice. He reveals, "At least one out of every three rhinoplasties I perform are revisions from previous surgeries, whether it's the first revision or multiple revisions." He attributes this to the complexity of rhinoplasty, noting, "It's a challenging procedure, and few possess the expertise to handle both the aesthetic and functional aspects of nasal surgery effectively."
Plastic surgery on the body can go wrong as well, according to Dr. Tepper, particularly when procedures are excessive or multiple surgeries are done simultaneously. For instance, problems arise when breast implants are excessively large or improperly positioned, or when liposuction is overly aggressive and performed alongside a tummy tuck.
Ultimately, any surgery can go wrong without expert care. "There are many nuances in these procedures, and complications can arise if performed by inexperienced or non-specialized doctors," Dr. Kassir explains.
Which cases of botched plastic surgery cannot be reversed?
The precise response isn't straightforward. The outcome varies greatly depending on the unique circumstances of each case and the extent to which the surgery was botched. It's crucial for patients to set realistic expectations. Dr. Tepper elaborates that the majority of "overdone" procedures are exceptionally challenging to correct, particularly when skin removal is part of the operation. After the skin has been detached from the face, it's not possible to simply return it to its original position.
However, he suggests that there are strategies to address botched surgeries. For instance, adding filler to correct a botched lip lift can help lower the lip. In situations like an overly aggressive facelift, restoring tissue is crucial, though sometimes the extent of correction needed may be challenging or impossible to achieve, despite efforts to improve the outcome.