Cosmetic Surgery is gaining popularity in the United States and all over the world. Cosmetic surgeons are practicing their trade with great frequency and the persons undergoing cosmetic surgery are normally quite happy with the results. There are many procedures that are categorized as “cosmetic surgery”. Here are several that are extremely popular: Liposuction – Also called lipoplasty or body sculpting, liposuction is a form of cosmetic surgery that removes pockets of fat from the body. These pockets of fat are hard to get rid of in most people. These problem areas, sometimes referred to as “love handles” and “saddle bags”, create a poor self body image. With liposuction, these areas of fat are literally sucked out through a small, practically painless incision. Symptoms that may occur after liposuction is performed are swelling, bruising, and sometimes pain or numbness around the incision site(s). In many instances, those having liposuction return to work after only a few days! An approximate cost for this cosmetic surgery is $2,000, but it varies greatly from area to area and is dependant on how much fat is to be removed. Breast Implants – Sometimes called breast enhancement or breast augmentation, this cosmetic surgery consists of sliding saline-filled bags between the chest muscles and the breast tissue. Many stay in bed for a couple days after having breast implants, but in most cases, those having this procedure can return to work in less than a week. No vigorous exercising should be done right after this surgery. An approximate cost for this cosmetic surgery is $3,000, but it varies greatly depending on the expertise of the surgeon and the location. “Nose job” –For this cosmetic surgical procedure, a surgeon reshapes the patient’s nose in any way desirable. It is done by removing the skin and completely changing the structure of the nose, including bone and cartilage. Most patients stay home and rest for at least a day or two, while bruising and swelling are worst for the first three days after surgery. The bruising will normally subside in about a week, but the swelling may be noticeable for several weeks. In most cases, the patient is back to their old self (with a completely new nose) within three weeks. An approximate cost for this cosmetic surgery is $4,000, but it varies greatly on the location and expertise of the surgeon. Facelift – As we age, the skin of the face tends to sag and fold. This type of cosmetic surgery takes the skin of the face and stretches it toward the scalp, tightening and smoothing it. Bruising and swelling is common after this procedure. The bruising can fade in around two weeks, while the swelling could last a bit longer. Numbness of the face is common, as well, and can last several weeks. For the first several days after a facelift, it is important to take it easy, rest and stay out of the sun. An approximate cost for this cosmetic surgery is $5,000, but can be more. Botox injections – This cosmetic procedure is used to smooth wrinkles and “frown lines” around the eyes. Botox injections paralyse the forehead muscles, so there will be less movement. Swelling, bruising and numbness are common after botox, but no recovery time is normally required. Most get the injections and are back to their daily routine immediately! A Botox cosmetic procedure needs to be repeated every 4 months or so, as the effects are not permanent. An approximate cost for this cosmetic procedure is $300-$400 per treatment, but can be more. Blepharoplasty – Better known as eyelid surgery, this cosmetic surgery reshapes the eyelids. Its purpose is to remove bagginess and tighten the loose skin around the eyelids. Swelling and bruising is normal, with the swelling going down after a week and the bruising fading after about ten days. Some side effects of this procedure are blurry vision, dry eyes or frequent tearing. An approximate cost for this cosmetic surgery is anywhere between $2,000 and $4,000, depending on location and the amount of reshaping the surgeon has to do. Although all of these procedures can be costly, they are worth the investment if you are unhappy with aspects of your appearance. One may be right for you. Ask your doctor about cosmetic surgery today!