A new study found that eye color change surgery is the most dangerous cosmetic procedure, with 92% of cases resulting in complications, according to data compiled by Overnight Glasses, an eyewear brand.
The study compared the top ten most dangerous cosmetic procedures and found that patients undergoing iris implant surgeries or eye color-changing operations face the highest risk of serious complications, including glaucoma, corneal damage, and permanent vision loss. Eye color change surgery ranked number one because patients face the highest rate of post-op complications, which include glaucoma, corneal damage, and permanent vision loss,” the study states.
The surgery, which starts at around $12,000, also requires an eight-week recovery period, making it one of the costliest and riskiest procedures available. Despite the dangers, approximately 130,000 people have reportedly researched the procedure online.
Thigh Lift Ranks Second for High Complication Rates
The study ranked the thigh lift as the second most dangerous cosmetic surgery, with nearly 73 percent of patients experiencing complications such as blood clots, infections, or changes in skin sensation. At number two is the thigh lift, as almost 73 percent of patients experienced complications such as blood clots, infections, or changes in skin sensation, the study reported.
While thigh lifts are performed over 10,000 times each year, more than 100,000 people have shown interest in the procedure through online searches. The operation, which removes excess skin and fat to improve leg contour, carries significant post-surgical risks and requires long recovery periods, particularly when patients undergo multiple procedures at once.
“People choose them to improve their bodies when they can’t do it through other means. For medical professionals, it means that they need to guide the patient each step along the way, sharing not only the statistics that can sound vague. but real-life consequences of such choices,” a spokesperson said.
Body Lift and Brazilian Butt Lift Among Top Risky Procedures
The body lift procedure ranked third, with complications including infection and wound healing issues. The average cost is around $15,000, and the study noted that more than 685,000 people have researched it online. Third place is the body lift, as it is associated with complications such as infection and wound-healing issues. The average cost is $15,000, and over 685,000 people have researched it.
The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) came in fourth, with serious complications such as fat embolism, infection, and contour irregularities. The Brazilian Butt Lift ranks fourth and is associated with serious complications, including fat embolism, infection, and contour irregularities. Approximately 30 BBLs are performed each year, and over 600,000 people research it.”
Despite being one of the most popular aesthetic surgeries, the BBL has been widely criticized for its high mortality rate and post-op complications, often linked to unsafe medical practices or unqualified practitioners.
Other Procedures That Made the List
The Overnight Glasses study also ranked additional cosmetic surgeries based on their complication rates, recovery periods, and average costs, including:
| Procedure | Complication Rate | Recovery Time | Average Cost | Annual Procedures | Searches/Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) | 20.00% | 1–2 weeks | $4,630 | 4,830 | 77,330 |
| Cheek Implants | 10.70% | 2–4 weeks | $3,880 | 9,130 | 32,570 |
| Breast Lift (Mastopexy) | 10.40% | 4–6 weeks | $8,850 | 153,620 | 454,000 |
| Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) | 10.40% | 4–6 weeks | $6,000 | 171,060 | 697,550 |
| Chin Augmentation | 7.20% | 1–2 weeks | $3,640 | 5,530 | 114,320 |
| Breast Augmentation | 7.10% | 4–6 weeks | $10,000 | 306.20k | 900.87k |