Cosmetic Surgery - some common cosmetic procedures.

Cosmetic surgery – also called aesthetic surgery or cosmetic plastic surgery - is most often performed in order to change features the patient finds unflattering.  Hence, a more technical term ‘reconstructive surgery’ also applies in instances where more look-altering cosmetic surgery procedures are carried out.   In many cases, however, cosmetic surgeries are performed for medical reasons such as a breast reduction procedure when orthopedic problems are present.

Below is a general overview of cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures:

Breast, Tummy and Body

Breast Enlargement (Augmentation Mammaplasty) enhances the size of breasts using inflatable implants filled with saline.  A Breast Lift (Mastopexy) on the other hand raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning remaining tissue and nipples.

Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia) reduces enlarged, protruding or female-like breast in men using liposuction and/or cutting out excess glandular tissue.  

Liposuction (Suction-Assisted Lipectomy) improves the body shape by removing fat deposits that are diagnosed as exercise-resistant. A qualified cosmetic surgeon performs the procedure by using a tube and vacuum device.  To reduce post-operative bruising and swelling, many cosmetic surgeons today use the tumescent technique, a cosmetic laser surgery that targets fat cells and infuses saline containing solution with a local anesthetic before liposuction.  Common problem areas that may require liposuction include chin, cheeks, neck, above breasts, upper arms, abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs,   knees, calves and ankles.

Vein Removal Allows for the selective removal of blue veins and even spider veins. Vein removal is a painless proceedure that leaves no scarring.

Skin and Hair

Chemical Peel (Phenol and trichloroacetic acid [TCA]) restores wrinkled, unevenly pigmented, blemished, or sun-damaged facial skin, using a chemical solution to peel away skin's top layers. Cosmetic surgery clinics recommend this cosmetic procedure to clients who have fair, thin skin with superficial wrinkles.

Collagen / Fat Injections works best on thin, dry, light-colored skin by plumping up creased, furrowed, or gaunt facial skin.  It also adds fullness to lips and backs of hands.

Hair Replacement Surgery (scalp reduction, tissue expansion, strip grafts, scalp flaps, or clusters of punch grafts - plugs, miniplugs and microplugs) procedures that fills in balding areas with a patient's own hair. Any procedure works best on men with male pattern baldness after hair loss has stopped.

Face

Facelift (Rhytidectomy) is most often done on men and women over 40 and and can performed through non-surgical facelift.  The procedure improves sagging facial skin, jaw, chin, cheeks and loose neck skin by removing excess fat, tightening the facial muscles and redraping the facial skin. 

Facial Implants is one of the many cosmetic laser surgery procedures – to achieve no scars - that change the basic shape and balance of the face using carefully shaped implants to add prominence to cheekbones, build up a receding chin, or reshape the jawline.

Forehead Lift (Browlift) Most often done on people over 40, theremoval of excess tissue, alteration of muscles and tightening of the forehead skin results to minimized forehead creases, drooping eyebrows, hooding over eyes, furrowed forehead and frown lines. Unlike cosmetic laser surgery, this procedure may be done using the traditional technique, with an incision across the top of the head just behind the hairline; or with the use of an endoscope, which requires 3 to 5 short incisions.

Laser Facial Resurfacing is another non-surgical facelift that smoothens the face and fine wrinkles using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser device that treats             layers of damaged skin.  It targets the lines around the eyes and mouth and also minimizes facial scars and unevenly pigmented areas.
           
Ear, Eyes and Nose
           
Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) reduces the size of large ears or sets prominent ears back closer to the head.  A cosmetic surgery clinic can perform this procedure to children between the ages of 4 and 14 years.
           
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) is a plastic and reconstructive surgery that corrects the drooping of upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes. The procedure is done by removing excess fat, skin, and muscle in the eye area. Botox cosmetic is another effective alternative to remedy the prpoblems around eye area.

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) reshapes the nose by increasing or reducing size, removing bulge, changing shape of bridge or tip, narrowing span of nostrils, or changing angle between nose and upper lip. It is also a medical procedure to treat patients with breathing problems.

It should be noted that many of these procedures also fulfill true medical needs. It is understood that the circumstances and experience of every individual will be unique.  You should be aware of the cosmetic surgery cost as cosmetic surgery prices vary depending on the procedure, the kind of facility involved, and even the distinction of your attending cosmetic surgeon.  

If you're considering cosmetic plastic surgery, please ask your plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgery Australia online for further information about the particular procedure, what are your impression and what you expect.

In addition, please note that all surgery carries some uncertainty and risk, including the possibility of bad cosmetic surgery, infection, bleeding, blood clots, and adverse reactions to the anesthesia. You can reduce your risks by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon and closely following his or her advice, both before and after surgery.

For more information visit Cosmetic Surgery Australia.