Are you considering having plastic surgery? There are numerous procedure options to choose from, primarily depending on the precise aesthetic issue that you are looking to address. It is important to have a one-on-one with a board-certified plastic surgeon so you can thoroughly discuss your needs and requirements. But first things first, plastic surgeons typically require that you are physically and emotionally healthy before they agree to perform any procedure. Individuals with serious medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or depression may not be qualified for this type of treatment.
Top Cosmetic Procedures
Plastic surgery has come a long way over the last few decades. Long gone are the days when cosmetic procedures used to be a preserve for Hollywood celebrities and famous people. Techniques have improved dramatically and plastic surgeons have perfected their craft. Based on statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the most common cosmetic procedures in 2020 were:
- Nose reshaping – also referred to as a nose job or rhinoplasty, nose reshaping surgery focuses on altering the structure or shape of the nose. The goal is often to improve symmetry with other facial features and restore a balanced aesthetic appearance. In some cases, nose reshaping surgery may be performed in order to alleviate functional problems such as a deviated septum or breathing problems.
- Eyelid surgery – eyelid surgery, also referred to as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that is designed to remove excess skin and/or fat from the eyelids. The goal is usually to improve the appearance of hooded or drooping eyelids or eye bags. Plastic surgeons perform this procedure by creating a small cut along the natural fold of the eyelid then using it to remove unwanted fat, skin, or muscle.
- Facelift – also referred to as rhytidectomy, a facelift is a surgical procedure that aims to lift and tighten facial tissues. Plastic surgeons work to remove excess skin and smooth out folds or wrinkles, all the same while tightening facial muscles. A facelift is very common with individuals who are looking to address a variety of cosmetic concerns affecting the facial area.
- Liposuction – liposuction, also referred to as lipo, is a surgical procedure that suctions out fat from specific areas of the body. This is the most popular body reshaping technique. One of the best things about liposuction is that it can be performed on nearly any part of the body, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, arms, hips, and more.
- Breast augmentation – also referred as breast enlargement, this is a cosmetic surgery that aims to enhance the size and volume of a woman’s breasts. Plastic surgeons typically use artificial implants to achieve the size and volume increase. In some cases, autologous fat tissue from the patient’s own body may also be used to perfect the breast augmentation.
- Tummy tuck – also referred to as abdominoplasty, this is a cosmetic procedure that aims to enhance the appearance of the abdomen. Plastic surgeons remove excess fat and skin from the abdominal area while also tightening underlying muscles. Many men and women who undergo this treatment enjoy a tighter and flatter abdominal appearance.
Non-Surgical Options
- BOTOX – BOTOX is the most common non-surgical cosmetic procedure, with millions of BOTOX injections administered each year. Plastic surgeons use a special compound that paralyzes muscles and helps reduce skin wrinkles as well as help treat some medical conditions. If you have mild cosmetic concerns on areas of the face, BOTOX may be an appropriate treatment for you.
- Soft tissue fillers – also referred to dermal fillers or injectable implants, these are FDA-approved substances that help create a smoother and fuller facial appearance. Dermal fillers are usually used to address aesthetic imperfections in parts of the face. Because this is a temporary treatment, subsequent sessions are needed in order to maintain the results.
- Chemical peels – also referred to as chemexfoliation or derma peeling, this is a unique treatment that uses a chemical solution to enhance the appearance of skin. The goal is to cause controlled trauma or injury to the skin’s layers, thus eventually peel off to reveal more youthful skin.
- Laser skin resurfacing – laser skin resurfacing is a treatment that reduces facial wrinkles and skin irregularities such as acne scars and blemishes. It is a common non-surgical treatment that uses precision laser treatment to remove micro layers of skin.
- Lip augmentation – lip augmentation aims to give patients plumper and fuller looking lips. Plastic surgeons may use injectable dermal fillers to achieve the desired improvements in lip shape, structure, and volume. It is important to note that while lip augmentation is a popular non-surgical procedure, it is not permanent. Follow up treatments are required in order to maintain the initial outcome.