Cosmetic/ Plastic Surgery Overview
Cosmetic and/or plastic surgery may involve many procedures and choices. Cosmetic and plastic surgery is designed for people who not only would like to improve the appearance of their face, breasts, buttocks, and abdomen, but those who require reconstructive surgeries caused by accidents, genetic defects and other injuries.

Most Popular Procedures

• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Reduction 
• Breast Lift
• Facelift
• Nose Surgery
• Tummy Tuck Surgery
• Liposuction
• Chemical Peel
• Eyelid Surgery
• Facial Implants
• Skin Resurfacing
• Ear Surgery

Examples of Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Treatments
A facelift is typically offered for patients who are showing signs of aging, such as jowls, sagging eyelids, and deep grooves on the side of the mouth. A facelift can help to restore youthful contours and improve tone in facial skin and underlying muscle tissues. Some people who don't want an entire facelift but want to focus on certain areas of the face such as eyelids, eyebrows, and the nose may opt for specific surgeries that help to improve their appearance and structure. Incisions made within the hairline, behind the ear, as well as creases of the upper eyelids reduce scarring and allow the removal of excess skin as well as underlying fatty tissues.

Nose surgery is called rhinoplasty, and is performed to balance the nose or to get rid of bumps or depressions along the ridge of the nose. In some cases, those who have difficulty breathing due to structural defects undergo nose surgery. People who feel that the end of their nose is too round or droops often opt for this type of surgery.  Incisions are hidden at the nostril base or inside the nose that facilitate the reshaping of cartilage and tissues.

Breast augmentation or reduction is a very common plastic surgery procedure that helps to increase fullness as well as to balance the feminine figure. Those who wish to increase self-image and self-confidence often opt for breast augmentation. Implants in various sizes are chosen to either restore breast tissues following cancer treatments, or to create fuller breasts. Incisions within the breast crease and under the arm or around the nipple area reduce potential scarring. Implants placed beneath the chest wall are typically performed on an outpatient basis, using local anesthesia along with sedation. 

Breast lifts are also a common plastic surgery that helps to raise and firm the breasts through removing excess skin to reshape and support breasts. Older women dealing with the forces of gravity generally choose this type of surgery.

Women who wish to reduce the size of and weight of their breasts choose breast reduction. Excess fat and glandular tissues, as well as excess skin that is removed through liposuction helps to provide better proportion.

Liposuction is an extremely common procedure that helps to reduce fat deposits found in the hips, buttocks, thighs and abdomen of both men and women. Three techniques are common with this type of plastic surgery. Traditional liposuction removes excess fat deposits, while a "tumescent" or "super wet technique", uses an infusion of saline solution with adrenaline to aid in the removal of excess fat. Another common technique is to use ultrasound assisted ultrasonic energy to liquefy excess fat particles prior to suctioning.

One of the most popular types of cosmetic or plastic surgery is a Tummy Tuck. Tummy tucks help to provide a tighter, and flatter abdomen. Known as abdominoplasty, this procedure removes excess fat and skin from areas where excess fat is the main cause of abdominal bulging. Tummy tucks are generally performed through an incision in an area between the naval and the pubic hairline, and excess fat and tissues are removed through liposuction.

Benefits of Plastic or Cosmetic Surgery
Plastic surgery provides positive psychological benefits to millions of people around the world. Issues of self-confidence are important not only in private life, but in the business world as well. In addition to personal reasons for undergoing cosmetic or plastic surgery, traumas or injuries caused by genetic defects or accidents can help to restore damage done to not only bone structure, but soft tissues as well.

Cost
The type of procedure determines cost, in addition to the need for follow-up visits and treatments. In the United States, eyelid surgery may cost up to $2,500 and nose surgery can reach $3,300. Liposuction can cost upward of $4,000 per area of the body; liposuction on two or more areas may cost as much as $8,000. Most plastic and cosmetic surgeries performed in the U.S. are not covered by medical insurance as they are considered an elective procedure.

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon
Choosing a qualified plastic surgeon is of vital importance. The surgeon you choose should be a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or a Society of Plastic Surgeons in the country of origin. In addition, the American Board of Plastic Surgery or its equivalent in the country of origin should also certify a plastic cosmetic or reconstructive surgeon. Surgeries should be performed in an accredited facility.