What is Cosmetic Surgery?

Having an aesthetically pleasing appearance is very important in today’s society. Beauty has always been idolized, but prior to the development of modern medical procedures, there has been no serious method of optimizing and fully enhancing one’s physical appearance.

These modern surgical procedures, however, have revolutionized the way that people approach their bodies and facial features. If you have a body part, blemish, or scar that you find displeasing, cosmetic surgery can reshape it to fit your ideal notion of what look suits you best.

Is cosmetic surgery considered to be a form of plastic surgery?

Cosmetic surgery is, in fact, a form of plastic surgery – one that specifically targets the enhancement of one’s body. It revitalizes and adds a more youthful look to those who are beginning to physically and involuntarily show their age. It has become increasingly popular over time, with close to 12 million procedures being carried out in 2007. This number was up by over 50% since 2000.

Cosmetic surgery includes anything from reconstructive surgery (for example, restructuring one’s nose) to skin resurfacing (in an effort to eliminate unwanted wrinkles). It may be operative or non-operative, depending on the extent and type of the procedure that the patient desires.

What should I expect after cosmetic surgery?

Recovery processes and times will vary depending on the type of procedure performed. Patients will typically see a recovery time of up to a few weeks after the most invasive types of surgeries, such as reconstructions. Some procedures – particularly the non-operative ones – require only one day’s time for recovery.

Contact Us

For more information on plastic surgery, please contact Austin facial plastic surgeon Dr. Louis Apostolakis today at 512-329-8989.