Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic plastic surgery, involves the surgical alteration of one's features in order to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Aesthetic plastic surgery can be performed on many areas of the body, including the face, chest, and stomach. The following is a list of common plastic surgery procedures:
- Breast Augmentation - involves the use of breast implants to enlarge the size of the breasts. Breast augmentation is also known as breast enhancement or breast enlargement.
- Breast Reduction - is performed to decrease the size of very large, pendulous breasts.
- Breast Lift - is a plastic surgery procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts.
- Liposuction - a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to remove excess fat from the body. There are three types of liposuction: tumescent, ultrasonic, and super-wet.
- Abdominoplasty - also known as tummy tuck, abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surger that removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen.
- Rhinoplasty - also known as a “nose job” procedure, rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure designed to reshape or repair the nose.
- Facelift - a type of facial plastic surgery that involves the removal of excess skin from the face, neck and forehead, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
- Blepharoplasty - also known as eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery reduces the appearance of droopy, tired eyes.
- Botox® Injections - a series of injections that "freeze" facial muscles, ultimately reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
- Facial Implants - cosmetic surgery procedures that involve the use of implants to enhance the cheeks and chin.
- Otoplasty - a plastic surgery procedure designed to pull the ears closer to the head, also known as "ear pinning."
- Hair Restoration - involves the transplantation of hair from one part of the head to another.
- Laser Skin Resurfacing - reduces the appearance of wrinkles and sun damage to the skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid - is a naturally occurring substance that can be injected into body and used as a dermal filler.
- Laser Hair Removal - designed to permanently remove unwanted hair from the body.
Who is a good candidate for plastic surgery?
People who have health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, lung disease,
heart disease, high cholesterol, arthritis, emphysema, are malnourished,
severely depressed, obese and/or smokers are not generally good candidates
for cosmetic surgery. All surgery has inherent risks, but if you have a health
problem it makes it more likely there may be complications. If you are overweight
your heart has extra stresses and surgery may not be advisable. If you smoke
or drink heavily, you may not be a good candidate. Any and all health conditions
should be discussed openly with your cosmetic surgeon so they can help you
make the most informed decision.
Good candidates for cosmetic surgery
are close to their ideal weight (within 25%), emotionally
stable, with low stress, non-smokers, exercise and maintain
a healthy lifestyle. It is also wise to drink less than
5 ounces of alcohol a week and limit caffeine. It is
important to have realistic expectations about cosmetic
surgery and not expect plastic surgery to change your
life. A good candidate also accepts the disadvantages
of plastic surgery (cost, inconvenience, discomfort,
and medical risk). Recovery is much easier with a good
support network. If you do not meet each criteria, it
does not mean you won't be a good candidate for plastic
surgery. If you meet none of them, it's more likely your
doctor may want you to make some lifestyle changes before
surgery. Where possible, opt for a lifestyle change
before considering surgery.
It is important to let your doctor know your complete medical history including:
- medications as well as aspirin and vitamins
- herbal medications
- hormones (oral contraceptives and estrogen replacement)
These products can interfere with blood clotting or interact with medications
used during surgery and could increase your surgical risk.
Ask yourself:
- Are your expectations realistic?
- How will you handle unexpected results?
- Do you feel fully informed about the risks (see General Risks & Complications as well as specific considerations for your procedure)?
- Do you have the time in your schedule for proper recovery time?
- Are you hiding your plans from friends and family? This creates added stress.
- Are you having cosmetic surgery to please yourself or someone else?
- Do you have a support network to help you during recovery?
- Are you willing to ask for help
- Can you afford the cost of plastic surgery?
- Will the cost of the procedure add too much financial stress to your life?
Plastic surgery should be a life changing experience for the better. As with any big decision, good preparation and careful planning go a long way to ensure the best possible results and the safest outcome.
