The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery came up with a shocking report in 2011. It said that around 9 million surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States that year alone. The number rose by 1 percent compared to 2010 and by 197 percent since 1997. Seems like Americans have adopted themselves a crazy craze for cosmetic surgeries.
Read on for the top 5 surgical and nonsurgical procedures conducted by lots in 2011.
1. Botulinum toxin type A (nonsurgical)
- Number of procedures in 2011: 2,619,739
Botulinum is a neurotoxin that blocks nerve signals which temporarily weakens or paralyzes the muscle causing a wrinkle.
Risks might include bruising, infection and might affect the nearby muscle groups.
2. Hyaluronic acid (nonsurgical)
- Number of procedures in 2011: 1,206,186
Hyaluronic acid has a class of soft tissue fillers that is used to treat wrinkles or facial aging. The compound injected into the skin lasts for 3 months in high mobility areas such as the lips and up to one year for smile lines around the nose.
Risks might include bruising, lumpiness, redness, and local infections but is quite rare.
3. Laser hair removal (nonsurgical)
- Number of procedures in 2011: 919,802
In laser hair removal, low-energy laser beam is passed through a patient’s skin down the hair shafts to disable hair growth.
Risks might include slight redness of the skin or mild swelling around the hairs. Patients with darker skin may not respond much.
4. Microdermabrasion (nonsurgical)
- Number of procedures in 2011: 499,427
In Microdermabrasion, crow’s feet, age spots and acne scars are removed through a mechanical hand piece. It is applied to the skin to remove dead skin cells and to stimulate new cell and collagen growth.
No recorded side effects.
5. IPL laser treatment (nonsurgical)
- Number of procedures in 2011: 439,161
In IPL laser treatment, the skin is treated with intense pulsed light to remove skin pigmentation problems like birth marks and age spots. Light is applied to the surface to change the skin’s melanin to make them less visible.
Risks might include skin irritation.
6. Liposuction aka lipoplasty (surgical)
- Number of procedures in 2011: 325,332
In liposuction, a hollow metal suction tube is passed through the fatty tissue to remove fatty deposits around the body. At times, an ultrasound is used to break down fat cells for removal.
Risks might include hematoma, infection, scarring or other indentations or skin irregularities.
7. Breast augmentation (surgical)
- Number of procedures in 2011: 316,848
In breast augmentation, an incision is made by creating a pocket underneath the pectoral muscle to insert the implant. Women can choose between a saline or silicone-filled implant.
Risks might include scarring, infection and a potential need to remove implants in the future.
8. Tummy tuck aka abdominoplasty (surgical)
- Number of procedures in 2011: 149,410
Abdominoplasty removes excessive or sagging abdominal skin. A horizontal incision is made above the pubic area or above the belly button depending on the area of loose skin. The surgeon brings loose underlying tissue and muscle together with sutures to tighten the abdominal wall.
Risks might include bleeding, infection, and tissue loss along the incision or fluid buildup under the skin.
9. Cosmetic eyelid surgery aka blepharoplasty (surgical)
- Number of procedures in 2011: 147,540
Blepharoplasty is performed when there is excess skin on the eyelids. The skin impact vision or gives puffy appearance or bags and circles under the eyes. Incisions are made in the upper or lower eyelids to remove excess skin and fatty tissue.
Risks might include hematoma (an accumulation of blood under the skin), infection, scarring or damage to underlying structures and impaired eyelid function.
10. Breast lift (surgical)
- Number of procedures in 2011: 127,054
Breast lift is a surgical procedure where surgeon makes incisions around the breast and areola to remove excess skin. He shifts the nipple and areola to a higher position. The skin that is located above the areola is brought down and together beneath it to reshape the breast.
Risks might include bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia or asymmetry.
Akshay Agarwal
Latest posts by Akshay Agarwal (see all)
- Indian Funky Nightwear Brand for Babies and Kids Online - November 11, 2020
- Children’s Boutique Clothing Manufacturers in India - September 25, 2020
- Kids Celebrity Designer – Aastha Agarwal to showcase her collection at India Kids Fashion Week in Jaipur - September 7, 2019