While it is important that everyone follow a good diet and exercise routine to maintain overall health and prevent future medical problems, there are some cosmetic flaws that diet and exercise cannot fix. These patients may choose to undergo cosmetic surgery in the months before summer to get their bodies bikini-ready.

Breast Augmentation

One of the most popular procedures plastic surgeons perform on patients is breast augmentation. Many women are not genetically blessed with naturally full breasts that fill out their bikini tops, bras, and other clothes. Breast implants come in various volumes so women can select the size that will suit their body types and aesthetic goals.

Tummy Tuck

Women who have been pregnant and lost a significant amount of weight may have accumulated excess skin in the abdominal area. This extra skin can be removed and the remaining skin tightened. The tummy tuck produces a more contoured stomach and gives women the confidence to wear a bathing suit.

Not surprisingly, the number of plastic surgery procedures performed last year has decreased. Still, the widespread popularity of cosmetic surgery and non-invasive aesthetic procedures is evident as millions of patients did undergo treatment despite the poor economy.

Plastic Surgery Statistics in the Past 12 Years

1997: 2,099,173
1998: 2,772,924
1999: 4,606,954
2000: 5,741,154
2001: 8,470,363
2002: 6,889,531
2003: 8,251,994
2004: 11,855,013
2005: 11,428,750
2006: 11,456,768
2007: 11,701,031
2008: 10,258,557
2009: 9,993,771

The ASAPS report also includes general information about the patient, such as the gender of the person that underwent surgery.

Most Popular Procedures for Women

Breast augmentation: 311,957
Liposuction: 243,217
Eyelid surgery: 124, 939
Abdominoplasty: 123,041
Breast reduction: 113,511

Most Popular Procedures for Men

Liposuction: 40,519
Rhinoplasty: 32,661
Eyelid surgery: 25,004
Gynecomastia: 16,801
Hair transplantation: 13,064

For more plastic surgery statistics, visit the ASAPS website.

Tummy Tuck

Many patients that undergo the tummy tuck procedure experienced significant stretching of the skin during pregnancy. However, those who have gained and lost a lot of weight may also be appropriate candidates for abdominoplasty, During the procedure, an incision is made across the abdomen, then the cosmetic surgeon skin and underlying muscles are tightened.

Arm Lift

The arm lift procedure removes lax skin along the arm to create more taut contour.

Thigh Lift

Extra skin on the thighs can cause significant embarrassment and discomfort to patients. Dr. Deuber can target problem areas on the thighs to remove excess skin and improve appearance.

Body Lift

Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight after bariatric surgery or diet and exercise may need a combination of lifting procedures performed. These men and women may be appropriate candidates for the body lift procedure.

Age Restrictions

According to FDA guidelines, women should wait to undergo breast augmentation until they are at least 18 or 22 years of age, depending on the type of implants they wish to have placed. There are no minimum age requirements in place for women that undergo breast reconstruction.

Types of Breast Implants

Saline implants made by Allergan and Mentor were approved by the FDA for use in women 18 years and older in May of 2000. They are approved for use in breast reconstruction procedures for patients in all age groups.

Both companies’ silicone implants received FDA approval in November of 2006. Silicone implants are approved for women 22 years of age and older, and for breast reconstruction patients of all ages.

Certain medications and herbal products should not be taken for at least two weeks before your breast augmentation surgery date. These products include:

• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Aspirin
• Birth control pills
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Estrogen
• Garlic supplements
• St. John’s Wort
• Green tea
• Vitamin E

Be sure to discuss any medications you are taking with your surgeon before surgery.

Smoking

If you smoke cigarettes, you must quit at least two to four weeks before surgery.

Arrange Time Off of Work

You will want to schedule at least one week off of work so you have time to rest after your breast augmentation surgery.

Take Care of Necessary Tasks

In the days prior to your surgery date, you should pay your bills, complete any housework or laundry that needs to be done, go grocery shopping, and fill your prescriptions so you don’t have to worry about these tasks during your recovery.

Alcohol

Refrain from drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before surgery.

Arrange a Ride Home after Surgery

You will be unable to drive in the days following your surgery, so be sure to have a family member or friend drive you home from surgery and available to help you during your recovery period.

Food and Drink

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night of your surgery.

The Day of Surgery

On the day of your surgery, please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Do not wear contact lenses or jewelry.

Plastic Surgery

According the American Society of Plastic Surgeon’s 2006 procedural statistics, the most requested cosmetic surgery procedures include:

• Breast augmentation: 329,396
• Rhinoplasty: 307,258
• Liposuction: 302,789
• Eyelid surgery: 233,200
• Tummy tuck: 146,240

Skin Care

ASPS statistics from that same year list the following non-surgical treatments as the most popular:

• BOTOX injections: 4,090,517
• Chemical peels: 1,063,423
• Laser hair removal: 887,039
• Microdermabrasion: 816,774I
• Hyaluronic acid (such as Restylane): 778,285

Cosmetic Dentistry

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry polled U.S. dentists in 2006 and determined that the following dental procedures were performed the most:

• Direct Bonding - Posterior: 2,630,000
• Crown & Bridge Work: 1,850,000
• Direct Bonding - Anterior: 1,300,000
• Veneers: 599,400 total.
• Inlays/Onlays: 466,200
• Professional Teeth Whitening: 389,000

Bariatric Surgery

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery has not compiled statistics regarding the number of bariatric procedures performed in the United States since 2003, when more than 103,000 patients underwent gastric bypass surgery. In 2002, 67,000 patients underwent the surgery.

13-19 years: 5% (81,885 procedures)
Three most popular procedures:
1. Rhinoplasty
2. Breast reduction in men
3. Breast augmentation

20-29 years: 16% (271,142 procedures)
Three most popular procedures:
1. Breast augmentation
2. Rhinoplasty
3. Liposuction

30-39 years: 23% (390,967 procedures)
Three most popular procedures:
1. Breast augmentation
2. Liposuction
3. Rhinoplasty

40-54 years: 33% (553,242 procedures)
Three most popular procedures:
1. Liposuction
2. Eyelid surgery
3. Breast augmentation

55+ years: 22% (371,790)
Three most popular procedures:
1. Eyelid surgery
2. Facelift
3. Dermabrasion

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in four out five of the age groups included in the study, while rhinoplasty and liposuction are popular in three out of five categories.

Although silicone implants come pre-filled and are generally more expensive than saline implants, they look and feel more natural, making them popular among women who choose to undergo enlargement surgery.

Women who choose to have their saline implants replaced with silicone implants can usually expect a shorter surgical time and recovery period than they experienced during the initial augmentation procedure. During the first breast augmentation surgery, the surgeon must create a pocket for the implant; when the implant is replaced, there is already space to accommodate the new implant. In many cases, the patient can recovery from surgery and return to work within a few days.

During implant revision surgery, changes can also be made to the size of the implant. Dallas plastic surgeon Mark Deuber is experienced in performing breast implant replacement surgery, contact our practice today to schedule a cosmetic surgery consultation at our practice.

Breast Augmentation and Lift

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular procedures performed by plastic surgeons. The procedure is designed to enlarge the breasts with placement of implants. While the procedure can provide some extra lift to the breasts, it is not enough to correct severe sagging. Women who have breast ptosis may also be interested in undergoing the lift procedure so the surgeon can get the breasts in a more youthful looking position.

Breast Augmentation and Tummy Tuck

Some women who undergo breast enlargement surgery need a lift in the abdomen area instead of the breast area. These women may be interested in the abdominoplasty procedure, which is designed to remove areas of excess skin in the stomach area.

Breast Augmentation and Liposuction

Liposuction is another treatment that is commonly performed with breast augmentation. During liposuction, the surgeon can suction fat out of problems areas such as the abdomen, hips, or arms.

The Shafer Plastic Surgery App was the first plastic surgery app made available to consumers just last month for $2.99. It is connected to a database of more than 1,000 frequently asked questions about specific plastic surgery procedures. It is intended to educated potential plastic surgery patients about the procedures in which they are interested.

The iSurgeon app launches this month and includes features that allow users to play the surgeon on images of themselves or others. Those who have the app can adjust the appearance of breasts, noses, lips, and other areas of the face and body. Whether you want to enlarge or reduce certain body parts, or make other improvements, the iSurgeon app can help you visualize what you would look like after plastic surgery.