Wanna know a secret? Everyone has something about their body they’d like to improve. We spend millions of dollars a year on gym memberships, weight loss plans, and yes, even on plastic surgery. Plastic surgery is prevalent these days, with more than 14 million cosmetic procedures performed every year in America alone. Let’s remove the stigma and look at some of the most popular plastic surgery procedures out there and what they’re all about.
Breast augmentation
One of the most common forms of plastic surgery is breast augmentation. Over 300,000 women undergo breast augmentation every year. Breast enhancement is normally only performed once a patient has reached 18 years of age. Many women also elect to have this procedure done after they have children and the skin stretches out. The safest procedure involves saline implants that are non-toxic in the event of an implant rupture. This procedure is generally considered to be safe and is FDA-approved.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a procedure designed to alter or even completely restructure the nose. There are minor rhinoplasty surgeries that involve narrowing the nose or refining the tip, and more serious surgeries involve complete reconstruction of the nose. A professional plastic surgeon can offer 3D visuals beforehand to give you a clear picture of what the final product will look like. Rhinoplasty is also often performed in steps. Some celebrities have been known to have several minor surgeries, so the transition is less noticeable.
Brazilian butt lift
The Brazilian butt lift is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing fat from other parts of the body like the thighs, stomach, or flank and then injecting that fat into the buttocks. The results can typically last six months or more. Butt lifts are becoming extremely common and perfectly safe when performed by a qualified professional. It is best to consult with your physician about your individual health before committing to any cosmetic procedure, including this one.
Facial implants
Another type of plastic surgery is facial implant surgery. This can include reshaping the jaw, chin, or cheeks by adding soft tissue to areas that may have suffered volume loss due to aging. Dermal fillers can also add volume to the face, but the results typically only last a few months. Facial implants last forever, though they are least commonly performed than other types of plastic surgery.
Facelift
A facelift is a very invasive procedure that removes excess skin, elevates it, and tightens the muscles underneath the skin. The result is a tighter, more youthful-looking face. The surgeon is able to resculpt both the face and neck and replace the skin more firmly. This procedure also involves substantial downtime for healing.
Lip augmentation
Lip augmentation is the injection of a dermal filler into the lips. This procedure is not permanent and generally only lasts a few months to a year. To maintain your lip volume, you will need to continue injecting lip fillers regularly.
Liposuction
Liposuction is the surgical removal of fat stores from the body. Typically, fat is removed from areas like the stomach, legs, buttocks, thighs, or flanks. The fat is removed, and the skin is reshaped. This is the most common cosmetic procedure performed in America every year. However, studies show it is a temporary solution and does not lead to long-term weight loss.
Tummy tuck
A tummy tuck is a common type of plastic surgery for people who have lost a significant amount of weight. A tummy tuck will remove excess skin and firm the stomach area. The procedure will tighten the muscle and the fascia of the inner abdominal wall.
Botox injections
Botox injections are a soft cosmetic surgery procedure, meaning it’s a non-invasive, relatively mild procedure that is performed quickly. There is no downtime for this procedure. Botox is the injection of a neurotoxin that temporarily paralyzes nerves in the face. This can smooth out wrinkles and prevent you from creating more through facial expressions like smiling. The effects of Botox are temporary, and the procedure must be done repeatedly to maintain results.
Hair transplant surgery
Another common type of plastic surgery in America is hair transplant surgery. This procedure involves removing hair from other parts of the head and surgically implanting them where balding has begun. This procedure generally works better for men than women since men tend to lose hair in solid patches. Once the hair is transplanted, it can continue to grow from its new spot. The results of hair transplant surgery should last a lifetime.