Plastic surgery has been around for ages, and over the years, amazing advancements in technology have completely changed the way plastic surgery is now conducted.
The field of plastics surgery now offers patients various types of procedures, many of which offer increased safety measures and improved aesthetic outcomes. Plastic surgery has become increasingly popular. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, almost 18 million people underwent surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in the US in 2017.
Increased Popularity
There are three main reasons that account for the increase in popularity of surgical procedures.
Increased knowledge. The internet provides a wealth of information for patients interested in learning more about plastic surgery. In addition, popular television shows such as Botched and Nip/Tuck allow the viewers to see before and after results of various procedures, as well as virtually experience the process. Increased familiarity with how the procedures are performed and outcomes can lead to increased comfort and decrease prior fears of surgery.
Social acceptance. Plastic surgery was once something that was secretive and undisclosed. The old stigma associated with plastic surgery has essentially vanished. People are now flashing their surgical bandages and healing process after plastic surgery all over their social media.
More advanced techniques, including non-invasive or minimally invasive. Additional aesthetic options are available that require no scalpel incision. People who are hesitant to undergo general anesthesia or major surgery, now have more options.
The Top 5 Reasons People Undergo Plastic Surgery
Each person has their own reason for wanting to pursue plastic surgery. The following are the top 5 reasons (not in any specific order):
- To Boost Self-Esteem. Whether we like to admit it or not, appearance has a lot to do with self-esteem. The common saying “look good, feel good” is pretty accurate. Looking good based on one’s own definition can boost self-esteem and increase confidence in both men and women. This can increase success in their careers and other areas of life.
- For health reasons. Plastic surgery can be a treatment for several health conditions. For example, breast reduction can help relieve back pain, rhinoplasty can improve breathing, and blepharoplasty can improve vision.
- To look younger. Looking younger is a huge reason many people pursue plastic surgery. Life challenges can accelerate the already inevitable aging process, and plastic surgery is a way to manage the aging process.
- For self-improvement. Congenital abnormalities or simply disliking specific body characteristics is another reason people choose plastic surgery. Examples of this include otoplasty for protruding ears.
- To be more like celebrities. Some people look up to celebrities, especially in their sense of fashion and appearance. This is another reason that plastic surgery is pursued–to be that much closer to celebrity idols and their lifestyle.
The Most Popular Procedures
Now that we know the reasons why people undergo plastic surgery, the next question is: what procedures are the most popular?
The most popular plastic surgery procedures over the past few years include:
Tummy Tucks: A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is the procedure of removing excess fat and skin. The goal is to restore weakened muscles and create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile. The American Society of Plastic Surgery website has an excellent video about abdominoplasty you can check out here!
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery): Blepharoplasty helps reduce the appearance of aging that people experience around the eyes. In some situations, blepharoplasty may also improve vision, it was previously obstructed by sagging surrounding structures of the eye.
Breast Augmentation: Breast augmentation is a surgery where the breasts are increased in size. Breast augmentation includes placing breast implants under either the breast tissue or chest wall. Breast augmentation was first performed over a century ago, and since then, the technique, innovation, and advancement in surgeon experience levels have led to a much more aesthetically pleasing breast augmentation.
Liposuction: Liposuction is one of the most popular of the plastic surgery procedures, and is a procedure used to remove excess fat. Liposuction can be performed in various areas of the body. Dr. Applebaum has performed liposuction for over 25 years, refining his unique Liposculpture technique. Dr. Applebaum removes unwanted fat using small cannulas and the tumescent fluid technique. This technique is superior to fat removal using laser or ultrasound. An added benefit is the incision is very small, resulting in minimal to no sign of surgery afterward.
Nose Reshaping: Rhinoplasty is commonly known as a nose job. Like in women, rhinoplasty is very popular in men. Rhinoplasty has the ability to completely change the look of one’s face.
What About the Men?
There has also been an increasing trend in men’s plastic surgery. The most common cosmetic procedures for men include some of the previously mentioned such as liposuction, eyelid surgery, and rhinoplasty.
In addition to these procedures men also frequently undergo:
Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia): Gynecomastia is the medical term used to describe enlarged or swelling of breast tissue in men. Gynecomastia is more common than you may think. Gynecomastia is typically caused by an imbalance of male and female hormones, specifically an increase in male estrogen levels. According to Cleveland Clinic, 25% of men experience gynecomastia at mid-age or older.
Hair Transplant: Hair loss leaves many men feeling self-conscious and lowers their self-esteem. Androgenic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness, is the most common type of hair loss. Androgenic alopecia affects more than half of men over the age of 50 years old. Hair transplants have become increasingly popular, helping men feel more confident.
Dermal Fillers: This includes Hyaluronic fillers like Juvederm, Sculptra, and Radiesse. This option is appealing to many men because this procedure does not involve an open incision.
Neurotoxin Injections: The wide range of injectable products available today, including Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin are more appealing to men. Injectables help restore volume, smooth wrinkles, fill indented acne scars, jawlines, and shape the nose. An added benefit is that there is essentially little or no recovery downtime.
What has also increased in popularity are the Mommy Makeover Surgery and Daddy-Do-Over Surgery.
These procedures offer the opportunity for parents to get back to their old “pre-parent” bodies, or even perhaps a more improved one!
Many parents will tell you that becoming a parent is one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences in life. What is also included in the parenting package, is exhausting, increased emotions, and sleep deprivation.
A woman’s body undergoes many physical changes during pregnancy and childbirth, these results often lead to decreased elasticity of the skin, muscle weakness or separation, and increased fat deposits in unwanted areas of the body. While men do not undergo the skin, muscle, and hormone changes that women do; their appearance often changes from the lifestyle change that occurs with being a dad, such as increased stress and less time to focus on self, including diet and exercise, combined with sleep deprivation.
The Mommy Makeover and Daddy-Do-Over is a type of surgery that includes a customized set of procedures to achieve that individual’s goal. One benefit of the already busy parenting lifestyle is that the procedure is performed in a single setting, reducing the need for time off that would be involved in undergoing additional surgeries.
Advancements in Plastic Surgery
One advancement that is becoming increasingly popular is the use of laser treatment in plastic surgery.
Dr. Robert Applebaum is an innovator in using laser in the field of aesthetic plastic surgery. He was one of the first plastic surgeons in Los Angeles to use the Dot CO2 Fraction Laser. Laser skin resurfacing replaced dermabrasion and chemical peels as the primary preferred resurfacing method for rejuvenating both age and sun-damaged skin, almost 25 years ago.
Laser skin resurfacing can be used to manage several issues including fine lines, abnormal pigmentation, acne, wrinkles, soft mild creases, and traumatic scarring. The Dot CO2 laser provides pleasingly aesthetic results, offering decreased recovery time, reduced swelling, reduced redness, and can be performed with topical gel anesthesia while the patient is awake. The Dot CO2 laser can also be used on sensitive body areas, including neck, chest, hands. There is no dressing required or an open skin wound. Lastly, the results create a permanent collagen rejuvenation and permanent noticeable improvement in the appearance of the skin!
Whatever your reason for wanting plastic surgery, Dr. Applebaum can help, so schedule your free virtual consultation today and take the first step to a happier, new you!
Medically reviewed by Dr. Robert Applebaum
Dr. Robert Applebaum is a world renowned and highly respected Plastic Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In his nearly 30 years as a practicing physician, Dr. Applebaum has become known as an innovator in the field of laser technology techniques for plastic surgery procedures. He has published numerous articles and scientific papers about the use of laser technology and educates physicians worldwide on the applications of laser technology for plastic surgery. Dr. Applebaum primarily practices out of his private outpatient surgery center, Four Thirty Six Aesthetic Surgery Center, which is located in Beverly Hills.
Sources:
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/animation
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16227-enlarged-male-breast-tissue-gynecomastia