Cosmetic Procedure Smorgasbord - Lipodissolve, Tummy Tucks, And Nose Jobs

Reading People Magazine, watching E! News, or listening to the radio, you're bound to hear about the latest cosmetic procedure that your favorite celebrity has just undergone. Physicians are now saying these hot trends are not out of reach for those ordinary men and women living in a star stricken society. Check out some fast facts about the most talked about cosmetic procedures below.

Breast Augmentation:

The number of breast augmentations being performed is growing year by year. The procedure is unique for every patient, yet physicians agree that a good candidate for the surgery is both emotionally mature and understands her motivations for seeking breast enhancement. It is also important that candidates have realistic expectations regarding the procedure. There are two types of breast implants: saline and silicone. Both types have supposed advantages and disadvantages. For example, while most believe silicone implants have a more natural look, upon rupture, a leak is more difficult to detect in a silicone implant than in a saline implant. Similarly, repairing a rupture in a silicone implant is much more difficult than in a saline implant. Both types of implants can be filled to different sizes, however saline implants can often be adjusted postoperatively, whereas silicone implants are placed in the skin at a fixed volume. There is no typical cost for breast implants and the procedure can range from $3,000 to $9,000.

Nose Job:

A rhinoplasty can do anything from reduce the size of the nose or just change the shape of the tip, however even a minor alteration can completely change the look of the face. Depending on the type of reshaping taking place, rhinoplasty procedures can be significantly different. Incisions can be placed either inside of the nose, underneath, where the nostrils meet the cheek, or in some cases, across the bridge. Although complete healing can take up to 4 weeks, after swelling and bruising cease, results become noticeable and are permanent pending and minor changes in facial structure due to aging.

Tummy Tuck:

Often the most noticeable excess fat is around the stomach and even exercise plans and healthy diets cannot always get rid of it. A good candidate for an abdominoplasty has excess fatty tissue or skin around the abdomen or abdominal muscles that have become weak. However, those who plan to become pregnant or are working towards large weight loss goals on their own should discuss options with a physician before considering the procedure. Although risks are often minimal, with any major surgery comes the risk of infection, reaction to anesthesia, as well as excessive bleeding. It is important to consider all risks and benefits with a physician. Recovery time following the procedure may only take a few weeks but it is often a few months before bruising has subsided and results are visible. Costs of the procedure vary by patient and the surgery is most often not covered by insurance.

BOTOX:

Ever get frustrated with those lines and wrinkles that seem to mysteriously disappear on celebrities as they age? Injections of BOTOX, or botulinum toxin, have become a popular procedure to treat frown lines, forehead furrows, and lines and wrinkles of the lower face. During the procedure, the solution is injected directly into contracted muscles with a small needle. Typically, after 3 or 4 days results are noticeable. While the procedure is quick and does not require any downtime, effects are not permanent, typically lasting 3-6 months. BOTOX injections are FDA approved and said to be the largest grossing cosmetic procedure in the United States.

Lipodissolve:

The newest treatment on the list, promising to melt fat, made cosmetic news when Britney Spears allegedly underwent the procedure last year. Lipodissolve involves the injection of a combination of phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate, known as PCDC, into small areas of fat. However, PCDC is not approved by USFDA and therefore little research has been done to show that is both safe and effective. In fact, prominent medical societies in the field including the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery have issued warning statements regarding the procedure, urging consumers to remain cautious until further research has been done.