Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

What Is Cosmetic Plastic Surgery?

Cosmetic plastic surgery is performed in order to change one's appearance. For some, it may mean redesigning the body's contour and shape, the elimination of wrinkles, or eliminating balding areas. Others may choose varicose vein treatment or breast augmentation.

There are a number of cosmetic surgery procedures that men and women can choose from in order to create an image that makes them feel more confident and comfortable with their appearance. In 2003, more than 15 million people had cosmetic surgery.

Although health insurance rarely covers the cost of cosmetic procedures, the number of individuals deciding to undergo cosmetic plastic surgery continues to grow. The top five cosmetic surgeries included liposuction, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, nose reshaping, and facelift. More than 1.4 million women had one or more of these surgeries in 2004.

Further, it is not just women who are opting to enhance their appearance through surgery. Statistics show that the number of men having liposuction - the removal of fatty tissue - has increased 500 percent since 1992. In addition, the number of men having facelifts has more than quadrupled.

Learn more about preparing for your surgery.