According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), plastic surgeons worldwide perform almost 15 million surgeries and nearly 19 million non-surgical procedures each year, and these numbers show no signs of slowing.
This is partly attributable to increased awareness about the safety and benefits of plastic surgery. However, people who are only starting to investigate options may have many questions.
The Sacramento plastic surgery guide below tries to answer those. It offers some basics on available options and common inquiries people have. Keep reading to find out what every plastic surgery patient should know.
Types of Surgery
Plastic surgery is a broad area of medical intervention that encompasses many different procedures. Below are the main categories and most common treatments within each.
Facial Plastic Surgery and Treatments
Many different plastic surgeries can be performed on the face. The most common ones include:
- Facelift
- Cheek augmentation
- Chin augmentation
- Otoplasty
- Rhinoplasty
- Blepharoplasty
A facelift is a surgical procedure to tighten skin and reduce facial wrinkles. The surgeon makes incisions around the ears, chin, and hairline to “lift, ” tighten underlying facial muscles and remove excess skin. This can reduce sagging skin and the appearance of wrinkles and improve the contour of the face.
Cheek augmentation is another plastic surgery that helps enhance the fullness of the cheeks. It can also be used to improve facial asymmetry and contour. There are different methods for carrying this out, but most involve implants, fillers, or fat transfer to the cheek or cheeks.
Chin augmentation involves altering the shape or size of the chin. Methods are similar to those used in cheek augmentation, although it can also involve alterations to the chin bone.
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct protruding ears. It is commonly referred to as “ear pinning,” though it usually involves reshaping the cartilage of the ears to bring them closer to the head.
Rhinoplasty involves altering the shape or size of the nose. Blepharoplasty is a surgery on the eyelids. It is designed to correct drooping or sagging eyelids, improving vision in some patients.
Body Contouring Procedures
According to the American Academy of Plastic Surgeons, liposuction recently replaced breast augmentation as the most performed plastic surgery chosen by women, and it is the second most common in men. There are now more than 1.8 million liposuction procedures, which involve the removal of excess fat, performed every year.
Abdominoplasty is another prevalent procedure. It is more commonly known as a “tummy tuck,” as it removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen.
Arm lifts remove extra skin and fat from the upper arms. Thigh lifts do the same for the upper legs.
As mentioned, breast augmentation is another common plastic surgery done in women. It most often refers to implants or fat transfer to improve the shape or increase the size of breasts. Breast reduction helps reduce the size and alter the shape of breasts.
Reconstructive Surgery
Some plastic surgeries fall under “reconstruction” rather than aesthetics (although many cosmetic surgeries are done for functional purposes as well). For instance, people have breast reconstruction surgery following a mastectomy.
Repairing lip and mouth tissue defects is common for people with a cleft palate. Other examples include surgeries and treatments for restoring the skin of burn victims.
There Are Non-Surgical Options
If you are trepidatious about surgical options, there are often non-surgical alternatives. These are minimally invasive cosmetic treatments that have the added advantage of typically yielding fast results but with minimal (or no) downtime.
For instance, chemical peels remove the top layer of skin cells from the face. This helps improve the appearance of the skin by reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
“Botox” is the brand name for botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin that temporarily paralyzes the muscles that cause wrinkles. It relaxes the muscles, making the wrinkles appear smoother.
Plastic surgeons might also inject dermal fillers to treat various skin conditions. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the body that helps hydrate skin.
Another type of non-surgical skin tightening procedure is called J-plasma. It uses plasma energy to stimulate collagen production. It is particularly useful for targeting problematic areas.
What to Look for in a Plastic Surgeon
When searching for a plastic surgeon, there are a few qualities and criteria to look for. First, the surgeon must be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
This indicates they have met the most rigorous education, training, and examination standards. Look for other certifications and memberships, such as with the auspicious American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Beyond formal certifications, look for experience. Plastic surgery is as much an art as it is about knowledge. You want someone who is well-trained but has a great deal of real-world experience, particularly in the type of treatment you seek.
Finally, read online reviews to gauge other people’s experiences when considering Sacramento plastic surgery. You want a surgeon who is not there to push treatments on you but is willing to listen to your concerns and formulate a treatment plan together with you.
Other Considerations
There are a few other miscellaneous plastic surgery tips to keep in mind. Think about your goals—why you are seeking plastic surgery in the first place—and be realistic about potential outcomes.
Most importantly, do not be afraid to ask questions. Inquire about outcomes, pre-surgery preparation, recovery time, post-surgery care, and any potential negative outcomes. Ask about alternatives to any given procedure so that you can have a clear picture of all available options.
Find a Sacramento Plastic Surgery Clinic Near You
The basic information above will give you an idea of what Sacramento plastic surgery options are available and what they entail. If you are unsure which ones might be right for you, contact a qualified surgeon to discuss the advantages of each.
At Sacramento Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Donald Hause has served patients for over 25 years and has performed over 5,000 procedures. We offer various options, from brow lifts and Botox to almost every breast or body augmentation available. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
