At Zen Medispa, your safety and wellbeing come first. Before considering any procedure, it’s important to understand that all surgery carries risks. Patients should be fully informed, take time to consider their options, and are encouraged to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner before proceeding.
General Risks
Any surgical procedure involves some level of risk. While complications are uncommon, patients should be aware of the following possibilities:
- Bleeding / Haematoma – blood collecting under the skin, sometimes requiring drainage.
- Seroma – fluid build-up that may need removal.
- Infection – treated with antibiotics or further care if required.
- Delayed wound healing / Wound breakdown – more common in smokers or people with certain medical conditions.
- Scarring – may vary in appearance; some people are prone to thicker scars.
- Anaesthesia risks – side effects or complications from anaesthetic medications.
- Changes in sensation – numbness, tingling or altered feeling, temporary or permanent.
- Asymmetry – differences in size, shape or position may occur.
- Pain / discomfort – swelling and bruising are expected; sometimes prolonged.
- Blood clots (DVT / PE) – risk is reduced by early mobilisation and compression garments.
- Unsatisfactory result – sometimes revision procedures may be required.
Procedure-Specific Risks
Each procedure has additional considerations:
| Procedure | Additional Risks |
| Breast Augmentation, Lift & Reduction | Implant rupture; capsular contracture; implant malposition; changes in nipple or breast sensation; interference with breastfeeding; rippling or visible implant edges; long-term changes to breast shape. |
| Gynaecomastia Surgery | Contour irregularities; residual tissue; asymmetry; loose skin; altered sensation. |
| Labiaplasty | Asymmetry; over- or under-correction; scarring; sensitivity changes; irritation; sexual function changes (rare). |
| VASER Liposuction | Irregular contours; skin laxity; burns or skin damage; nerve or vessel injury; fat embolism (rare); pigmentation changes. |
| Gluteal Fat Grafting (Fat Transfer to the Buttocks) | Fat necrosis; fat resorption over time; asymmetry; contour irregularity; rare risk of fat embolism; infection; prolonged swelling. |
| Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) | Delayed wound healing (especially along the lower scar line); skin or fat necrosis; changes in sensation around the lower abdomen; contour irregularities; fluid accumulation; visible scarring across the lower abdomen; rare risk of tissue loss around the belly button. |
Factors That May Increase Risk
- Smoking or vaping
- Medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease)
- Poor nutrition or skin quality
- Previous surgery in the same area
- Large-volume or combined procedures
- Not following pre- and post-treatment instructions
Recovery Expectations
Recovery depends on the procedure, your general health, and following post-treatment care.
- First few days: Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are expected. Dressings, drains or support garments may be required.
- 1–2 weeks: Bruising and swelling start to improve. Light walking is encouraged. Avoid strenuous activity.
- 2–4 weeks: Gradual return to daily activities. Continue support garments as directed.
- 4–8 weeks: Many patients feel more comfortable resuming normal routines. Strenuous exercise may still be limited.
- 3–6 months and beyond: Healing continues, swelling subsides, scars mature, and final results become clearer.
Supporting Your Recovery
You can play an important role in reducing risks and supporting healing:
- Stop smoking and avoid nicotine products.
- Eat a balanced, high-protein diet.
- Follow all pre- and post-treatment instructions from the Zen Medispa team.
- Wear support or compression garments as advised.
- Keep wounds clean and dry.
- Avoid alcohol and unapproved medications.
- Attend all follow-up appointments.
- Contact us promptly if you notice any concerns.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Please seek urgent medical care or contact the Zen Medispa team if you experience:
- Sudden or severe pain
- Fever, chills, or signs of infection
- Persistent or heavy bleeding
- Significant swelling, redness, or discharge
- Shortness of breath, chest pain, or leg swelling
- Sudden change in breast shape (for breast procedures)