Plastic surgery is on a roll for the past few years. In a report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), surgeons performed more than 17 million procedures in 2017. It was an increase of 2% compared to the previous year. Within the same period, Utah ranked sixth among the states with the highest cosmetic surgery rates. No one will fault you—even be surprised—to know that you are thinking of having one.
The industry, though, is getting broader, and sometimes the different procedures can become confusing. To help you discuss what you want with the surgeon more effectively, know what the popular terms mean:
1. Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation
Breasts can droop or sag for a variety of reasons. It can be because of genetics, aging, and even gravitational pull. If you want to improve the position of the boobs, what you’re looking for is a breast lift in Utah.
Also called mastopexy, the procedure involved removing the excess skin around the breast tissue. Then the surgeon improves the contour by reshaping the breasts. They may also reposition or reduce the size of the areola.
Breast augmentation, meanwhile, is the surgical process of increasing the breast size. It may involve introducing implants or saline. A more modern technique is transferring one’s fat into the breast tissue.
They may be different procedures, but it’s not unusual for patients to undergo both. Usually, the surgeons perform augmentation first.
2. Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction vs. Body Lift
It’s easy to confuse a tummy tuck, liposuction, and body lift since they tend to work around the same areas and concern: fat deposits. The mechanisms and the best candidates, though, can vary.
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is the process of excising the excess skin and fat around the abdominal area. It may also involve the strengthening of the abdominal muscles, which might have stretched during weight gain or pregnancy.
Liposuction is the removal of the fatty deposits in many areas of the body. These include the hips, thighs, and arms. These parts tend to be elastic, so they can still achieve contour after the procedure. It is best for people with stubborn small fat deposits. It is not a weight loss solution.
Body lift has a similar process as a tummy tuck. The primary difference is the areas worked on. Surgeons usually deal with the excess skin and fat around the thighs, buttocks, and hips.
3. Facelift vs. Neck Lift
A neck lift is a surgical procedure characterized by the removal of the sagging and excess skin in the neck, chin, and jowls. A facelift is comprehensive. It also involves the cheeks, mouth, and the forehead.
For those who have minimal or less-visible fine lines or wrinkles, as well as less volume loss on the face, they can benefit from a less invasive procedure such as Botox.
Now that you know the difference, you may have a better idea of the procedures you want. Note, though, that the best way to undergo surgery is to consult a certified surgeon. They can help you decide on the methods that can provide the most desirable outcomes.
