There are two main categories concerning surgery — cosmetic and reconstructive. Cosmetic surgery is done to satisfy the patient’s personal appearance desires while reconstructive surgery is typically done to restore or repair a defect or abnormality, such as a cleft palate. Here are descriptions of a few common procedures:
- Liposuction
Body contouring or body sculpting is actually the most requested cosmetic procedure in the United States. It can be a bit pricey, depending on the needs of the individual patient and the desired results.
- Breast surgeries
Breast surgeries include both reduction and enhancement. In addition, surgeries are performed for medical reasons, such as to remove tumors or cysts. Women who have other abnormalities may also consider breast surgery to reduce the chance of future medical conditions.
- Rhinoplasty
Reshaping the nose is another very common procedure. It can be done to correct medical issues or to change the appearance of the nose.
- Otoplasty
People who have ears that stick out too far for their tastes can have this type of surgery, which is also common in the United States. It is often covered by insurance and is one of the few surgical procedures that is acceptable for children as young as four.
- Abdominoplasty
Another popular cosmetic surgery is abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck. This procedure removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal area, resulting in a stronger wall, stronger muscles, and tighter skin.
Are you a good candidate for cosmetic or reconstructive surgery? You and your doctor will decide the answer to this. Discuss your expectations so that you and your doctor are on the same page and he or she can inform you if your desires are reasonable and obtainable.
