Preventing complications in facial plastic surgery.

[PURPOSE OF REVIEW] The demand for cosmetic procedures has increased dramatically over the past few years, in part fueled by the prevalence of cosmetic 'makeover shows', increased media coverage on television and easy accessibility to the Internet. This growing social acceptance of aesthetic surgery has caused an increasing number of women and men to undergo elective noninvasive and invasive procedures to enhance their appearance. As the number of patients interested in cosmetic surgery increases and the number of physicians performing these procedures increases, the risk of complications invariably also rises. An article focusing on the prevention of complications in facial plastic surgery, therefore, is clearly appropriate in the current era.

[RECENT FINDINGS] One of the recurring themes in the literature is preventing complications before they occur. Proper patient selection, a thorough understanding of the anatomy and adhering to proper techniques are some of the methods mentioned to avoid unfavorable outcomes.

[SUMMARY] The literature is replete with articles that focus on the newest techniques for facial rejuvenation. Only through careful analysis of the pitfalls of cosmetic procedures, however, can the facial plastic surgeon adopt principles to help prevent complications.