Cosmetic surgery procedures have become more popular in the past decade, with plastic surgeons performing nearly 18 million procedures annually. Most people undergo this form of surgery to improve their appearance.
Over the years, numerous surgical procedures have been introduced to men and women to help them feel more confident and comfortable in their skin. Despite most health insurance policies rarely covering these surgeries, this practice continues to grow. Here are some of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures today, especially if you’re considering getting plastic surgery soon.
- Facelift
Facelift procedures are usually performed to reduce the signs of aging on a person’s face, such as sagging, dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. A plastic surgeon makes incisions around strategic areas of the face, removing excess skin while smoothing and tightening the patient’s face. The sutures placed along the incisions are typically removed almost two weeks after a procedure. If you are considering getting a facelift, there are a few things to expect. Like most cosmetic surgeries, the healing process may not look so great. There will be bruising and swelling, but that will fade as you heal. There’s no standard recovery time as it varies based on your age, as well as your health. Fortunately, several types of facelift procedures, including surgical and non-surgical options, can help you restore your youthful look. It would be best to discuss with your doctor the best option, so keep this in mind.
- Rhinoplasty
Like it or not, your nose is probably one of the main focal points of your face, which causes it to draw attention. So, understandably, you may not be happy if you aren’t fond of your nose. A rhinoplasty procedure, better known as a nose job, is the perfect option for you if you’re considering changing the shape or look of your nose. Using this procedure, a surgeon reshapes your nose to reduce its size or fix any issues to make it appear more attractive. However, not all nose jobs are for cosmetic purposes. Some surgeons recommend this treatment for patients that have trouble breathing due to conditions like a deviated septum.
Most nose jobs are performed in outpatient facilities, where they wouldn’t need to stay overnight unless it’s an emergency. Depending on the type of procedure, your surgeon might use either local or general anesthesia. Full healing can take months as there will be much bruising and swelling. You would have to wear a nose splint for the first few days.
- Breast augmentation
One of the most popular plastic surgery choices is the breast augmentation procedure, which is done to enhance a woman’s breasts and give them equal sizing. This process involves surgeons placing breast implants or transferring fat to increase the size of a patient’s breasts. There are two main implants, silicone and saline, and either one can give each patient a different look and feel.
Depending on factors such as your preferences and breast tissue, your doctor might recommend which option would work best for you. They would also advise you on the best type of size that suits your body frame. Recovery from this procedure can be very painful, and patients will be given pain relief medication. Patients must wear a special bra or support garment while healing to make the process more comfortable. They are also advised to cut back on strenuous activities that might cause extra pain.
- Breast reduction
Many women and men are born with breast sizes that are too large and make performing daily activities extremely uncomfortable. Large breasts can also cause chest, back, and neck pains, affecting posture. Breast reduction surgery will be the best solution if you fall into this category. Even though breast augmentations have dominated the plastic surgery space for years, reductions are also growing more popular, especially since having a more natural look is back in style.
In a breast reduction procedure, your surgeon will remove any excess fat in your breast according to your desired size and reshape and reposition the nipple and areola. Most doctors perform reductions along with breast lifts, as people with larger breasts tend to be less perky. Again, like other procedures, you can expect some scarring, but it would be minimal. Fortunately, you can ask your doctor for the best breast reduction technique to reduce scarring. The healing process takes a while, and patients are restricted from physical activities a few weeks after the surgery.
- Tummy tuck
Tummy tuck surgeries are mostly performed to remove loose or flabby skin around the abdominal area. They are more popular among women, especially those who have been pregnant, as well as patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and have excess sagging skin. This surgery is not used for weight loss. A typical tummy tuck procedure involves a surgeon removing excess skin and tightening that area. It helps restore your abdominal muscles while giving them a firmer appearance. Depending on several factors, your surgeon might recommend the best technique.
The recovery process takes roughly a month to complete, depending on your surgeon’s method and overall health.
- Liposuction
Popularly known as “lipo,” this surgical procedure is designed for patients who want a slimmer appearance or to reshape a particular body area. The most common areas include the thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, and chin to remove excess fat. Doctors typically use one of the two liposuction procedures: tumescent and ultrasonic-assisted. The main difference between the two methods is that the tumescent method uses a hollow metal to suction fat. In contrast, the latter uses ultrasonic energy to melt the fat before suctioning it.
Most liposuction patients are advised to avoid physical exercise for close to a month after surgery. The healing period can get extremely painful, with most patients being placed on pain management treatment. Liposuction cost will depend on where you live, the area you want treated and your individual case. But overall, it’s not the most expensive type of treatment so could be a good one to go for if you want to make a significant difference to your shape without the recovery time and cost of a tummy tuck or body lift.
These are some of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures. If you’re thinking of going under the knife, this list will help you make the first step in your research. However, ensure that you seek a qualified doctor’s opinion.
