Cosmetic Surgery - Choose From Various Procedures - Their Benefits and Risks

Cosmetic surgery and related surgical procedures are techniques that enhance, restore or change one's appearance. In addition, it also improves structural changes of the body and is performed when there is no other way to improve or enhance one's appearance.

This special kind has two techniques--reconstructive and elective one. Reconstructive method is often done to improve skin condition or a body part that needs repair due to disease, operation, disease or birth defect. Elective procedure is performed if one is unhappy with their appearance such as having breasts that are too small, wrinkles or love handles.

Cosmetic surgery is performed for many different reasons but most of all it is done to enhance a normal feature or to correct a physical abnormality. Areas where it is used most often are: smoothing out wrinkles, reshaping a nose, enlarging breasts, reconstructive one after a terrible burn, tummy tucks, eye job, repairing a broken jaw or nose, or correcting a birthmark that disfigures part of the body.

For a long time, it was known as a rich person's choice to stay young and attractive but today it is often chosen to enhance one's looks or redo certain parts of one's body in order to look and feel better and to feel more confident and self-assured with one's life.

Today, the most popular types are: facelifts, hair replacements, laser facial resurfacing, and liposuction. But, no matter what type of surgery you choose, keep in mind that there are risks. Recovery from it is very similar to other types of operations.

There is a certain amount of pain and sometimes infections will occur. These important details, along with what to expect during and after the procedure, need to be discussed with your physician prior.

It is important before undergoing the process, to check out the doctors, the hospital where the process will be conducted and its type that will be performed. All procedures that will be performed on the patient should be discussed thoroughly so that the patient, will know exactly what to expect.

It is vital also that you not undergo "any" process if it has not been explained in a professional manner to your complete satisfaction. Also, look for a doctor or surgeon's degree or certifications.

Here are some helpful hints that will guide you toward a successful cosmetic procedure:

- Check out the physicians and staff. Do they make you feel comfortable and do you feel that the doctor and those who work there are clean, professional and go out of their way to make their patients feel secure?

- If you can, seek out those who have undergone plastic surgery-either in the facility you will be going to or those who have gone to another facility. Ask them their opinions and how it went for them. Ask if they would recommend the procedure and the facility.

- Ensure that you understand the entire procedure and what specific risks are involved. Make sure that your surgeon is licensed, has comprehensive training and has the credentials.

It costs range from $6,000 to $15,000, depending on the type to be performed, the surgeon's credentials and how many surgeries he or she has performed, the condition of the patient and the risks involved.

Another important point to keep in mind is that there is a higher risk that something will go wrong if the procedure is done in a surgeon's office rather than in a hospital. Make sure that the facility is accredited by AAAASF--The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Facilities.

For some, the benefits of cosmetic surgery-an enhanced feeling of self-confidence, feeling and looking younger, feeling emotionally better-far outweigh the risks that could accompany the surgery...