|
|
For centuries, we have altered our appearance through various forms of cosmetic plastic surgery. The term plastic surgery encompasses two separate categories: “reconstructive plastic surgery” and “cosmetic plastic surgery.” While “reconstructive plastic surgery” is performed on abnormal structures of the body resulting from trauma, infection, congenital defects, disease, tumors, etc., “cosmetic plastic surgery” is typically performed to repair or reshape otherwise normal structures of the body. Today, the number of plastic surgery related procedures performed worldwide continues to grow at an impressive rate. While women account for the majority of all cosmetic procedures performed, more and more men are using plastic surgery as a means of turning back the clock and enhancing their self-image. The top five surgical procedures according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery are liposuction, breast augmentation/enlargement, eyelid surgery, nose reshaping, and breast reduction. Approximately 6.9 million plastic surgery/cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures were performed in the United States in 2002. In this essay however I would like to focus on the aspects of the cosmetic plastic surgery. From the head to the feet and any area in between those points, a cosmetic surgery exists to enhance the beauty of the human body. The types of cosmetic procedures more commonly performed in modern day society are liposuction, full face-lift, breast augmentation, hair transplant, tummy tuck, and the breast reduction. The number one cosmetic procedure performed is the liposuction surgery this surgery usually averages about $2,500.00 per area. Liposuction which is also know as abdominal liposculpture removes fat deposits permantly from the abdomen, this procedure when performed successfully can trim excess fat in the abdomen for a flatter abdomen and more slender balanced shape which provides a psychological lift and an extra incentive to exercising regularly and maintaining fitness. This procedure usually takes about 1-2 hours per treated area and is normally done under local anesthesia and heavy sedation, risks and complications include dimpling, lumpiness, numbness, scarring, and discoloration of the skin around the treated area. During the surgery the areas of the body where the fat is to be removed are marked and tiny incisions are made in the skin, usually in the naval or just below the bikini line, a tube is then inserted and the unwanted fat is removed by a powerful vacuum.
|
