Extreme Makeover or the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery

Extreme Makeover or the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery

The decision to undergo cosmetic surgery should never be taken lightly; so you should be absolutely confidant in your choice to go under the knife.  Always do your research befo

re committing to a cosmetic surgeon; make sure they come highly recommended. And don’t forget: any cosmetic procedure is considered surgery and comes with a certain amount of risk. This guide will walk you through some of the more popular cosmetic procedures; always consult your surgeon for more in depth information.

Breast Augmentation

This procedure will enhance the size of the breasts by using inflatable saline implants. The surgery generally takes about one to two hours to complete under either local anesthetic with sedation or general anesthetic. Breast augmentation is usually an outpatient procedure.

Side Effects: Soreness, swelling, changes in nipple sensation, and bruising. Breasts are usually sensitive for a few weeks.

Surgery Risks

•    Implant malfunction that may require removal or replacement of the implants. These include deflation, formation of scar tissue around the implant, bleeding, and infections.
•    Some women may experience an increase or decrease in breast sensitivity.

Recovery: After the surgery you can expect to be back at work in a few days. Breasts will be tender for up to four weeks. The scars will begin to fade after several months to a year.


Face Lift

A face lift will improve sagging facial skin, jowls, and loose neck skin, by removing excess fat and tightening the muscles. This procedure is most often performed on men and women over 40. The surgery takes several hours under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Generally, this is an outpatient procedure.

Side Effects: Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, and tenderness of the skin. Skin may feel tight and dry. Men who undergo this surgery will have to shave behind their ears, as the beard growing skin will have been repositioned there.

Risks

•    Damage to the nerves that control facial muscles or feeling. This is usually temporary, but it could be permanent.
•    Infection.
•    Bleeding.
•    Scarring.
•    Change in hairline.

Recovery: You can expect to go back to work in 10 to 14 days. Bruising will last up to three weeks; avoid strenuous activity for two or more weeks.


Nose Job (Rhinoplasty)

This surgery will reshape the nose by either reducing the size or increasing it. Rhinoplasty involves removing humps, changing the shape of the tip or bridge, narrowing nostrils, and changing the noses position. Some nose jobs are performed for medical reasons to help relieve breathing problems. Your plastic surgeon will assess your needs and design your procedure accordingly. The actual procedure takes anywhere from one to two hours, sometimes longer. You will be put under local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia. Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure.

Side Effects: Swelling, bruising, and headaches. There may also be some bleeding and stiffness.

Risks

•    Infection.
•    Burst blood vessels that could result in permanent red spots.
•    There is a chance that the surgery won’t provide enough improvement and additional surgery may be required.

Recovery: You can be back at work as early as one to two weeks. Avoid overly strenuous activities for three weeks. You should avoid hitting your nose for eight weeks. Note: it may take up to a year or more before the final appearance is evident.

Written by Erica Salyi, cosmetics specialist for Cosmetic Surgery Insider. Get to know all the risks and benefits at CSI.