Is Cosmetic Surgery Right For You?

For many of us, we go through most of our lives paying minimal attention to our skin. Sure, we moisturize and hopefully use our SPF30 on a regular basis but pampering our skin on a daily basis is not practical for most people.

Then one day we wake up and notice that the face we've paid little attention to over the years has just started looking a little worn. We might begin to see a few more noticeable lines or we might look a little tired with bags under our eyes. Our eyelids may look a bit droopier and our cheeks might sag a little more than they use to.

Ten to twenty years ago there weren't many options to droopy, saggy, wrinkled skin but today we have lots of them and cosmetic surgery is looming to the top of the list as one of the most popular remedies around.

Did you know that according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, men accounted for 1.2 million cosmetic procedures in 2004? It's a known fact that men don't want to look any older than women do.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) the top 5 cosmetic procedures were:

For women:
1 Liposuction
2 Breast Augmentation
3 Eyelid Surgery
4 Facelift
5 Chemical Peel

For Men:
1 Nose Reshaping
2 Eyelid Surgery
3 Liposuction
4 Hair Transplantation
5 Breast Reduction

The new five-year trending data shows cosmetic procedures are up 24 percent from 2000.

Also in the running are the non-surgical procedures which have increased as much as 7% in 2004. They include such procedures as:
- Botox
- Laser hair removal
- Chemical peels
- microdermabrasions

So is cosmetic surgery right for you?

Well, I can't speak for everyone but there are a few things to consider and some questions you should ask yourself before going under the knife..

First and foremost, cosmetic surgery is 'surgery' and it hurts - ouch! As with any surgery, there is a healing period and there is swelling and puffiness immediately afterwards. Don't expect to look beautiful right out of surgery. It's going to take some time and patience.

Understand that a nose job or a face lift won't necessarily make you beautiful and it probably won't change how the world feels about you. In fact, patients have been known to feel a sense of disappointment after their procedures and for this reason it's important to understand how significant the changes will be, they may only be very subtle.

If you're considering plastic surgery ask yourself these things first:

Why do I want cosmetic surgery? Who am I doing this for?

If it's because your friend says you have a big nose or if you think looking more beautiful for your husband he will pay more attention to you then,you're a poor candidate. Hoping to impress your friends or hoping your husband will be more attentive are poor reasons.

A new face, nose or body won't change how others feel about you and if it does, it will only be temporary.

Can I afford This?

Most cosmetic surgery is not covered by health insurance unless it is health related. If you have to scrape money together to do this you're better off looking into non-surgical or less invasive treatments.

What if the results are not what I expected? Again, there's a chance that expectations won't be met. Be sure you are ready financially and emotionally to undergo more treatment if you're results are underwhelming.

As with any high cost, risky procedure, think it through. Don't act on a whim. Discuss the procedure with relatives and friends. Get some outside opinions.

If you're still interested in pursuing cosmetic surgery be sure you are in good health. A good candidate doesn't smoke, is emotionally stable and does not experience any major health disorders such as heart disease, diabetes or blood pressure issues.

Elizabeth McGee is an online skincare consultant who reviews skincare products and their benefits.

Visit Elizabeth's website: http://www.fine-skin-care-products.com and receive your free 'Beauty and Weight Loss Tips Guide'.

---

Novelty Contact Lenses are Fun if Used Safely

It must be Halloween or you are in a play... Read More

Top 10 Tips for Great Wedding Day Hair

These tips assume that you are going to be using... Read More

How to Improve Your Skin?s Elasticity

If you are a woman in your late 30's or... Read More

Dry Skin Prevention Tips

If you suffer from dry skin your probably always looking... Read More

Looking For A Tanning Bed For Cheap?

If you want a tanning bed for cheap there are... Read More

Spray Tan Basics

I miss summer! I think I suffer from season depression... Read More

Want to Try on That New Hair Style Before You Get It?

Hair Styles Cuts And Dos Review:Description: Hair Style Editor, Photo... Read More

The Key Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

With so many applications for hyaluronic acid (also known as... Read More

Rhinoplasty Before and After - Surgery and Recovery

Now that you have made the decision to undergo rhinoplasty... Read More

Sunless Sun Tanning

With more and more of us understanding the serious consequences... Read More

Cleanse and Stimulate Your Scalp with the Right Shampoo!

Shampoo contributes to good hair care. In our quest for... Read More

Dangers of Tanning Beds and How to Prevent Them!

The subject of the dangers of tanning beds use has... Read More

Smoking, Can it Harm My Skin?

Yes it can harm it in several ways. Here are... Read More

Being a Beautiful Bride

Everybody wants to be a glowing beautiful bride on that... Read More

Treating Ingrown Hairs -- Product Comparison

Ingrown hairs occur when hairs that have been waxed or... Read More

Retinol: One of the Best Over-the-counter Anti-wrinkle Ingredients

Dermatologists praise Retinol as an excellent over-the counter anti-wrinkle ingredient.... Read More

Beauty Consultant on Skin Care Basics

If you're like many women you are confused about how... Read More

Fashion Wigs - Change Your Image in Seconds!

Do you want to be a blonde one day and... Read More

Recovering from Rhinoplasty Surgery

After rhinoplasty surgery, your doctor will send you home with... Read More

The Many Faces Of Mascara

After finding the right foundation shade, choosing mascara is probably... Read More

New Sources of Hyaluronic Acid Provide Hope for Increased Availability

Recent research into the purification of Hyaluronic acid (HA) from... Read More

Contact Lenses - A Beginners Guide To Inserting & Removing Them The Right Way

I must admit that putting contact lenses in for the... Read More

Plastic Surgery - A Risky Business

When most of us think of plastic surgery, we contemplate... Read More

Hot Colors for Cooler Days

Labor Day not only marks the end of the summer... Read More

The Advantages of Sunless Tanning Booths

While many people recall seemingly endless hours outdoors soaking up... Read More