In today’s world, appearance is everything. It’s no wonder why millions of people each year choose to go under the knife to improve that part of their body that just isn’t quite the way they want it to be. According to a 2010 article by Jack Cafferty from CNN, Americans alone spent more than $10 billion on cosmetic procedures that year. The worldwide figures are likely much more than that. So what exactly are people spending so much of their money on to look great? Here are the top ten cosmetic procedures:
1. Botox and Fillers
These days, people are desperate to turn back the hands of time when it comes to signs of aging on their face. Instead of opting for a total facelift, many people choose Botox or dermal filler injections because they still produce great results with less recovery times. These injections are used to essentially fill wrinkles on the face, producing a smoother appearance. The results of the procedure can last up to several months, but won’t permanently get rid of wrinkles.
2. Laser Hair Removal
Hair has become somewhat of another four-letter curse word in our society. In addition to being unsightly, many people hate having to bother with constant shaving or painful waxing. New laser technology can zap hair follicles to nearly stop them from growing ever again. Laser hair removal is growing increasingly popular with men, too.
3. Liposuction
Liposuction is a quick, but definitely not painless, way of getting rid of body fat. Many people opt to have liposuction performed on their stomach, hips, buttocks, thighs, back, and even arms. During this procedure, fat cells are essentially broken up and sucked out of the body to aid in weight loss and body contouring. This quick fix certainly comes with a hefty price tag, though.
4. Breast Augmentation
Fortunately, women who weren’t born with optimal genetics still have an option for improving their look when it comes to breast size. Available in both silicon and saline, hundreds of thousands of women each year choose implants to improve their look and shape.
5. Nose Job
Those who feel like their nose is too big, too small, or asymmetrical, can opt for a nose job, or rhinosplasty to give their nose a new shape.
6. Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty , is a common procedure for both women and men to remove excess “overhang” eyelid skin. This procedure oftentimes isn’t done just cosmetic reasons, as excess eyelid skin can actually be a health risk that has a negative impact on vision.
7. Tummy Tuck
Tummy tucks sound simple, but they are actually one of the most invasive cosmetic surgeries on this list. It involves making an incision across the entire abdomen, stretching, and cutting off excess skin and fat. Yes, it probably sounds painful, but thousands of people each year elect to have this surgery to give their stomach a flatter and more desirable appearance.
8. Facelift
Like Botox and fillers, facelifts are popular for people who don’t want to look their age. During a face lift, the cosmetic surgeon makes incisions along the hair line and behind the ears to stretch sagging skin and suture it into place, reducing wrinkles and sagging skin on the face.
9. Arm Lift
After extreme weight loss or due to aging, it’s common for people to get “bat wings,” or that saggy, droopy skin that hangs off the upper arms. With an arm lift, people don’t have to be conscious of their flabby arms anymore.
10. Hair Transplant
Mainly popular for aging men, this modern technology involves harvesting healthy hair follicles from other areas of the scalp and implanting them in bald areas. Though this procedure comes at a cost of thousands of dollars, with nearly permanent results it is well worth the cost for many patients.
