Each new year, as many strive to discover a new and improved version of themselves, there are a number of different ways to improve both inside and out. While diet and exercise can attain an improved body weight and BMI (body mass index), a tummy tuck or liposuction can help to get those last stubborn patches to a more desirable shape. Plastic surgery procedures, both surgical and nonsurgical, are gaining more popularity each year, and they are helping many men and women to gain additional confidence in their self-image.
There are a number of assumptions or myths that persist when it comes to plastic surgery. Most commonly, plastic and cosmetic surgeries are not necessarily the same thing. While cosmetic surgeries are exclusively for aesthetic purposes, plastic surgery can have medical implications as well, such as facial reconstruction after a car accident or breast replacement after a mastectomy. Plastic surgery is not just for those who are aging, and they are done on both women and men. Trends regarding preferred preferences vary from year to year, and recently there has been a surge in nonsurgical treatments, such as hyaluronic acid filler injections (such as Juvederm® or Restylane®), microdermabrasion, and Botox® Cosmetic. More men are also getting plastic surgery treatments. Common plastic surgeries include breast surgeries, tummy tucks, liposuction, and rhinoplasty. Each of these surgeries has their own set of unique preconceptions, and each requires a few prerequisites in order to be the right candidate to achieve good results.
Breast Surgeries
When it comes to enhancing a figure, choosing the right proportion of breast can do wonders. Women who choose breast surgeries may be looking to go bigger, smaller, more lifted, or just make themselves look like they did ten years ago. The most common breast surgeries include breast augmentation and breast enhancement. However, breast reconstruction and reduction surgeries are also typical procedures for many plastic surgery practices. To enhance the look of your natural breasts, you may consider breast implants or a breast lift. A person’s anatomy, health condition, and desired goals will all go into the doctor’s recommendation for treatment. A small bust size or small frame does not lend well to a large jump in breast size, as it can cause complications for posture. For women who already have back problems, breast reduction may be a way to help reduce the stress on your back and enhance your athletic performance. Women who are also going through weight loss surgery will typically be happier with the results of their breast reduction if they wait to schedule the surgery until the full results of the weight loss procedure are complete. To learn more, check out below for further reading:
How to Achieve Desired Results for Breast Surgeries
Seven Questions About Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast Reduction and Weight Loss Surgery
Tummy Tuck
This procedure is a great choice for mommies who want their pre-baby abs back or those who just can’t achieve the core they want with lifestyle choices alone. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is used to tighten the abdominal area for people who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area, as well as loose abdominal muscles. The process is used to remove the excess skin and fat and tighten the muscles in place. Tummy tucks can vary from a mini, full, extended, or fleur-de-lis procedure, which addresses large amounts of loose skin above the belly button due to extreme weight loss. Depending on your anatomy and desired results, your surgeon may want to combine liposuction and a tummy tuck into a single procedure. Liposuction, or the removal of fatty tissue, can be done separately from a tummy tuck or together, depending on the amount of skin and the tightness of the abdominal muscles that surround your abdominal fat. Those who are considering the procedure and want more information can read more detail here:
Demystifying Tummy Tucks
Tummy Tuck Checklist
Tummy Tucks: Achieving Desired Results
Liposuction
Women or men who want to remove extra pockets of fat that exercise won’t touch can benefit from a liposuction procedure. Liposuction is the removal of any non-visceral fat in the body. Liposuction is not considered a weight loss solution, as the patients that are considered to be candidates have typically reached their ideal weight and body type and still maintain one or two stubborn fatty areas, for example around the abdomen. Liposuction is typically a less invasive procedure than a tummy tuck, but it is still considered to be a surgery. Removal of the fatty tissue can be done with a vacuum, a tool called a cannula, ultrasound, laser, or a combination of these techniques. To learn more, check the links below:
What to Know About Liposuction
Liposuction Checklist
Nonsurgical Procedures
Many people like the idea of looking younger or enhancing their best features, but they don’t want to undergo a surgical procedure. Luckily, there are a number of nonsurgical procedures that are becoming more popular in plastic surgery. Many of these treatments are simple, noninvasive, and designed to help a person look and feel their best. Dermal fillers are used similarly to Botox® Cosmetic and will fill the regions below your fine lines to help stretch and smooth skin. Microdermabrasion will remove the outer dead layer of skin cells to expose the newer layer and encourage the body to bring blood and nutrients to that area of your body. It can be used on the face or the hands. Botox® Cosmetic injections temporarily paralyzes your muscles and smooths the wrinkles from your skin. More information about many of these procedures can be found below:
Botox and Cosmetic Dermal Filler Myths
Nonsurgical Cosmetic Treatments
Selecting the Right Surgeon
When selecting a plastic surgeon checking credentials is important. Consider one who have been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is also highly recommended. These doctors have demonstrated knowledge, experience, and skill in the field. A surgeon with experience is more likely to be able to perform a safe and effective procedure. It is also suggested to evaluate a surgeon’s portfolio of before/after photos that demonstrate their results and to review what patients and colleagues say.
For those who want to learn more, there is a large volume of information available about the many procedures, both surgical and non, that can enhance a person’s appearance. In addition to doing research, scheduling an appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon is a great way to get started on the journey.
