While some cosmetic procedures may be viewed as more of a trend, there are others that have only been increasing in popularity over the years. From rhinoplasty to blepharoplasty, this guide will help you to understand more about some of the most common cosmetic procedures out there.
Rhinoplasty
A rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose, either to restore its function after damage or injury, or to aesthetically enhance its appearance. More commonly known as a nose job, a rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthetic, with the length of the procedure depending on how much of the nose is to be altered. While every patient heals at their own rate, it is usually recommended that rhinoplasty patients stay away from groups of people for two weeks, to avoid the risk of infection, while strenuous activity needs to be avoided for up to six weeks.
Lipoplasty
Commonly referred to as liposuction, lipoplasty removes any excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body, reshaping it and improving the body’s overall contours. Since lipoplasty uses very small incisions, the scarring afterwards is minimal, and the recovery time is much faster than other similar procedures. The final results are also visible quite quickly when compared to other surgeries, and it is usually only a few days before a dramatic difference is noticed. While lipoplasty permanently removes these excess fat cells, it is up to the individual to regulate their diet and exercise to prevent them from returning.
Abdominoplasty
Otherwise known as a tummy tuck, abdominoplasty removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen, resulting in a thinner and firmer stomach. In many countries, abdominoplasty is the fastest growing cosmetic procedure, because of the way in which it can drastically alter a person’s figure. The surgery usually takes around two hours, and there are now many new techniques that reduce the healing time and enhance the results. However, the one major downside to an abdominoplasty is that it usually involves quite a high level of pain, and the risks mean that the surgery is often not suitable for many people.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that either adds or removes skin and fat from the eyelids, either to improve the field of vision or to aesthetically enhance the area around the eyes. It is also able to remove any excess puffiness or bags under the eyes, instantly resulting in a brighter, alert and more youthful appearance. The procedure commonly takes between one to two hours, and stitches can usually be removed in just a few days. The risks to blepharoplasty are relatively minimal and are usually related to a poor rate of healing rather than to problems with the actual surgery.
While the “plasties” promise to drastically alter and enhance a person’s appearance, it is always important to fully consider all other options before opting for cosmetic surgery. While risks for some may be minimal, every individual is different, and it needs to be a decision that is taken extremely seriously.
