Cosmetic surgery is a specialty that uses surgical
techniques to change the appearance and function of patients' bodies.[1] Some of
these operations are called "cosmetic", and others are called "reconstructive".
Cosmetic surgery is a very popular avenue for personal enhancement, as
demonstrated by the 11.9 million cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. alone
in 2004. As for any operation, cosmetic procedures involve risk, and should
therefore not be undertaken lightly. Within the US, critics of plastic surgery
note that it is legal for any doctor, regardless of speciality, to perform
"cosmetic surgery", but not "plastic surgery". It is thus important to
distinguish the terms "plastic surgery" and "cosmetic surgery": Plastic Surgery
is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (the only official
entity overseeing physician certification in the United States) as the
subspecialty dedicated to the surgical repair of defects of form or function --
this includes cosmetic (or aesthetic) surgery, as well as reconstructive
surgery. The term "cosmetic surgery" however, simply refers to surgery that is
designed to improve cosmetics, or appearance. In several countries including
Australia, many doctors who are not qualified as surgeons also perform cosmetic
procedures.[4]
The most prevalent aesthetic/cosmetic procedures are listed below. Most of these
types of surgery are more commonly known by their "common names." These are also
listed when pertinent.
Abdominoplasty (or "tummy tuck"): reshaping and firming of the abdomen
Blepharoplasty (or "eyelid surgery"): Reshaping of the eyelids or the
application of permanent eyeliner, including Asian blepharoplasty
Augmentation Mammaplasty/breast augmentation (or "breast enlargement" or "boob
job"): Augmentation of the breasts. This can involve either saline or silicone
gel prosthetics.
Buttock Augmentation (or "butt augmentation" or "butt implants"): Enhancement of
the buttocks. This procedure can be performed by using silicone implants or fat
grafting and transfer from other areas of the body.
Chemical peel: Minimizing the appearance of acne, pock, and other scars as well
as wrinkles (depending on concentration and type of agent used, except for deep
furrows), solar lentigines (age spots, freckles), and photodamage in general.
Chemical peels commonly involve carbolic acid (Phenol), trichloroacetic acid (TCA),
glycolic acid (AHA), or salicylic acid (BHA) as the active agent.
Mastopexy (or "breast lift"): Raising or reshaping of breasts
Labiaplasty: Surgical reduction and reshaping of the labia
Rhinoplasty (or "nose job"): Reshaping of the nose
Otoplasty (or ear surgery): Reshaping of the ear
Rhytidectomy (or "face lift"): Removal of wrinkles and signs of aging from the
face
Suction-Assisted Lipectomy (or liposuction): Removal of fat from the body
Chin augmentation: Augmentation of the chin with an implant (e.g. silicone) or
by sliding genioplasty of the jawbone.
Cheek augmentation
Collagen, fat, and other tissue filler injections (eg hyaluronic acid)
Vaginoplasty, to reconstruct or create a vagina
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