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Cosmetic Surgery and Procedures

Overview

Cosmetic surgery and procedures change, restore, or enhance your appearance. There are many reasons for wanting to do this. If you want to change your appearance, you may choose to have a cosmetic surgery or procedure.

What are the main types of cosmetic surgeries and procedures?

Reconstructive surgery is done to improve the function and appearance of a part of the body that was damaged by trauma. It can also be done because of a condition that someone was born with or developed while growing up.

Common reconstructive surgeries include:

  • Breast reconstruction.
  • Burn reconstructive surgery.
  • Cleft lip and cleft palate repair.
  • Facial trauma repair.
  • Gender-affirming surgery.
  • Skin cancer removal.

Why do people have them done?

For many of us, our physical appearance affects how we see ourselves and how others see us. The size, shape, and look of our bodies may affect how we feel about ourselves and even how we live our lives.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to change the way you look. Some people do this through diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes. Others have cosmetic surgery, especially if they are unhappy with a certain part of their body or appearance that can be changed.

What are the risks?

Think carefully about the decision to have cosmetic surgery. Surgery always involves some risk. The risks depend on your health and the type of procedure you have. They can range from slight scarring to infection and even death. Serious problems are rare, but they can occur.

Also, there is no guarantee that you will get the results you want. More than one procedure may be needed. Results may or may not be lasting. Talk with your doctor about the possible risks and benefits of the surgery.

Are cosmetic surgery and procedures right for you?

Before you choose to have cosmetic surgery, think about your overall health. Remember that all procedures have risks. And having a health condition such as high blood pressure or heart disease may increase the risk.

Surgery should not take the place of good health habits. There are steps you can take to help you look and feel young and healthy.

  • Eat healthy foods.
  • Get plenty of exercise.
  • Limit how much time you spend in the sun.
  • Protect areas of your skin that get the most sun, such as the face, back of the hands, and upper chest or neck.
  • Manage stress.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Avoid drugs and excess alcohol.

Be sure to have realistic expectations about how cosmetic surgery may or may not affect your life. For people who are unhappy with their overall appearance rather than just a certain part of their appearance, cosmetic surgery is probably not the answer. These people are unlikely to be happy with the results of just one cosmetic surgery procedure. They may end up having one procedure after another, which can be harmful and expensive.

Talk to your doctor if you are thinking of having a cosmetic procedure or surgery.