Cosmetic surgery is one that alters, modifies, or augments a person’s appearance for his own personal gratification. Although Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic surgery are used in Tandem, there exists a difference between the two. According to Masri, while Cosmetic Surgery is usually for the enhancement of a person’s looks, Plastic surgery usually deals with reconstruction on medicinal grounds.
Cosmetic Surgery has become very popular over the last 10 years. Partly because of technological advancements in the surgical methods and partly because of the large number of celebrities who took to Cosmetic Surgery. Listed below are few celebrities who took to Cosmetic Surgery; Jessica Simpson, Madonna, Lindsay Lohan, Meg Ryan, Megan Foxx, Nicole Kidman, and many more. In 2013, over 1.6 Million cosmetic surgical procedures were completed. The Top 4 Cosmetic Surgical procedures were:
- Breast Augmentation
- Nose Reshaping
- Eyelid Surgery
- Liposuction
Females constitute the majority in cosmetic surgery. Although a lot of males have recently opted for cosmetic surgery – especially in procedures like Nose Reshaping and breast reduction. In an Age group survey conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it has been found that the Age group of 20-40 contributes close to 76% of the total surgeries performed.
Cosmetic Surgery still remains a pricey affair, only the rich and affluent find it affordable. ABreast augmentation procedure would take anywhere between $ 4000-$5000 whereas, specialized procedures like Lower Body lift (around$ 10,000), Abdominoplasty (around $7000) and Facelift (around $ 8500) cost very high. However Cosmetic minimally invasive procedures such as laser hair removal, laser Skin resurfacing and soft tissue filters are far more affordable and cost anywhere between $400 to $2000)
Cosmetic Surgery has also seen a very high number of repeat patients. From 46% in 2011, the number of repeat patients increased to 52% in 2012. One of the main reasons attributed is patients once experienced the increase in physiological confidence levels, wanting to have multiple cosmetic procedures to progress to the next level.
Cosmetic Surgery in recent times been widely criticized for misleading patients with behavioral disorders. Plastic surgery is also seen as the only answer for people who wish to alter their appearance because do not feel happy or satisfied with their body. For some, it also affects their self-esteem to an extent where they cannot lead a normal social life. Dysmorphic Body disorder (BDD) is one such case where plastic surgery is used as a corrective measure to help patients. Although BDD Patients can be still treated with behavioral therapies, most of them are convinced about cosmetic surgery is the perfect answer. About 2% of America’s population suffers from BDD and about 15% of patients consulting cosmetic surgeons have this disorder without even them being aware of it.BDD is known to induce suicidal symptoms, especially if planned plastic surgery goes wrong or doesn’t meet the expectation of the patient.
