Each year more than 15 million Americans undergo plastic surgery. While many opt for minimally invasive procedures, some opt for breast reconstruction, liposuction, and rhinoplasty.
Plastic surgery is no longer a procedure used by aging women between the ages of 50 and 60 who are terrified of getting old. More and more procedures are being requested by much younger men and women.
Most people who opt for plastic surgery do so because they want to feel better about their appearance. They may have some type of physical imperfection that has been bothering them for a long time.
And in the world of entertainment, celebrities feel it will give them a career boost. There are many types of plastic surgeries to choose from. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recently compiled a list.
Here are the top 5 most popular procedures
- Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery – This procedure involves the reshaping of the nose. It can change or diminish imperfections like wide nostrils, a humped nose, or even a nose with an odd shape. The surgery can greatly improve your overall looks. Some people need nose surgery for medical reasons like cleft lip, nasal inflammation, and polyps. The unfortunate part about nose surgery is that it is often overused. This can often do more harm.
- Eyelid Lift – In most cases, eyelid surgery is purely for vanity purposes. It can reduce the bagginess from the lid giving you a more youthful appearance. Unfortunately, as we age, the skin on our eyes loses elasticity. This will cause eyelids to droop. This is not a permanent fix but this procedure can shave a few years off your appearance.
- Facelift – A facial plastic surgeon performs this to diminish signs of aging on the face and neck area. It helps with sagging, loose skin, excessive fat, jowls, and even double chins. While facelifts can be rejuvenating, they will not stop the aging process. After a few years, you will need to get another one.
- Liposuction – Liposuction sucks fat from specific areas of the body. In most cases, it is used around the belly region to suck off excess fat. It does make a thinner shapelier you. The good thing about liposuction is that the results are permanent. The fat cells do not regenerate. But you still need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise.
- Breast Augmentation – This surgery used to be at the top of the list for a while. About 300,000 women get this procedure done every year. In most cases, it is done to enlarge the breasts. But it can also be done to make breasts more symmetrical or help when breasts don’t develop properly. The implants used are either saline (saltwater) or silicone. Your plastic surgeon will advise you on which better suits your needs.
How Much Does Plastic Surgery Cost?
The cost of plastic surgery can vary wildly depending on the procedure, geographical location, and extent of the surgery. And insurance does not pay for this cosmetic type of procedure. In terms of geography, New York and California are the most expensive.
The South region is probably the cheapest. When this article was first published, it quoted these national averages: breast augmentation $6,525, eyelid surgery $4,725, facelift $12,250, liposuction $6,125 and nose surgery $7,650. Treat them as a rough historical guide rather than current prices; the American Society of Plastic Surgeons publishes updated average surgeon fees each year, and the total you pay will also include anesthesia, facility and follow-up costs.
What are the risks of plastic surgery?
No surgery comes without risks. This includes plastic surgery. If you want to get this procedure you have to be a good candidate. Some of the risks.
- Bad outcome – This is when the procedure fails to make your appearance better. In fact, you look worse than you did preop
- Scarring – This can be diminished by following the doctor’s post-op advice. There is always a slight risk, but not following directions can make it worse.
- Nerve damage – There are occasions when the facial nerves can sustain damage. If this damage occurs, you will notice droopy eyes and an inability to make facial expressions.
- Infection – Proper wound care is the key to avoiding infection. Be sure to follow post-op procedures as outlined by your surgeon.
- Hematoma – These can form after surgery. This happens when the blood pools outside the blood vessel. Hematomas are often minor but they can cause discomfort if they get large. If one appears, it can be removed with a syringe.
- Necrosis – This is when the tissue dies. This doesn’t happen often but when it does, the tissue will have to be removed.
- Bleeding – Bleeding goes along with all surgical procedures. If the bleeding is excessive, it can cause real problems. Post-op bleeding can develop if you are moving around too soon after the surgery. I can also mean something more serious so don’t take chances. If it happens you should contact your surgeon immediately.
- Death – Deaths after cosmetic surgery are rare, far rarer than the 1% this article originally stated. A 2020 review in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open cites an overall risk of about 0.25 to 0.5 deaths per 100,000 outpatient procedures, with higher figures for some operations: about 1 in 10,000 to 13,000 for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and 1 in 15,000 to 20,000 for a Brazilian butt lift. Blood clots that travel to the lungs have been a leading concern, and undisclosed health problems add to the risk. This is why all aspects of your medical history should be divulged before surgery. Your life could very well depend upon it.
Not just anyone can have plastic surgery. In most cases, your surgeon wants you to meet certain criteria to have the best outcome.
This means you should be in reasonably good health and not partake in any vices like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. Smoking can cause complications like interfering with the healing process. According to data, nonsmokers have less scarring and wound closure complications.
