According to latest statistics, More than 12 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures were performed in the US alone last year and every year it is increased by one percent.
Cosmetic surgery is a subspecialty of medicine and surgery that distinctively restricts itself to the improvement of appearance, irregularity and defects through surgical and non-surgical techniques.
It is particularly concerned with preserving normal appearance or reinstates it, or enhancing it beyond the actual level toward some ideal level. It is a multi-disciplinary and comprehensive approach directed to all areas of the body.
The top five procedures were breast augmentation, nose reshaping liposuction eyelid surgery, and tummy tuck. Statistics shows that the top five procedures among the people are botox injections, laser hair removal, hyaluronic acids, microdermabrasion, chemical peels. Middle-agers normally from 35 to 50 had the majority of procedures. The most common procedures for those 18 and under were Laser Hair Removal, Microdermabrasion, Rhinoplasty (Nosejob surgery) and Otoplasty (ear surgery)
Why consider cosmetic surgery?
It aims to change your appearance by changing parts of your body that have normal functions but looks make you unhappy. Reconstructive surgery is different which can reinstate look and function of body parts affected by hereditary defects, injuries and diseases
It helps not only to look better, but also to feel better. Those who look for cosmetic surgery generally have an upbeat self-image, despite being oddly focused on one or more aspects of their appearance which others may or may not recognize.
Postoperative benefits include personal well being due to positive self-image and improve family and social interactions. Although no studies have convincingly proved that most people can expect dramatic enhancement in their psychological well-being, however it is logical to believe that the patients perception about them changes normally if their appearance changes.
Because the old adage may say 'face is the index of mind' but the reality is 'mind is the index of the face'
1. Don't have unrealistic expectations that it will turn you into a star overnight. Anticipate improvement and avoid dreaming about perfection. Also don't count to save a drowning relationship or improve your social interactions.
2. Don't try to have it done in the middle of a very upsetting life circumstances such as a divorce, job loss etc. it's better if you can postpone because whatever may be the final outcome you will never satisfied.
3. The surgical and non-surgical procedures may vary and your recovery rate will be higher. Returning to work or taking care of other responsibilities may take from few days to more than a month.
4. Understand the possibility of risks involved . You should be factual and you should know that it may be risky to your health and that the outcome may not like what you expect
Possible risks:
1. Nausea, giddiness, pain Numbness and tingling sensation which may become permanent
2. An accumulation of fluid beneath the wound (seroma) and collection of blood in incision (hematoma) may happen and profuse bleeding in some patients has been reported
3. Skin breakdown is more common after cosmetic surgery caused by poor blood circulation and it happens particularly if you are a smoker
4. Infection at the site of surgery is another most common risk which may require more surgery and may leave even bigger scars. Asymmetrical or uneven appearance which may require additional surgery to correct
5. A drop in body temperature below what is required for normal metabolism (hypothermia)
And the worst possible risk is dissatisfaction of the outcome. The outcome depends of lot of factors our expectations, surgeon's skill, duration and type of surgery and our body's healing mechanism. To avoid this have a chat with your surgeon to establish realistic, measurable and possible goals before hand.
Author: Ronnie Wilson