Cosmetic surgery is a type of medical procedure that has the purpose of enhancing a person's appearance. In 2013, there were 15.1 million cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States. Cosmetic surgeons are specialists, and they have to undergo extensive training in order to become certified. However, it's also possible for doctors in other fields to become certified to perform cosmetic surgery. For best results, choosing a cosmetic surgeon devoted entirely to this specialty is recommended.
Some cosmetic surgery is more invasive than other types. Anyone considering cosmetic surgery should read as much as possible about the details of a procedure, its risks and the recovery period. Cosmetic surgery can have a positive effect on comfort and self-esteem. Procedures have minimal risks when administered by a licensed cosmetic surgeon. Below are some of the most requested cosmetic surgery procedures, along with details about their purposes and the results that can be obtained.
Most Common Types of Cosmetic Surgery
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is, basically, sanding off the top layer of skin on the face. After the procedure is performed, the skin has a smoother appearance, with fine lines and irregularities minimized. Plastic surgeons use dermabrasion to partially restore skin that's been damaged by trauma or scarring. Cosmetic surgeons perform it mainly to remove wrinkles and acne scars. Dermabrasion can be applied to small areas of the face or all of it at one time. It's not recommended for people with dark skin pigment since it can cause blotchy, uneven coloring.
During recovery, there will be swelling and the formation of scabs. Pain is treated with medication. The skin will be bright pink for up to three months, but it will return to the normal color after that. Dermaplaning, similar to dermabrasion, consists of shaving off the top layer of dead skin with a sterile scalpel. It removes dead skin cells and is considered deep exfoliation rather than surgery. Dermaplaning is a low-risk procedure that can be performed by a licensed technician.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Drooping eyelids and dark circles under the eyes occur with aging, and some people are more prone to these changes through heredity. Upper and lower blepharoplasty is surgery to remove excess skin and leave the remaining skin around the eyes smooth and tight. It's designed to eliminate signs of aging such as droopy eyelids and puffy skin. Upper eyelid surgery is often done at the same time as lower eyelid surgery, although they can be done separately. The recovery time is two weeks, but redness and swelling can take longer to completely go away.
For a blepharoplasty, it's a good idea to opt for a plastic surgeon over a cosmetic surgeon. A reputable surgeon will let a patient know up front that blepharoplasty won't have any effect on wrinkles around the eyes or the position of the eyebrows. Nor will it completely remove dark circles under the eyes. However, it will eliminate drooping eyelids and loose skin, creating a more youthful appearance. Because of swelling, it may take a few months to see the full extent of the effects of eyelid surgery.
Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)
This is one of the three top cosmetic surgery procedures performed in the United States, along with breast implants and liposuction. In young people, it can lead to increased self-esteem, especially in those with very prominent noses. Rhinoplasty is also used to correct asymmetrical nostrils and correct breathing problems. A cosmetic surgeon will evaluate the patient's nose and advise them as to whether the changes they seek are realistic or medically advisable.
Usually, incisions are made inside the nose, leaving no visible scars from the surgery. Afterwards, the nose is packed with material to control bleeding, and it's removed at the first postoperative visit. Nasal spray is used to keep the nose moist and prevent scabs from forming inside. Patients have to refrain from sneezing or blowing their noses for up to 10 days, expelling air through the mouth when they have to sneeze. Recovery from rhinoplasty takes about three weeks, although bruising and swelling can last longer.
Liposuction (Suction-Assisted Lipectomy)
Liposuction removes fat from the body through narrow metal tubes called cannulas. It's not a weight loss solution but a way to sculpt the body when there are pockets of fat that won't go away. It's performed in conjunction with ultrasound to locate the areas to be suctioned. There's also a laser-assisted method that melts the fat before suctioning it. Depending on the area of the body treated and the type of sedation used, it may take up to two hours to complete the liposuction procedure.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure and it has a recovery period of several weeks. During that time, patients wear compression socks or bandages to help the new contours remain in shape. Small drains may be placed in incisions to siphon off fluid or blood. Medication is applied to the area to keep it from becoming infected during healing. Once the swelling and fluid retention has passed, results are noticeable. Patients can usually return to work after a week.
Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
Although one of the top five cosmetic procedures performed in the country, there are fewer facelifts than some other types of cosmetic surgery. There were 131,106 facelifts in 2015, compared to 290,467 breast implants and 235,237 liposuction procedures. A facelift can have significant results, including removing drooping skin beneath the chin, the appearance of jowls on the cheeks and creases between the nose and mouth. Some people opt for a brow, or forehead lift, instead. This repositions the brow line, eliminating forehead wrinkles and removing eyelid droop.
A full facelift is a more complex type of surgery that lifts the muscles of the face and tightens them, along with any loose skin. Recovery begins with two days of bed rest, followed by a week of staying indoors with only minimal activity such as light housework. Incision care is important during this phase, and there will be bruising and swelling of the face. After three to four weeks, patients can resume most regular activities, including returning to work.
Breast Implants (Augmentation Mammaplasty)
There are various reasons women choose this procedure, from feeling that their breasts are too small to having one breast that's larger than the other. Traditionally, breasts have been made fuller and larger with this surgery using silicone gel or saline implants. A recently developed treatment involves moving fat to the breasts from other locations of the body. This is achieved by performing liposuction on fat from the abdomen or buttocks and injecting it into the breasts.
After breast lift or augmentation surgery, the breasts will be wrapped in bandages and elastic support. A tube may be inserted for drainage, and pain is managed with medication. The surgeon will also prescribe an antibiotic to guard against infection. Bed rest is recommended for the first two days, and patients will be sore and drowsy. Swelling and bruising can last for several weeks and an elastic support bra will need to be worn during this time.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
This surgery removes part of the breast tissue and rearranges the rest of it in a way that makes it appear lifted. Depending on how much breast tissue is removed, implants may be inserted as well. Like breast implants, this isn't considered to be a medically necessary procedure, so insurance companies won't cover it. Women sometimes request breast lifts or augmentations to help them feel more feminine and boost their self-esteem. Counseling is recommended before making a final decision about this type of cosmetic surgery.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
An abdominoplasty will reshape and firm the abdominal area and remove sagging skin and excess fat. This procedure is requested most often by women who have undergone childbirth several times and by people who have lost a lot of weight quickly. Like liposuction, a tummy tuck isn't a way to lose weight, but a procedure to correct a problem that can't be addressed by diet and exercise. Plastic surgeons also perform the procedure to tighten weakened abdominal muscles from childbirth or a hernia.
Depending on the extent of the surgery required for an abdominoplasty, recovery can take from two to four weeks. After the first day, the patient should get up and walk slowly several times a day to aid in healing. This reduces the risk of forming blood clots and will speed the recovery. Although heavy lifting is prohibited for several weeks, a person with a tummy tuck can usually return to work two weeks after the surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery the same thing?
A: These are different specialties, although many doctors are trained in and perform both procedures. Plastic surgery is used to correct defects that interfere with normal appearance or function, while cosmetic surgery is used to enhance a person's appearance.
Q: What qualifications should a cosmetic surgeon have?
A: A cosmetic surgeon should be board certified by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Some are also board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties in areas like Ophthalmology, Maxillofacial Surgery and Plastic Surgery.
Q: Where is cosmetic surgery performed?
A: Most of the time, cosmetic surgery is performed in a surgical facility on an outpatient basis. When the surgery requires reconstruction or sedation, it's usually performed in a hospital. Some patients with hypertension or other medical conditions need to have their surgery in a hospital setting.
Q: Is there any way to lessen the swelling and bruising?
A: Sleeping in a reclining position helps prevent fluid from collecting in the affected area. Warm and cold compresses will help reduce swelling and bruising as well, and they aid in the healing process.
