Common Plastic Surgery Procedures And Their Scientific Names

While most people have heard of several common plastic surgery procedures, they may not know just what the doctor does during each procedure. As these types of surgery continue to become more popular each year, there is also an increase in the number of people looking to learn more about each option. If you are considering a certain type of cosmetic surgery, it may help you to become educated about it before you go see a surgeon. Here are some of the most common procedures to consider:

- Liposuction: During this procedure, fat is removed using a tube that is inserted under the skin. This type of fat removal is most commonly performed on a person's abdomen, buttocks, upper legs and hips, and upper arms. The end result after liposuction is typically a slimmer or curvier appearance. Recovery from this procedure usually takes only a couple weeks.

- Tummy Tuck: Many people confuse this procedure with liposuction, but they are actually very different. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, involves the removal of fat from around the waist and tightening of the abdominal muscles. Excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is tightened. This type of plastic surgery is a common choice for women after having children, or men and women who have lost a significant amount of weight. This procedure may carry a higher risk of complications than other plastic surgery options. Recovery can take two or three weeks, and there may still be limitations to physical activity for an even longer amount of time.

- Breast Augmentation: This procedure is one of the most popular types of plastic surgery among women. Through the use of silicone or saline implants, the breasts are surgically enlarged. Women may choose to have this procedure to enlarge both breasts, to replace a breast following mastectomy, or to correct an asymmetrical appearance of the breasts. Silicone implants seem to be more popular because they have a more realistic look and feel. The implant is usually inserted under the chest muscle through an incision in the armpit, near the nipple, or under the breast tissue. The incisions will result in scars, so surgeons typically try to make the incisions as unnoticeable as possible. Most patients require one or two weeks for recovery, and high-impact activities should not be resumed for a longer time period.

- Rhinoplasty: This type of plastic surgery is also known as a nose job. The surgeon reshapes the nose, making it larger or smaller to create a more symmetrical appearance with the rest of the facial features. In some instances, this procedure can also be done to improve breathing, such as when the patient has a deviated septum. This is one of few plastic surgery procedures that may be covered by health insurance. Bruising is common after this surgery, and it can take about ten days to heal.

- Facelift: During this procedure, the surgeon removes excess fat and tightens the muscles of the face before re-draping the skin. This is commonly done to eliminate the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging skin. Incisions are usually hidden near the hairline or behind the ears. Patients usually return to normal activities in two to three weeks, but healing may continue for a few months before final results are visible.