Plastic surgery can be a controversial topic. It is a subject that is often shrouded in judgments and misconceptions. Yet, in many cases, the assumptions are harsh and unwarranted. In truth, plastic surgery can be utilized for a variety of reasons. However, the central query of this posting is whether or not plastic surgery is right for you?

When the topic is mentioned, many people tend to jump to conclusions, which may or may not be justified. Let us address some of the common forms of plastic surgery, clarify what the procedures entail, and dispel a few of the misconceptions associated with them.

When broaching the subject, most individuals tend to consider cosmetic surgery, which includes both surgical and nonsurgical options that are designed to enhance or reconfigure areas of the body. While these procedures may often be done to improve a person’s appearance and bolster their confidence, there could be other considerations involved in having the surgery.

Case in point, men and women who make their living in front of a camera or via another profession that emphasizes physical appearance may feel they need plastic surgery to kick-start, revive, or extend their careers.

Other examples might include women who are self-conscious of their bustlines and may be seeking cosmetic breast procedures, such as augmentation, implants, or reduction, to rectify the situation. Moreover, some women may be overly well-endowed and suffering back problems as a result, and therefore, require a reduction to alleviate their pain.

There is a myriad of cosmetic procedures that could be done to alter or augment your body and appearance, ranging from full-scale, major surgery to minimally invasive applications. Some of these options include the following:

Major Surgery/Invasive Procedures:

–Face Lift

–Brow Lift

–Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

–Cheek Reduction/Augmentation

–Chin Surgery (Mentoplasty)

–Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

–Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

–Breast Augmentation/Implants/Implant Removal

–Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

–Breast Reduction

–Liposuction (Lipoplasty)

–Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

–Skin Grafts

Minimally Invasive Procedures:

–Botox Injections

–Chemical Peel

–Dermal Fillers

–Dermabrasion

–Laser Hair Removal

–Microdermabrasion

–Skin Rejuvenation and Resurfacing

–Varicose Vein Treatment

–Spider Vein Treatment

–Tattoo Removal

–Nonsurgical Fat Reduction

Another area of plastic surgery that is extensively used, but not as heavily promoted, is that of reconstructive surgery. Unlike cosmetic applications, procedures of this nature tend to be medically necessary or recommended. This may be the result of disfigurement, burns, trauma, other injuries, or birth defects, such as cleft palates or spina bifida.

For instance, if you have been involved in an accident or sustained serious burns in a fire, you may require extensive reconstructive surgery or multiple skin grafts to aid your recovery. Another example might include a woman who has undergone a double mastectomy for cancer treatment and requires reconstructive breast surgery in the aftermath.

To answer the central question of this article, plastic surgery is a private and personal choice. You need to decide whether or not it is right for you and your situation. Any decision should be discussed with your doctor and you should have realistic expectations of the outcome. Another consideration is that most of these procedures are elective, and therefore, they are not covered by health insurance.…