Plastic Surgery Today

Plastic Surgery takes many forms; everything from breast augmentation for aesthetic and self confidence reasons, to rhinoplasty to increase the functionality of the nose. From laser plastic surgery for hair removal for an unseemly back, to reconstructive surgery after an accident. The state of Utah has a reputation for having one of the highest rates of plastic surgery in the nation. This is supported by the multitude of billboards sporting subtle, and sometimes not so subtle, ads for breast augmentation and laser hair removal. Plastic surgery has come a long way in both how it is performed, and why.  rnWhen most people think of plastic surgery, the first things that come to mind are often a boob job or a nose job. Celebrities have given this type of plastic surgery a bad reputation, but many people find that breast augmentation can increase self confidence, while a nose job can fix what a bad break destroyed, or help with problems breathing due to defects in the nose. Although these types of procedures have been around for quite a while, they have evolved in efficiency, and most importantly, in safety. The types of breast implants used allow for less complications following surgery, as well as a better result. New surgery techniques allow for a faster recovery time following a nose job, or a face lift.  rnWith all these plastic surgery terms being thrown around, some of them can be confusing, such as the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction. Tummy tucks involve removal of excess fat and skin from around the abdomen to allow for tighter muscles in the abdominal area. This type of surgery would occur after pregnancy or significant weight loss. Liposuction is a type of plastic surgery where fat is removed. Sometimes these two types of plastic surgery can be combined into a procedure called a lipo-tuck. Liposuction is also sometimes used in breast reduction treatments along with more involved surgical techniques.  rnPlastic surgery involving laser techniques are also becoming more popular. Laser skin resurfacing is rising in popularity as the technology behind the lasers allows surgeons to be even more precise (and therefore safe) during the surgery. Laser skin resurfacing can target everything from fine wrinkles, to scars, to warts or birthmarks. This procedure can also be used to tighten skin after other plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction or a face lift.  rnLaser hair removal as a form of plastic surgery has also become more popular since it became commercially available in the 1990s and technology has increased. This form of plastic surgery is very dependent on the patient in terms of how effective it will be. Dark, coarse hair on light skin is the easiest to treat, although all combinations require multiple treatments to be effective.  rnPlastic surgery is a very prominent part of society today and there are many plastic surgery options available, however, any type of plastic surgery is an invasive procedure, therefore, when deciding whether or not to have any type of plastic surgery done, it is important to choose an experienced, and knowledgeable surgeon to perform the plastic surgery.