Jen Jones
Cosmetic surgery works on enhancing normal body parts and improving the overall appearance of the body. By taking one portion of the body and altering it, the patient leaves the cosmetic surgery process with an improved appearance and a higher self-esteem. There are multiple cosmetic surgery procedures for different body areas including the abdomen, breasts, face, and legs. The most popular cosmetic surgery procedures are:
Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a “tummy tuck,” tightens the abdomen’s muscles and removes excess fat and skin in the region. Even though the tummy tuck will tighten the abdominal region, there will be a permanent scar left from the surgery. Many people who opt for this cosmetic surgery procedure either have been pregnant and have overstretched skin in the region or have lost a significant amount of weight and wish to tighten the loosened skin.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentations are most commonly performed to increase the size of the breasts for an aesthetic reason. In this procedure, an implant composed of silicone gel or saline is placed either behind the breast tissue or behind the pectoral muscle. Although both the silicone gel and saline implants are available, the silicone gel implants provide a natural look and feel to the breasts after the surgery. The implant is either round to create a firm appearance or tear shaped to create a natural appearance.
This implant increases the cup size of the breasts to the size the patient prefers. Breast augmentation provides women with the figure they have dreamed of and boosts their self-confidence. Many women opt for this cosmetic surgery procedure after a reduction in size from weight loss or when their breasts did not develop much during puberty. Learn more about breast enhancement surgery.
Facelift
Cosmetic surgery facelifts tightens the loosened facial skin and reducing fat content. This procedure is often done to create a symmetrical facial structure and bring youthfulness back into the face. Facelifts involve pulling the skin to decrease the excess skin, creating a younger look and helping to diminish wrinkles. By reducing the effects of aging, the facelift reduces lines and wrinkles in the face, providing the patient with a fresher looking face. Learn more about facelift surgery.
Lip Augmentation
Lip augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure that increases the size of the lips—either the upper, lower, or both lips—to make them fuller. The most widely used injectable substance is collagen. Collagen injections provide a temporary plumping to the lips, lasting between one and three months. Fat injections are commonly used in place of collagen if the patient is sensitive to the collagen since the fat injections cause no allergic reactions.
Liposuction
Liposuction sculpts the body—primarily the legs, abdomen, arms, or buttocks—where there is excess fat that cannot be removed through dieting and exercise. The fat is broken up by ultrasound waves and suctioned out of the desired region through a massage suction technique. After the procedure is completed, the fat cells are permanently removed, so any weight gained after the surgery will not collect in those areas. Even though liposuction will remove fat, it will not prevent weight gain in the future. Learn more about liposuction surgery.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, more commonly referred to as a “nose job,” is chosen to either change the shape of or reduce the size of the nose. This cosmetic surgery procedure can balance the facial structure and create an aesthetic appeal to the face. Many people opt for this procedure after a broken nose alters the original shape or to correct breathing problems. Corrections rhinoplasty can make involves the size of the nose, the shape of the tip and the bridge, the span of the nostrils, and the angle between the nose and the upper lip. Learn more about the rhinoplasty procedure.
Additional cosmetic surgeries include botox injections, labiaplasty surgery and breast reduction surgery.
Through cosmetic surgery, the patient is provided the opportunity to restore or improve one’s body, providing new self-confidence and a high self-esteem. Many find that the procedures allow them to become more physically active with a smaller body and are provided a motivation to stay healthy after the surgery. As with any surgery, there are risks involved with cosmetic surgeries. Discuss the risk factors with your surgeon and research the procedure before you go under the knife for a cosmetic improvement; this will ensure a successful cosmetic surgery for you.
[page updated December 2008]