Cosmetic Surgery In United States

Improving your appearance through cosmetic surgery in the United States has become increasingly popular with an average increase of 4% per year over the last five years. The popularity of cosmetic surgery in the United States today reflects not only changes in the public’s perception of cosmetic surgery and acceptance of cosmetic surgery to enhance your appearance, but also the fact that new cosmetic surgery techniques are less invasive and safer. Although the terms cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery in the United States are frequently used interchangeably, they are different in law and practice. In general, cosmetic surgery in the United States is a broader category of procedures and practitioners than plastic surgery.

In common parlance, cosmetic surgery in the United States refers to procedures that improve form, appearance, and positively impact a person’s self esteem. Plastic surgery, on the other hand, helps patients through surgical repair of defect in form and function. Although plastic surgery may include cosmetic surgery, it is only performed by a physician who is board-certified by the in plastic surgery. A cosmetic surgeon in the United States is also a medical doctor. However, his board certifications may include: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Otolaryngology, General Surgery, Ophthalmology with completion of an American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and an approved Oculoplastic fellowship, Dermatology, or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

The most common cosmetic surgery procedures performed in the United States in 2006 were: breast augmentation and reduction, cosmetic surgery liposuction, cosmetic surgery eyelid surgery, and cosmetic surgery tummy tuck. Minimally invasive or non-surgical cosmetic surgeries in the United States were procedures generally used 10 times more frequently in 2006 than reconstructive cosmetic surgery procedures. Leading the pack in frequency of non-invasive cosmetic surgery in the United States was Botox injections with more than 4 million cosmetic surgery procedures. Other frequent non-invasive cosmetic surgery procedures included: chemical peels, laser hair removal, laser skin resurfacing, microderm abrasion, and treatment with hyaluronic acid. All procedures were performed by a cosmetic surgeon.

You can find licensed and qualified cosmetic surgeons in the United States in every state. California has the largest number of AACS cosmetic surgeons in the United States with about twice as many as the next highest state, Florida. New York and Texas have more than 100 licensed cosmetic surgeons each. To find out whether a surgeon is board certified, you can search by state or country at either Plastic Surgery Research or The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (APSP). ASPS are the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and include 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States.

It is imperative when choosing your cosmetic surgeon in the United States that you do your research and make an informed decision. It is sad to say, but many people are more proactive in researching their next automotive purchase, than they are in selecting a physician. Your selection process should include:

• Finding out the cosmetic surgeon’s credentials. Most cosmetic surgeons in the United States and cosmetic surgeon referral services maintain a list of schools attended, certifications, licenses, and memberships. You want someone who is knowledgeable about your desired cosmetic surgery procedure.
• Ask your friends for recommendations about cosmetic surgeons. But, keep in mind that physicians specialize in different areas of cosmetic surgery in the United States, so you need to make sure you are getting referrals for cosmetic surgeons who specialize in the cosmetic surgery procedures you have selected.
• If possible, in the United States meet with the cosmetic surgeon before you make a decision. You want to make sure that you are comfortable with them as a person as well as a cosmetic surgeon.
• Ask about their cosmetic surgery recovery procedures. Find out if the cosmetic surgeon has a hospital affiliation and admitting privileges in the United States.
• Ask about your cosmetic surgery procedure. What preparation is required and most important, what should you expect to experience during recovery from your cosmetic surgery in the United States.
• Every state maintains a list of physicians licensed to practice cosmetic surgery in that state – it pays to check it. Most states include information on any actions against that cosmetic surgeon. State medical boards do not however always maintain a list of certifications in board specialties, such as plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery in the United States. You can find out this information about cosmetic surgeons through the American Board of Medical Specialties. Again, it is in your best interests to check up on the background of your cosmetic surgeon before deciding on a cosmetic surgery in the United States.

Rewarding yourself with the improved self esteem that results from looking your best, is a present you deserve. Finding and selecting the right cosmetic surgery and cosmetic surgeon in the United States is the only smart way to proceed.