A new study conducted by Overnight Glasses1-3 determined the most dangerous cosmetic surgeries using key factors such as complication rates, recovery times, types of complications and the severity of complications. These factors were then normalized to a 0-1 scale and compared, with weights assigned depending on their effect on overall risk/danger. The study then calculated the composite score from the final weighted scores for each procedure and ranked them from most to least dangerous in the final total risk index.4 Per Overnight Glasses, the most dangerous cosmetic procedures are as follows.
Related: 6 Latest Treatment Safety Advances for Cosmetic Procedures [Survey Results]
A new study conducted by Overnight Glasses1-3 determined the most dangerous cosmetic surgeries using key factors such as complication rates, recovery times, types of complications and the severity of complications. These factors were then normalized to a 0-1 scale and compared, with weights assigned depending on their effect on overall risk/danger. The study then calculated the composite score from the final weighted scores for each procedure and ranked them from most to least dangerous in the final total risk index.4 Per Overnight Glasses, the most dangerous cosmetic procedures are as follows.
Related: 6 Latest Treatment Safety Advances for Cosmetic Procedures [Survey Results]
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cosmetic Procedures
1. Eye Color Change Surgery
Eye color change surgery tops the list as the most dangerous cosmetic procedure with a 92.30% complication rate. Not being approved by the FDA yet, this surgery poses high risks of vision loss, glaucoma, and corneal damage. The recovery time can vary from 1 to 8 weeks, depending on the specific procedure performed. The surgery costs on average $12K.
2. Thigh Lifts
Thigh lifts are the second most dangerous cosmetic procedure, with a 78% complication rate involving risks such as blood clots, infection, and changes in skin sensation. The high complication rate and a recovery period of 4 to 6 weeks make this surgery particularly risky.
3. Brazilian Butt Lift
The Brazilian Butt Lift ranks third, carrying a 37.94% complication rate. Being one of the most popular surgeries, this procedure is famous for the high risk of fat embolism, infection, and other complications. The procedure has 6 to 8 weeks recovery time and significant risks placing the surgery in the top 3 of the ranking.
4. Body Lift Procedures
Body lift procedures come forth with a 42% complication rate. The high risks of infection, wound healing issues, and blood clots, combined with a 4 to 6 weeks recovery time, contribute to its high danger level. The severity of potential complications keeps it high on the list.
5. Dermal Filler Injections
Injectable fillers, rank fifth due to a high 64.61% complication rate. Common issues include allergic reactions, infection, and asymmetry. The very short recovery time of 1 to 2 days makes it less severe but the high frequency of complications justifies its ranking.
6. Breast Reductions
Breast reduction surgery is the sixth most dangerous procedure, with a 38% complication rate. This surgery carries risks of blood clots, infection, and anesthesia complications, with a recovery period of 2 to 4 weeks. Compared to body lifts, breast reductions have a lower complication rate but similar risks.
7. Butt Implants
Butt implants rank seventh, with a 21.60% complication rate. Significant risks include infection, implant displacement, and nerve damage. The recovery time of 4 to 6 weeks, combined with these risks, places it high on the danger list, though it is less risky than the other higher ranked procedures in the list.
8. Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation comes in eighth, with a 14.40% complication rate. Risks include implant complications, infection, and capsular contracture. With a recovery period of 4 to 6 weeks, it has fewer complications than the higher-ranked surgeries but remains a risky procedure.
9. Arm Lifts
Arm lifts rank ninth with a 21.00% complication rate. The procedure carries risks of infection, scarring, and nerve damage, with a recovery time of 2 to 4 weeks. Although it has fewer severe complications than body lifts or other procedures, it still is a risky surgery.
10. Breast Lifts
Breast lifts round out the top ten with a 10.40% complication rate. The surgery poses risks of blood clots, infection, and changes in nipple or breast sensation, with a recovery period of 4 to 6 weeks. Its relatively high complication rate places it among the top most dangerous cosmetic surgeries.
References:
1. American Academy of Opthalmology
2. Brummund D, Puebla B, Ruiz S, Mir H, Morejon O. Review of Outpatient Aesthetic Surgery Complications. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2022 Oct 24;10(10 Suppl):151-152. doi: 10.1097/01.GOX.0000899116.49172.08. PMCID: PMC9592380.
3. American Society of Plastic Surgeons
4. Overnight Glasses Study Results for Top 10 Dangerous Cosmetic Procedures
