When Cosmetic Procedures Go Wrong and ‘Decision Regret’ Hits: The Reality of Plastic Surgery

How You Can Avoid Plastic Surgery ‘Decision Regret’
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Health

Author: Carol Jones

Published: June 19, 2025

Cosmetic surgery, which is frequently viewed as a means of improving one’s physical appearance and self-esteem, can occasionally have unanticipated and regrettable results. According to research by The Schiller Kessler Group, many patients have “decision regret” after having plastic surgery. The regret and remorse results from a number of things, ranging from emotional effects to unfulfilled explanations. Most of the patients are not satisfied with the results of the plastic injuries and procedures, according to the data gathered for this study, which draws from reliable sources like Science Direct and the National Library of Medicine.

It’s important for the patients and customers to be aware of the fact that, like any other medical treatment, plastic surgery has similar risks. In this case we explore the extent of decision regret following cosmetic procedures and delve into the factors contributing to this phenomenon.

How Many Patients Have “Decision Regret” on the Scale of Regret?

A recent study from The Schiller Kessler Group found that “decision regret” is a far more common occurrence than most people may think. The sources and the data from the National Library of Medicine reflect that about 65% of patients who have undergone plastic surgery are not satisfied and happy with the results and the procedures. These figures might seem shocking; they highlight the importance of the factors that determine the factors that influence the decision to have cosmetic surgery as well as what the experience after the procedure may involve.

Cosmetic surgery has certain aftereffects, which may take different forms and results. The amount of regret and remorse you’ll feel depends on the kind of plastic surgery done. Knowing the data and feedback on the satisfaction levels of different procedures can help prospective patients make better decisions.

Regret Breakdown by Procedure Type

  1. Breast Reconstruction: After undergoing breast reconstruction surgery, 47.1% of patients express regret. This high percentage could be explained by the procedure’s intricacy as well as the psychological and physical difficulties of recuperation.
  2. Breast Augmentation: At 9.1%, the regret rate for breast augmentation is comparatively lower. The satisfaction level might not be universal to all. There have been cases where most of the patients and clients seem to be happy with the level of result despite the procedure’s popularity.
  1. Body Alignment (Buttock Lift, Liposuction): One-third of the patients who have gone through buttock lifts and liposuction have expressed regret and remorse after the results. All the operations and surgeries that are linked to body alignment, upliftment and changes carry a risk of complications and unhappiness with the way things turn out.

The results showcase how some procedures and surgeries are followed by more noticeable regret, which can highly impact a person’s emotional health and cause them to feel disappointed or even distressed.

The Effects of Having Surgery Abroad

Many people decide to have cosmetic surgery abroad because of the perceived advantages and cheaper prices in this increasingly globalized world. But the study also reveals that those who have surgery abroad feel more regret. According to the British Association Of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, for 57% of patients who tend to seek surgeries overseas, the total cost of all the things, including the. On the contrary, 66% of these people, if given another chance, wouldn’t undergo the same process.

This research and pattern highlights the need for an extensive and in-depth research on the procedure itself, the clinic, the credentials of the surgeon, and the postoperative care.

Why Do Patients Second Guess Their Choices of Cosmetic Surgery?

The common occurrence of decision regret after cosmetic surgery is caused by a number of factors. All the factors and results ranging from complications, dissatisfaction and unfulfilled expectations can lead to discontent and in certain cases even emotional distress and trauma. By being aware and well informed of these variables and issues, patients in the future may be able to make more informed and well-researched choices and perhaps steer clear of regrettable pitfalls.

  1. Unfulfilled Expectations: One-third of the patients regret the procedures because of dissatisfied results. Patients’ expectations and actual outcomes after cosmetic surgery are a major source of regret. The fact that surgeries can change appearance means cosmetic surgery cannot ensure perfection. Patients usually have high expectations for a significant change in appearance but are let down by the results.
  2. Complications (24%): Excessive scarring, aging, asymmetry, and infections are some of the complications and issues that can lead to regret. Regret may result from complications and mishaps that occur during or after the procedure, as is the case with any surgery. Agitation and impatience may result from the need for additional surgeries or prolonged recuperation periods due to these complications.
  3. Post-operative Pain and Recovery Time: Following plastic surgery, there may be a protracted and uncomfortable recovery period. Patients may undergo prolonged pain, edema, and limited mobility. Some people may come to regret their decision due to the physical discomfort and the psychological toll that recovery takes.
  4. Scars and Infections: Although a lot of operations are done to make people look better, some may leave scars that people don’t like. Infections can also happen, which can cause more emotional stress and delayed healing.
  5. Inadequate Pre-operative Information (17%): A great chunk of patients file complaints that they did not receive adequate and enough information before the surgery informing them about the possible risks and results. When the results do not go as planned and predicted, a lack of clarity about what to expect can cause regret and disappointment.
  6. Loss of Confidence or Discomfort Post-Surgery (13%): Due to the surgery’s mishap, some patients experience a lack of improvement and self confidence in their self-esteem following surgery instead of the predicted increase in confidence. This may result in discomfort, low self-confidence, and regret for having surgery in the first place.
  7. Financial Strain (8%): The cost of these surgeries is not affordable to everyone, which can make some patients regret the procedure due to the financial strain. The feeling of money being wasted can cause patients to regret their decision if they believe that the results did not justify the expense.

The Value of Making Well-Informed Decisions

Marc Schiller, a specialist at The Schiller Kessler Group, points out that choosing to have plastic surgery is a big decision that shouldn’t be made in a hurry. Understanding the seriousness of what having cosmetic surgery carries is crucial. Proper research and planning before paying for a procedure could help reduce regret, he says.

Schiller’s counsel recommends patients must consider all of their options carefully, including the surgeon’s credentials, the risks involved in the procedure, and the likely results.

When to Get Assistance

It’s important to get in touch with professionals who can offer help and required medication if you or someone you know has gone through complications after a cosmetic procedure and has felt regret. The Schiller Kessler Group stresses assisting people who have experienced complications or injuries as a result of plastic surgery procedures. While discussing the emotional and legal complexities that result from such circumstances, their staff and officers of personal injury specialists can guide you in the right direction and support you.

It’s necessary for anyone who is thinking about getting plastic surgery to be fully aware of the pros and cons of the procedure and results and also to make sure that their expectations are valid and reasonable. You can decrease the likelihood of regretting your choice and make the best decision possible by doing this.

Published by Carol Jones

My aim is to offer unique, useful, high-quality articles that our readers will love. Whether it is the latest trends, fashion, lifestyle, beauty , technology I offer it all

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