Cosmetic surgery is an invasive medical procedure that helps change or enhance physical appearance.
A candidate for cosmetic surgery should have the following:
- Have had a stable weight for the last 6 to 12 months
- Have no history of smoking
- Limit or abstain from smoking and nicotine products (tobacco and nicotine patches, gums, or lozenges) for at least four to six weeks before and after surgery
- Have chronic medical conditions under control
- Know the medical risks and physical effects during healing
- Be aware of the lifestyle changes and the expenses involved
- Have realistic expectations from the surgery
What are the most common cosmetic surgery procedures?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the most common cosmetic surgical procedures (invasive and minimally invasive) may include:
- Redesigning the body's contour and shape
- Smoothing wrinkles
- Eliminating balding areas
- Augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation)
- Breast implant removals
- Mastopexy (breast lift with or without an implant)
- Facial implants (chin, cheek, or jaw reshaping)
- Liposuction
- Dermabrasion
- Chemical peel
- Lip augmentation
- Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping)
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
- Rhytidectomy (facelift)
- Buttock lift
- Thigh lift
- Brachioplasty (upper arm lift)
- Hair transplantation
- Cellulite treatment
- Plumping, collagen, or fat injections (facial rejuvenation or uplifting)
- Laser treatment of leg varicose veins
- Vaginal rejuvenation
Non-surgical cosmetic procedures may include:
QUESTION
An average adult has about ________ square feet of skin. See AnswerWhat are the pros and cons of cosmetic surgery?
Pros of cosmetic surgery
- A way to cover flaws (congenital or acquired)
- Raises self-confidence
- Youthful appearance
- Help individuals with scars caused by fatal accidents
- Increases the quality of life
- Promotes a feeling of positive impact
- Helps maintain a healthy relationship
- Reduces obesity and its effects
Cons of cosmetic surgery
- Expensive
- Could be extremely painful
- Results could be temporary
- The outcome could be worse or unexpected
- May have to face criticism
- High risk of infections
- High risk of scars
- May take longer to heal
- Increased risk of developing keloid
Is cosmetic and plastic surgery the same?
Cosmetic surgery is a unique and elective discipline of medicine. It primarily focuses on enhancing the appearance and aesthetic appeal through surgical and medical techniques.
Plastic surgery is a reconstructive surgical specialty. It reconstructs facial and body defects due to congenital disorders, trauma, burns, and diseases.
What are the complications involved in cosmetic surgeries?
Certain factors may increase the risk of developing complications, such as:
Possible complications of cosmetic surgical procedures may include:
- Anesthesia-related (pneumonia, infections, or blood clots)
- Infection at the incision site
- Accumulation of fluid under the skin
- Significant bleeding
- Abnormal scarring due to skin breakdown
- Separation of the surgical wound
- Numbness and tingling from nerve damage
Medically Reviewed on 1/24/2023
References
Image Source: iStock image
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Overview. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/cosmetic-plastic-surgery-overview
ABOUT COSMETIC SURGERY. https://www.cosmeticsurgery.org/page/CosmeticSurgery
Cosmetic surgery. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/about/pac-20385138
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Overview. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/cosmetic-plastic-surgery-overview
ABOUT COSMETIC SURGERY. https://www.cosmeticsurgery.org/page/CosmeticSurgery
Cosmetic surgery. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/about/pac-20385138
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