Cosmetic procedures are common in the United States. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Americans underwent 15.6 million cosmetic procedures in 2020, including 2.3 million surgeries and 13.2 million minimally-invasive treatments.
According to the Journal of American Medicine (JAMA), the most popular motivations for undergoing aesthetic procedures were an urge to look younger (84% of patients), an increase in self-confidence (69.5%), a desire to feel happier or a better quality of life (67.2%), and the need to impress peers during social interactions (56.6%).
Which cosmetic procedures bring about the desired results? It depends on the benefits you seek and the effectiveness of the procedure you choose. Here is a closer look at the options.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry involves changing the appearance of teeth through surgical or non-invasive procedures. Some of these treatments are exceedingly common. For example, four million Americans currently have braces, and 45 million have undergone teeth whitening services.
Potential side effects from these procedures include infections in the gums, especially after implants, tooth discomfort, and jaw pain due to a change in alignment.
When seeking cosmetic services, you should always find a dentist experienced in the type of procedure you want.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is an effective approach to repairing damaged teeth. It involves using a fast-hardening resin to fill gaps or chips. The procedure requires one appointment and is usually not painful. It involves the dentist applying and shaping the resin and curing it with a special UV light. They typically use dental tools or floss to smooth the tooth after curing.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers also bond to your teeth. Made from white porcelain or a composite material, these thin coverings go on the outside of your tooth to cover large chips, gaps, or discolored teeth.
Though the process only requires one appointment, it is more invasive than dental bonding because the dentist usually grinds down the tooth to prepare the surface for the veneers. A local anesthetic is often necessary during the procedure.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic procedures. Though home kits are available, a dentist will ensure your gums are protected, and the process does not damage your enamel.
The most common method involves using a whitening solution with hydrogen peroxide, cured with UV light. The process isn’t dangerous, but some patients complain of tooth sensitivity.
Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is the most aggressive and invasive category of cosmetic procedures. It involves local or full anesthesia and involves a specialized plastic surgeon implanting or removing features on your body.
People seek plastic surgery when they want more dramatic results than those available through non-invasive procedures. However, these options are more expensive, have longer recovery times, and carry a greater risk of complications.
Here is a closer look at the most popular types of plastic surgery.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery, medically known as augmentation mammaplasty, involves placing a silicone or saline-filled implant against the chest muscle to make the breasts larger.
The procedure requires local anesthesia and involves an incision, typically on the underside of the breast. Because of this, recovery time can last for a few weeks, and patients experience soreness.
Though experienced breast augmentation surgeons perform these operations routinely, complications such as infections or ruptured implants may occur.
Facelift
A facelift (medically known as a rhytidectomy), involves tightening or repositioning facial muscles and removing fat and excess skin to give the face a tighter, more youthful appearance.
The surgery occurs under general anesthetic and requires a skilled facial surgeon who understands the complex muscles on the face. Facelifts require multiple incisions, so recovery time is typically two to four weeks.
Possible complications from a facelift procedure include scarring and infections. The worst outcome is nerve damage, which could cause chronic pain or drooping muscles.
Liposuction
Liposuction (also known as body contouring) involves using a surgical suction device to remove fat from the abdomen, hips, neck, thighs, buttocks, or arms. The procedure needs to be combined with diet and fitness to ensure it lasts.
A liposuction specialist needs to perform this procedure, which requires a local anesthetic. You can expect pain and numbness around the suction site, and it will be two or more weeks before you can return to strenuous activities.
Rhinoplasty
Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) is a common cosmetic surgery, though a rhinoplasty surgeon may also perform the procedure to treat an obstruction, breathing problems, or a broken nose.
The rhinoplasty process involves removing or grafting cartilage or reshaping the bones in the nose. Doctors use a local anesthetic and place a splint or mask to protect the nose for a week after surgery.
Non-Invasive Treatments
Non-invasive treatments are much more common than plastic surgery. Though the results are not permanent, there is little to no recovery time and the costs are much lower.
Here are three of these most common examples of non-invasive cosmetic procedures.
Botox
Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) tightens the face, neck, or other areas by relaxing certain muscles and nerves. It is a toxin, but it isn’t harmful in the small doses cosmetic doctors and nurses use to smooth lines and wrinkles.
Botox is administered by injection and is safe unless you have an unexpected reaction. You should only experience mild pain around the injection site that disappears after a few days. The results are not permanent, lasting from three months to one year.
Dermal Fillers
A dermal filler is a substance that a nurse or doctor injects under the skin to add firmness to your appearance. These products have a gel-like consistency that can remove moderate lines or wrinkles, make lips or cheeks fuller, and define the jawline.
Common side effects include pain, swelling, or rash.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal relies on a powerful light to damage hair follicles, stunting hair growth. Over multiple laser treatment sessions, the hair removal can become permanent.
This process is effective for removing unwanted body hair, however, you need to rely on a professional because of the danger of damaging skin with the heat from the laser. In addition to irritation from the heat, some people with darker skin tones may see their skin lighten slightly in treated areas.
Risks and Considerations to Know Before Undergoing a Procedure
The risks for cosmetic procedures vary depending on the invasiveness. As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection or a reaction to an injectable substance or anesthesia.
You need to research each option and consider the costs, risks, and recovery time. For example, you can compare annual or twice-yearly botox or dermal filler treatments against the results, risks, and recovery time of a full facelift
How to Find a Provider and What to Look For
The expertise of a cosmetic surgeon or nurse is vital to feeling confident about the procedure and results. In addition to personal references from family or peers, you can check online reviews and ask the physician to verify their board certification.
If you aren’t sure which provider to use and if a certain procedure is right for you, you can get a second opinion for a doctor during an online medical appointment. This step allows you to confirm your choices and get questions answered before you choose a cosmetic procedure.
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