For people who want to adjust their appearance and reach their beauty goals, cosmetic plastic surgery may be a great option. Cosmetic surgery can tighten and improve the appearance of skin, adjust facial features, add or remove hair, and much more.

Cosmetic plastic surgery may also be used for medical purposes, such as for people who have had accidents, to restore the function of a body part, or to repair scars from surgery.

There are many procedures available, so here is a look at the eight most common types of cosmetic plastic surgery:

1. Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation refers to procedures which increase the size or change the shape of the breasts. When the size of the breast is increased, the procedure may also be called ‘breast implant surgery’. Breast augmentation is not the same as breast lifts or breast reduction, which are actually different types of procedures.

2. Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion uses a specialized tool that gently ‘sands’ down the top layer of skin. Once the top layer of skin has been removed, the area heals and new skin replaces the old. The end result is smoother-looking skin.

Dermabrasion is usually used for:

• Acne scars
• Age spots
• Crow’s feet
• Growths or lesions on the skin
• Sun-damaged skin
• Wrinkles

3. Facelift

Facelifts repair sagging, loose, drooping, or wrinkled skin on the face. During this procedure, facial tissues are lifted, excess skin removed, and skin replaced over repositioned contours. Neck lifts are commonly done in conjunction with facelifts.

Other procedures commonly done along with facelifts include nose reshaping, forehead lifts, or eyelid surgery.

4. Hair transplantation

Hair transplantation surgery, also known as hair restoration, is performed to improve the appearance of baldness. In this procedure, hair is moved from an area of thick growth to a bald area.

In a single session, more than a thousand hairs may be moved. Some people may require more than one session. The hairs which are moved are permanent, which means that no long-term care is necessary. Most hair transplants result in successful hair growth after the procedure.

5. Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty refers to any surgery that repairs or reshapes the nose. Some people opt for rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons. Others may have a medical reason, such as difficulty breathing or birth defects.

Rhinoplasty can be used to:

• Increase or reduce the size of the nose
• Correct problems following an injury
• Correct birth defects
• Relieve or improve breathing problems
• Narrow the shape of the nostrils
• Change the shape of the bridge
• Change the angle of the nose

6. Lip augmentation

Lip augmentation aims to give the patient fuller-looking lips. Usually, injectable dermal fillers are used to increase lip volume, shape, or structure.

Lip augmentation is not permanent. The effects tend to last around 6 months before a second procedure is necessary to restore shape and volume.

7. Liposuction

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that improves the shape of the body by removing fat deposits. This procedure is not intended for weight loss.

Localized fat deposits are removed directly beneath the skin by using a vacuum-suction canula, a pen-shaped instrument. Ultrasound may also be used to break up fat deposits prior to removal with suction.

Liposuction can be performed on the arms, thighs, stomach, hips, face, buttocks, and back. Liposuction can also remove fat tumors (lipomas) as well as reduce the size of breasts in men. This procedure can be used on more than one area in a single day.

8. Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a ‘tummy tuck’, is used to improve the shape of the abdomen. Tummy tucks remove excess fat and skin and restore weakened or separated muscles in the abdomen in order to improve the profile. Tummy tucks can improve the appearance of loose or sagging skin, but cannot remove stretch marks.

A tummy tuck is not a replacement for an exercise routine or eating right for weight loss. The results of a tummy tuck are permanent, but maintaining a proper weight is critical to maintain the results.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery at Florida Medical Clinic

When you’re satisfied with your appearance, you feel happier and more confident in yourself. The Florida Medical Clinic Dermatology department specializes in both medical and cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. Our dermatologists work closely with you, prioritizing your goals and your health on the journey to help you achieve your ideal look.

Explore our dermatology services»