What is the safest plastic surgery procedure?

September 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2018 review of over 25,000 cases, outpatient plastic surgery procedures have a complication rate of less than 1 percent, with the safety of any procedure largely depending on its invasiveness. To answer the question, what is the safest plastic surgery procedure, it's crucial to understand that less invasive options generally present lower risks. This guide explores some of the safest surgical and non-surgical cosmetic options available today, outlining what makes them so reliable.

Quick Summary

Several procedures, particularly minimally invasive ones like blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and limited-area liposuction, are often considered the safest due to lower complication rates, shorter operation times, and reduced anesthesia risks. Non-surgical treatments like Botox and fillers are even safer, though they are not technically surgery. The ultimate safety of any procedure depends heavily on the surgeon's expertise, the facility, and the patient's overall health.

Key Points

Safest Procedures are Least Invasive: Less invasive surgeries like blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and targeted liposuction have lower complication rates due to smaller incisions and shorter anesthesia times.
Local Anesthesia Reduces Risks: Procedures that can be done with local instead of general anesthesia, such as blepharoplasty, are inherently safer as they avoid the risks associated with deeper sedation.
Non-Surgical Options are Safest: For those seeking minimal risk, non-surgical cosmetic procedures like Botox and dermal fillers are the safest options, with minimal downtime and very low complication rates.
Surgeon Expertise is Crucial: The most significant factor influencing safety is the surgeon's qualifications and experience. Always choose a board-certified plastic surgeon for any procedure.
Facility Matters: Opt for a procedure performed in an accredited surgical facility, which adheres to strict safety standards, minimizing risks of infection and other complications.
Patient Health Impacts Risk: A patient's overall health, including factors like weight and smoking status, can increase risks. A thorough health evaluation is a key step in ensuring safety.
Realistic Expectations are Essential: Understanding that surgery aims for improvement, not perfection, helps manage expectations and improves satisfaction with the final results.

Understanding the Concept of 'Safest' in Plastic Surgery

When we talk about the "safest" plastic surgery, it's important to define what that means. No surgical procedure is entirely without risk. Safety is measured by minimizing the potential for complications like infection, excessive bleeding, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. In general, the least invasive procedures—those with smaller incisions, less anesthesia, and shorter operating times—are considered the safest. Patient health, surgeon skill, and the quality of the surgical facility also play critical roles in determining the safety profile of any procedure.

Leading the Way: The Safest Plastic Surgery Options

Several procedures consistently rank among the safest due to their straightforward nature and high success rates. These often involve limited, localized areas, resulting in less trauma to the body and faster recovery times.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Often cited as one of the safest plastic surgery procedures, blepharoplasty focuses on the eyelids.

Why it's safe: The procedure is highly localized, typically taking only one to two hours to complete and is often performed under local anesthesia, which significantly reduces the risks associated with general anesthesia. It involves minimal blood loss and the recovery period is relatively short.
What it does: It removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids, refreshing the patient's appearance and sometimes improving vision impaired by drooping lids.

Limited-Area Liposuction

While large-volume liposuction carries higher risks, targeting small, localized fat deposits with advanced techniques is quite safe.

Why it's safe: Techniques like tumescent liposuction, where a saline solution with a numbing agent is injected, have minimized bleeding and discomfort. Focusing on smaller areas, such as under the chin, reduces the operative time and lessens overall stress on the body.
What it does: It effectively contours the body by permanently removing stubborn fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise.

Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)

This procedure, which reshapes the ears, can be performed on younger patients as well, and carries minimal risk.

Why it's safe: It is a relatively simple and straightforward surgery that can often be performed under local anesthesia, avoiding the complications of general anesthesia. The incision is typically hidden behind the ear, and the risks are low.
What it does: It improves the size, shape, and position of the ears for a more balanced appearance.

The Safest 'Non-Surgical' Cosmetic Procedures

For those seeking cosmetic enhancements without any surgical incisions, a variety of non-surgical options are available that carry even lower risk.

Botox Injections: These are non-invasive and highly safe when administered by a trained professional. The procedure involves minimal discomfort and virtually no downtime, targeting dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement.
Dermal Fillers: Injectable gels, often composed of hyaluronic acid, are used to restore lost volume and smooth wrinkles. They are extremely safe and typically last for several months to over a year.
Chemical Peels: This non-surgical treatment uses a chemical solution to exfoliate the top layer of skin, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath.

Factors that Influence Surgical Safety

Choosing a procedure often involves more than just selecting a low-risk option. Several other factors play a pivotal role in ensuring a safe outcome.

Surgeon Expertise and Credentials

The most critical factor is the surgeon performing the procedure. Patients should seek a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in the specific procedure they are considering. The American Board of Plastic Surgery ensures surgeons meet high standards of training and expertise.

Accredited Surgical Facility

Where the surgery is performed matters. Accredited facilities are held to strict safety and sanitation standards, reducing the risk of infection and other complications. Surgeries performed in an office setting may not have the same oversight as those in a hospital or accredited surgical center.

Patient Health and History

Your overall health directly impacts surgical safety. Patients who are smokers, obese, or have certain health conditions like diabetes may face higher risks. A thorough consultation with your surgeon will evaluate your personal risk factors and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Comparison of Common Plastic Surgery Procedures


Procedure	Invasiveness Level	Typical Anesthesia	Recovery Time	Common Risks
Blepharoplasty	Minimal	Local (often)	1–2 weeks	Bruising, swelling
Limited Liposuction	Minimal	Local/Sedation	2–4 weeks	Swelling, numbness, contour irregularities
Full Abdominoplasty	High	General	4–6 weeks	Infection, blood clots, seroma
Breast Augmentation	Moderate	General	4–6 weeks	Implant rupture, scarring, hematoma

Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety in Your Decision

While procedures like blepharoplasty and localized liposuction are generally considered the safest plastic surgery options, the most secure path is an individualized one. It is crucial to prioritize your overall health, choose a board-certified surgeon, and ensure the procedure is performed in an accredited facility. By focusing on these elements, you can significantly mitigate risks and achieve your desired aesthetic goals with confidence. For authoritative information on plastic surgery credentials and safe practices, consult the resources of a reputable organization like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons at plasticsurgery.org.

Additional Considerations

Even with the safest procedures, patients must set realistic expectations. Cosmetic surgery aims for improvement, not perfection. Following all pre-operative and post-operative instructions from your surgeon is essential for a smooth recovery and to minimize complications. For example, wearing compression garments after liposuction aids in healing. Open and honest communication with your surgical team will also help address any concerns and ensure the best possible outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minimally invasive procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) are often considered to have the lowest risk profile. Other low-risk options include small-area liposuction and non-surgical treatments like Botox injections.

Yes, non-surgical treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, and chemical peels generally carry fewer risks than surgical procedures. They involve no incisions, minimal anesthesia, and less downtime, though their results are temporary.

To maximize safety, choose a board-certified plastic surgeon, ensure the surgery is performed in an accredited facility, and follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions diligently. Your health and lifestyle choices, like avoiding smoking, also play a key role.

More invasive procedures involving extensive cutting, prolonged anesthesia time, and multiple procedures performed at once typically carry higher risks. Patient health issues, such as obesity or smoking, can also increase the danger of complications.

Combining procedures can increase operative time and overall risk. Many surgeons set limits on how many procedures can be safely performed in a single session. The safety depends on the extent of each procedure and the total time under anesthesia.

Local anesthesia is generally the safest form because it avoids the systemic risks associated with general anesthesia. Many minimally invasive procedures, like eyelid surgery, can be performed with just local anesthesia.

Yes, even the safest procedures carry some risks, including potential side effects like swelling, bruising, infection, or scarring. Serious complications are rare, but awareness of these possibilities is important.