Six Cosmetic Surgery Procedures & Ten Tips for Doing Your Research
A remarkable statistic emerged recently from a study of
plastic surgery trends. The prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons tracks annual rates of various cosmetic surgery procedures, and has been doing so since 1992.
Based on a study of their annualized data the analysts predicted a quadrupling of cosmetic surgery procedures over a ten year period – from 2005 to 2015 – due to the continuing introduction of new technology to the industry and the increasing affordability of cosmetic surgery.
Cosmetic surgery has become a mainstream option for women at many economic levels, and it appears that it will continue to rise at a fairly steep rate as a self-improvement option. Here’s a look at the most popular procedures, an outline of what’s involved; and finally, some suggestions if cosmetic surgery is something you’re interested in.
Breast Augmentation was the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in the U.S. in 2007, with nearly 350,000 women making this choice for an enhanced profile.
• Augmentation means breast implants; the two options are a saline solution filled or a silicon filled flexible lumen, or envelope.
• Implants can be placed beneath the breast tissue through an incision beneath the breast, or inserted behind the muscles in the chest wall through an incision under the armpit.
• The surgery itself can take up to two hours; it is usually performed in an outpatient surgery facility and you will be sent home the same day.
• Expect to be homebound for at least a week. Arm and upper body movement should be limited, as should lifting and bending. Dressings are removed after several days and replaced with a surgical bra.
• Breasts remain sensitive for several weeks and some swelling will persist; it will be a period of a few months before the implants settle completely into place and feel “natural.”
• Implants can leak, or break, which requires replacement surgery. In any case, implants will need replacement after a period of five to ten years.
• The average surgeon’s fee in 2007 was $3816. Total costs for the procedure include other charges, as outlined below.
The Breast Lift procedure does not involve implants, but rather the surgical tightening of the supporting tissue for the breast, raising it to a higher and more attractive position. This procedure is restorative in nature; there is no artificial enhancement of the profile but rather a body sculpting process that returns some of the youthful form and firmness.
• After anesthesia is applied, the surgeon has a choice of incisions, depending on the condition of the patient and the surgical plan. One is an incision around the areola; another combines this incision with another from the areola to the bottom of the breast; the third may be an incision along the bottom breast crease.
• The doctor will remove tighten the supportive tissues beneath the skin and suture them while reshaping the breast contours by tightening the fat tissue.
• Excess skin is removed to help raise the breast as well. Breasts that are asymmetrical – perhaps one lower than the other – can be equalized.
• The areola and nipple can be raised and repositioned, often with the nerves and blood supply remaining intact. Enlarged areolas can also be reduced by removing the skin along the perimeter.
• Swelling and bruising will subside over a period of one to two weeks. A surgical bra is worn for several days, and then replaced by a sports bra or supportive dressings that must be worn at all times. Bending or raising arms during early recovery should be severely limited.
• The average cost for a breast lift in 2007 was $4236. Possible additional costs are discussed below.
Liposuction has become a popular method of removing those fat pockets that cannot be exercised away. A little over 300,000 procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2007, with two technological choices now available through many plastic surgeons.
• Liposuction can remove fat from the thighs, the hip area, the abdomen and other areas with smaller deposits. There is some bleeding and pain; often the procedure will include the use of anesthetic and medication to minimize bleeding that is fed into the area being treated during the procedure.
• Standard liposuction involves a very small incision through which a small, hollow stainless steel tube called a cannula is inserted. The cannula is move back and forth slowly through the fat tissue, breaking fat cells loose which are then vacuumed out.
• Smartlipo is performed with a laser-equipped cannula; laser generated heat liquefies the fat cells and the liquid is vacuumed out. It is touted as being less invasive than the waving cannula, more precisely targetable and suitable for a local anesthetic.
• The initial recovery procedure can be one to two weeks, during which walking and bending may be difficult. Usually a compression garment is worn over the area that has been treated. Full recovery will require additional weeks, as swelling subsides and skin begins to tighten.
• Liposuction fees vary with the size of the area being treated. The average surgeon’s fee in 2007 was $2,982 in 2007. Note the potential additional charges listed below.
Tummy tucks have developed a strong increase in popularity over the last five years; in 2007 U.S. cosmetic surgeons performed almost 150,000 procedures. Also known as abdominoplasty, tummy tuck surgery reduces the bulging abdomen that time and pregnancies have created and that no amount of crunches or sit-ups will ever eliminate.
• This procedure is fairly straightforward. The incision is a horizontal line between the naval and the top of the pubic hair area. The surgeon then has access to the abdominal muscles and other supportive tissue.
• Occasionally an incision is also made around the belly button to allow for removal of excess fat.
• The abdominal muscles are tightened and sutured to firm up the abdominal wall.
• Excess skin and fat are excised, reducing the bulge to a flatter and more youthful contour.
• Standing erect is going to be difficult for a few days as the swelling slowly subsides. Pivoting, turning and lifting should be avoided during early recovery. There may be some swelling in the legs and fluid accumulation as well; if it does not clear up quickly call your doctor.
• In 2007, the average surgeon’s fee for a tummy tuck was $5,264. There is a review of possible additional costs below.
Facelifts remain cosmetic surgery staple, despite the advent of Botox and facial fillers that are non-surgical alternatives. There were 118,000 procedures in the U.S. in 2007. Today, facelifts may include eyelid surgery and neck lifts as well as the traditional tightening of facial skin. The surgery reduces or removes wrinkles in the brow and other areas of the face
• The incision for a standard or traditional face begins at the temple just above the hairline and continues beyond the ear to the lower scalp. This allows access to the facial muscles and inner supportive tissue that provided that smooth, attractive contour of our youth.
• Those inner muscles and tissue are trimmed and tightened, then reattached with sutures.
• Fat in the jowls and ‘rings’ around the neck may be removed, shaped, or possibly relocated to smooth areas such as hollowed cheeks or a furrowed brow.
• The doctor may make an incision under the chin to tighten neck muscles as well. This provides a new profile and firmness beneath the face to complement the facelift above.
• Swelling and bruising will be present for two or three weeks; the surgeon will probably recommend the application of ice to hasten the swelling reduction. Sutures will be removed within a couple of weeks or will be absorbed by the body.
• There are new technology options such as an endoscopic face lift that reduce invasiveness and recovery time.
• The average 2007 surgeon’s fee for a facelift was $5,031. Please see the discussion below of possible additional costs.
Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, was the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in 2000. In 2007 the number of procedures had slipped over 25% but still amounted to nearly 285,000 operations. This surgery is meant to reshape the nose for a number of purposes. It may be to eliminate a bump in the nose, to reduce the width of the nostrils, to reduce the length or to simply reshape the ridge of the nose.
• The incisions for nose surgery are either made just inside the nostrils or across the little strip of flesh between the two nostrils. This allows the surgeon access to the cartilage that provides the nasal structure beneath the skin – the bridge of the nose.
• Nose cartilage can be trimmed or be grafted from one portion of the bridge to another. On occasion cartilage will be taken from another part of the body and grafted onto the nose.
• The surgeon can shape the bridge of the nose, reduce nostril width, and repair any damage to the septum.
• After the surgery the patient wears a splint or some form of protection; there may be tubes in the nostrils to keep them open during initial recovery. Swelling will subside over a period of a few weeks.
• The nose adapts slowly to its new shape; while the changes may be infinitesimal, it will be a period of months before the new nose assumes its final shape.
• The average cost of rhinoplasty in 2007 was $3,833. There may be additional costs, as discussed below.
Ten Tips for Doing Your Research
1. All fee quotations have been taken from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons statistics page on their website. Get a written estimate for your surgery and for all pre-op and post-op costs. Those costs may include, in addition to the surgeon’s fee:
a. A possible consultation fee for the surgeon. Often that is folded into the surgeon’s operating fee.
b. A fee for use of an outpatient surgical facility. If so, make sure that the facility has been certified as well.
c. Fees for pre-op medical tests.
d. Costs for an anesthesiologist and surgical supplies.
e. Determine what, if any charges there are for post-op checkups and visits for possible complications.
f. If revision surgery should be required, you should know if that is an additional fee as well. On this issue, you should expect the doctor to take responsibility for his work.
2. Quality and experience should trump price when you’re looking for a cosmetic surgeon. While it makes sense to shop this investment carefully, it is critical that you select a board certified plastic surgeon to operate. Stay away from the bargain-oriented surgery shops; you can’t return a defective facelift.
That means certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS), which has a rigorous testing procedure for all applicants. Those applicants must have had a surgical residency and experience amounting to three years in plastic surgery alone.
3. As plastic surgery has become a middle class option, most cosmetic surgeons have a payment plan option available through their offices. It’s a convenient service, but read the fine print on this contract as well as your surgical agreement.
4. Your consultation with your potential cosmetic surgeon will cover a number of details that you need to be prepared to discuss; you should also have your own list of questions that will tell you whether this is the right surgeon or not.
5. If you smoke, your doctor will tell you to cease at least two weeks before surgery and two weeks into recovery. Smoking can have a substantial negative effect on both: your surgeon will tell you why and you should treat it as more than a suggestion.
6. Know why you want this surgery. What does the doctor need to accomplish in order to meet your expectations? Why will meeting those expectations improve your life? Cosmetic surgery is a medical practice with strong emotional and psychological overtones; rigorous self-honesty will serve you well.
7. Ask the surgeon how many procedures of the type you’re seeking s/he has performed. Ask to see before and after photos; it’s a standard inquiry in cosmetic surgery. You may also ask to talk with former patients about their surgical results.
8. With some searching, you can find a doctor that specializes in a few procedures including yours. Especially in larger urban areas, specialization has become a feature among cosmetic surgeons.
9. Talk to other women who have been through it, about the physical experience and the reality of results. There is no substitute for the voice of experience.
10. Cosmetic surgery is a truly personal investment – in your appearance both to others and more importantly, in the mirror – to yourself. Try to treat it as an investment by using due diligence, doing your research and understanding that the final return on your investment may take weeks or months instead of days.
Note: This article covers actual surgical options only. Non-surgical procedures such as laser skin treatments, microdermabrasion, Botox and facial fillers are actually more frequent than surgical procedures and are projected to dominate the industry even more in the future. Perhaps an additional section is in order on those options.
09-30-2008, 11:15 AM
Plastic Surgery Procedures
Reduce Bruising: Cosmetic Surgery
Linear Mode
