Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery, commonly referred to as plastic surgery, encompasses procedures aimed at enhancing or altering a person's appearance. These surgeries include options like breast augmentation, facelifts, and liposuction, all designed to improve aesthetic appeal, boost self-esteem, and address physical changes caused by aging or other factors. While often associated with beauty enhancements, plastic surgery also involves reconstructive procedures that restore or repair body parts affected by injury or illness.
The primary goal of cosmetic surgery is to modify one's appearance. This can involve reshaping certain areas, addressing hair loss, or smoothing out wrinkles. Procedures such as breast enhancement or varicose vein treatment are common choices. Both men and women can choose from a wide range of techniques to create a look that increases their confidence and comfort. While cosmetic surgery can effectively change many physical features, it does have its limitations.
About Cosmetic Surgery
According to various research studies, some of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures include breast augmentation or enlargement (augmentation mammoplasty), breast implant removal, breast lifts (with or without implants), buttock lifts, and facial reshaping such as chin, cheek, or jaw enhancement (using facial implants or soft tissue augmentation). Other popular procedures include dermabrasion, eyelid lifts (blepharoplasty), facelifts, forehead lifts, hair replacement or transplantation, and lip augmentation. Additionally, treatments like Botox injections, cellulite reduction, chemical peels, collagen or fat injections for facial rejuvenation, laser skin resurfacing, laser treatment of leg veins, and vaginal rejuvenation are also widely sought after.
Though complications from cosmetic surgery are rare, they can occur and include issues such as hematomas (blood collections under the skin), infections, changes in sensation, allergic reactions, damage to underlying structures, and unsatisfactory outcomes. However, with proper precautionary measures and a thorough discussion between the patient and the surgeon, most complications can be prevented or managed effectively.
Procedure of Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery procedures that require IV (intravenous) sedation or general anaesthesia are typically performed in hospitals under the supervision of anaesthesiologists. Other procedures, such as injectable facial fillers, can be done under local anaesthesia in a doctor’s office or as outpatient treatments. Before the surgery, your surgeon will explain the changes you can expect in your body as well as the anticipated results.
There are a variety of cosmetic surgeries aimed at enhancing body shape, such as:
- Breast reduction: This surgery helps alleviate physical discomfort and, in some cases, can reduce the risk of breast cancer in high-risk women. While breast augmentation focuses on enhancing appearance, reduction surgery provides relief from back, shoulder, or neck pain.
- Male breast reduction (Gynaecomastia treatment): Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in men, which is treated through male breast reduction surgery. It may involve liposuction or other scar-concealing techniques, often around the areola and nipple.
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): This procedure is performed to rejuvenate the appearance of the eyelids, making the eyes look more youthful and alert.
- Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty): Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose to improve its appearance or function, often helping with breathing difficulties.
- Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): This procedure firms and reshapes the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat, and tightening the underlying muscles.
- Liposuction: Liposuction uses hollow metal tubes (cannulas) to remove fat from areas like the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, and neck. It is also commonly used in male breast reduction surgeries.