If you are considering plastic surgery to help you resolve any body issues or fix an ailment or condition, start here. It can help to learn a little bit more about plastic surgery, in general, as well as the options available to you. For some patients who have a hard time with their body image, liposuction or breast augmentation might be the right choice. For others looking to improve the appearance of their skin, a facelift or blepharoplasty could work. In your case, learn more about your options before speaking to your doctor. Doing a little homework before your initial consultation can lead to a more comprehensive conversation. This can also help you to make smarter, better informed medical choices for yourself in the future. Whatever the reason for choosing cosmetic surgery, there are several types of plastic surgery that could be right for you.
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The Basics: Cosmetic vs. Reconstructive Surgery
First things first. The term “plastic surgery” is an overarching, broad-strokes term that encompasses two main branches. Thus, the two main branches of plastic surgery are cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Each type of plastic surgery serves a different purpose and therefore, helps patients in different ways. So, a plastic surgeon performs cosmetic surgery to change or alter the appearance of the targeted treatment area. The main detail to note here is that cosmetic surgery usually takes place when no medical condition is present. Conversely, reconstructive surgery is for patients who are suffering from a specific condition. Examples of this type of plastic surgery include breast reconstruction after mastectomy after cancer or reconstruction to correct birth defects.
All of the procedures listed below are types of cosmetic surgery. (Note: There are a few instances in which breast augmentation or rhinoplasty may be considered reconstructive. However, the details below pertain specifically to the procedures for aesthetic purposes rather than medical need.)
Body Procedures: Plastic Surgery Options
The types of plastic surgery below represent a few types of plastic surgery that can help patients achieve their body goals. Because each patient is unique, so are their goals for the outcome of the surgery. As a result, different procedures are necessary.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses a suction technique to remove fat from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, or neck. This procedure also shapes or contours these areas of the body. Additionally, some surgeons also refer to this procedure as “body contouring.”
Plastic surgeons recommend liposuction for patients who have the following attributes.
- Over the age of 18
- Within 30% of their ideal weight
- Have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone
- Healthy with no life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can stunt healing
- Non-smokers and no abuse of alcohol or drugs
Abdominoplasty
An abdominoplasty/tummy tuck is a procedure that flattens your abdomen by removing extra fat and skin and tightening muscles in your abdominal wall. Additionally, this surgical procedure is also known as a tummy tuck.
Plastic surgeons recommend abdominoplasty for patients who have the following attributes.
- Over the age of 18
- Physically healthy
- At a stable weight
- Have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure
- Non-smokers and no abuse of alcohol or drugs
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure performed to increase breast size. It involves placing saline or silicone implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles. Additionally, doctors also refer to this type of plastic surgery as an augmentation mammoplasty.
Plastic surgeons recommend breast augmentation for patients who have the following attributes.
- Physically healthy with no medical conditions that impair healing
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Fully developed breasts
- May be dissatisfied with breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss or with aging
- May have asymmetrical breasts
Face Procedures: Plastic Surgery Options
The procedures below represent a few types of plastic surgery that can help patients change the symmetry of their faces or achieve younger-looking skin. In each particular case, a different outcome is possible. Therefore, your plastic surgeon will help you determine which procedure may be right for you.
Facelift
Facelift surgery lifts and firms sagging facial tissues to restore a more naturally youthful facial appearance. By removing excess, sagging skin, smoothing deep folds, and lifting and tightening the deep facial tissues, facelift surgery can help a patient improve self-esteem with younger-looking skin.
Plastic surgeons recommend facelift surgery for patients who have the following attributes.
- Over the age of 30
- Physically healthy with no medical conditions that impair healing
- Sagging skin from the cheeks to the jawline
- Loose or “folds of skin” on the neck
- Non-smokers and no abuse of alcohol or drugs
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is commonly referred to as a “nose job.” A plastic surgeon will recommend this surgery to change the shape of your nose by modifying the bone or cartilage.
Plastic surgeons recommend rhinoplasty for patients who have the following attributes.
- Completed facial growth
- Physically healthy with no life-threatening medical conditions
- Non-smokers and no abuse of alcohol or drugs
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is the plastic surgery operation for correcting defects and disfigurations of the eyelids. It will aesthetically modify the eye region of the face by repairing droopy eyelids and may involve removing excess skin, muscle, and fat.
Plastic surgeons recommend blepharoplasty for patients who have the following attributes.
- Over the age of 35 years old
- Physically healthy with no life-threatening conditions to hinder healing
- Baggy or droopy eyelids
Dr. Anthony Berlet Can Help You
After reviewing the types of plastic surgery that might be right for you, reach out! Dr. Anthony Berlet has been helping patients in the northern New Jersey and New York City area for over 20 years. In addition, he uses his knowledge and expertise as a reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon to ensure the best outcomes possible for his patients. So, each patient is unique and as a result, requires individual attention and care. With your desired results in mind, Dr. Berlet can help you achieve the body you have always wanted. So, to learn more about our team and our practice, contact us today!