What are the most popular cosmetic surgical body procedures? Take a look at the most common surgical options and what patients need to know about them.
Breast Augmentation
In 2019, breast augmentation was the most common surgical procedure in the United States, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). With more than 299,000 total procedures performed in one year alone, this option was the most popular with women-especially those in the 30 to 39-year age group.
Even though the ASPS statistics show women in their 30's are most likely (in comparison to other age groups) to choose this procedure, breast augmentation is an option for patients in other age groups. Also known as augmentation mammoplasty, this surgical procedure can increase the size and shape of your breasts.
Before you decide on an augmentation, you'll need to meet with a licensed surgeon. The surgeon will discuss implant options, size, and overall aesthetic goals with you. Some patients choose an augmentation to enhance the overall size of their breasts, while others want to correct uneven breast size.
While augmentation can give you a look you love, it won't prevent sagging or lift your breasts. If you want to increase the size, shape, and placement of your breasts, discuss a lift surgery with your doctor.
Liposuction
According to the ASPS's statistics, liposuction came in at a close second to breast augmentation for most performed cosmetic surgical procedure. In 2019 surgeons performed more than 265,200 liposuctions. This was a three percent increase, from just over 258,500 in the previous year (2018).
Liposuction can slim or reshape your appearance by contouring and the removal of excess body fat. The most common areas liposuction targets include the thighs, hips, buttocks, upper arms, and back. You can also get liposuction in the inner knee, chest, cheeks, chin, neck, calf, or ankle areas.
Like breast augmentation, you'll need a pre-surgery consultation with a qualified medical provider before you schedule this procedure. The surgeon will help you to understand the procedure and explain realistic results to expect.
Even though liposuction removes fat from the patient's body, it won't treat dimpled or sagging skin. It also won't prevent the return of excess weight to the surgical sites. Failure to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly could result in the need for a repeat procedure in the future.
Tummy Tuck
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), nose reshaping (rhinoplasty), and facelift (rhytidectomy) follow liposuction as the most performed plastic surgery procedures in 2019, according to the ASPS. But the next most common body procedure, after lipo, is a tummy tuck. The ASPS's 2019 statistics show this procedure was most popular with the 40 to 54-year age group.
Also known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck eliminates excess fat and skin from the stomach or abdominal area due to aging, other types of surgeries, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or genetic factors. Unlike liposuction, the surgeon won't only remove fat from the area. This procedure allows the surgeon to eliminate excess skin and repair weakened muscles under the area.
While a tummy tuck can dramatically change the appearance of the abdominal area, it won't remove stretch marks on the skin. Even though it is more of a permanent procedure than liposuction, weight fluctuations can affect the results. After the surgical site heals and you're physically ready to return to an exercise routine, you'll need a healthy amount of activity and a nutritious diet.
Are you ready to change the look, shape, or feel of your body with one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the United States? Contact the office of
Ronald C. Barry, MD, for more information.
