Cosmetic Surgery popularity is on the rise. In 2017, 15.1 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States – a 3% increase compared to the previous year.
Cosmetic or aesthetic surgery focuses on improving the patient’s physical appearance by utilizing methods and techniques designed to renew the aesthetic appeal, symmetry, and proportions of the area to be treated. This type of surgery can be performed almost anywhere the patient desires. The most common areas are: the face, neck, and the body’s contour.
Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery
Both plastic and cosmetic surgeries aim to improve the patient’s physical appearance. However, the surgeries’ philosophies, focus, research, and result objectives are different.
Plastic surgery is defined as a special type of surgery dedicated to reconstructing facial and bodily defects caused by disorders in birth, trauma, burns, and diseases. This branch of medicine is reconstructive in nature, as it is designed to correct dysfunctional areas in the body.
On the other hand, cosmetic surgery is a branch of medicine that focuses on improving one’s appearance through surgical and aesthetic techniques. Since the areas to be treated (usually the face, neck, and body), show no problems and perform their functions correctly, these surgeries are optional.
Most Common Practices within Cosmetic Surgery:
Breast augmentation, lifting, and reduction.
Rhinoplasty, contour of the chin and cheeks.
Facial rejuvenation, face lift, blepharoplasty, neck lift, eyebrow lift.
Abdominoplasty, liposuction, laser lipo.
Botox.
Filling treatments.
Like all surgical procedures, these cosmetic methods and techniques can have risks and complications. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons insists that patients seek medical attention immediately if they notice any of the following symptoms during their recovery or shortly after surgery:
Unusual and severe pain.
Visual alterations.
Whitish skin near an area where an injection was given.
Signs of stroke.
Aspects to Consider before Undergoing Cosmetic Surgery
As mentioned above, procedures are available for almost any area of the body. However, cosmetic/aesthetic surgery should not be taken lightly. Often, the results are permanent, so it is important that you are completely certain of your decision. Speak to a highly trained professional, have the right motives, and set realistic goals.
If you are considering getting an aesthetic procedure soon, you should carefully weigh the following options before proceeding:
Choose a reputable surgeon and verify his/her certifications and credentials.
Be completely informed about your surgery.
Consider the risks and limitations.
Choose a date that does not interfere with a big event/date, in order to have a quick and effective recovery.
Do not go through such a procedure to please or impress someone. This is a decision that you must make for yourself.
The most important factor is to have a clear and realistic idea of what will happen before, during, and after the surgery, as well as what results you can expect from it. Many anti-aesthetic features are satisfactorily correctable, while others are not. The more realistic your expectations, the more likely you are to be satisfied with the results.
