Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

updated July 31, 2018

Are you unhappy with the shape of your body or one of your facial features? Plastic surgery procedures are designed to address cosmetic flaws that make patients feel self conscious about their appearance. At DocShop, we have complete information about various plastic surgery procedures, including their costs, associated risks, surgical techniques, and benefits.

Browse our website to learn more about the plastic surgery procedure that you desire. Simply click on the area of the body that you would like to improve upon, then navigate to the appropriate plastic surgery procedure; or continue reading to learn more about the five most commonly performed procedures in the United States.

Plastic Surgery and Aging

As your physical appearance matures, the plastic surgery options that yield the best results will change as well. Depending upon your unique aesthetic needs and physical characteristics, which change with age, some procedures are more suitable than others for achieving the look you desire. Learn more about cosmetic procedures that are commonly performed on people in your age group and watch our plastic surgery video to find out if treatment is right for you. Please note that a full consultation with a cosmetic surgeon is necessary to determine precisely which procedures will be safest and most effective for you.

In Your Teens

According to statistics provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, teenagers (aged 13-19) underwent more than 90,000 plastic surgery procedures in 2006. According to the organization, rhinoplasty, male breast reduction, and otoplasty are the most common procedures performed on teens.

In Your 20s

Patients in their 20s typically do not have to worry about cosmetic concerns associated with age. Cosmetic surgery procedures performed on patients of this age group are aimed at improving a specific area of the face or body. Breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and liposuction are some of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed on patients in their 20s. Skin care treatments are also popular amongst 20-somethings. Minimally invasive skin care procedures can improve the health and texture of the skin, and reduce the appearance of acne scars, sun damage, and other skin problems that can appear during adolescence.

In Your 30s

In the 30s, most patients only need a little upkeep to maintain a rejuvenated appearance.

RELATED: Find a qualified cosmetic surgeon in your area

Facial Rejuvenation

Men and women in their 30s may start to notice fine lines in the facial area, but they can typically be addressed with non-invasive treatments that require little to no downtime. For men and women seeking to refresh their skin and minimize the appearance of wrinkles, the following treatments are effective solutions:

Body Issues

By the time men and women hit their 30s, they typically find that their bodies don't respond to diet and exercise the way they did in the teens and 20s. Women who have had children may experience difficulty ridding their body of the excess skin and fat that accumulated during pregnancy. A slowing metabolism can result in pockets of fat that become more difficult to remove through diet and exercise. Body contouring treatments are designed to target problem areas, and can effectively tighten and refine specific areas of the body.

In Your 40s

Depending upon the severity of wrinkles, loose skin, and excess fat affecting the face and body, your cosmetic surgeon may recommend less invasive skin care treatments or a surgical procedure that provides more dramatic results. Below are some common areas that cosmetic patients in their 40s seek to have addressed through cosmetic surgery and dermatology procedures.

The Eyes and Brows

The main area of focus for patients in their 40s is often the eyes and brow region. During this time, the effects of aging and sun damage begin to appear in the form of fine wrinkles, which progress to moderate and deep wrinkles in areas of repetitive expression such as the forehead, brows, and eyes (crow’s feet). Because skin elasticity and facial fat volume is also diminishing in people in this age group, you may also begin to notice excess skin above and below the eyelids and drooping brows.

The Area around the Mouth

Skin laxity in the mouth, cheek, and jaw area is common among men and women in their 40s. Surgical and non-invasive treatments can improve the appearance of loose skin and wrinkles. The recommended treatment for patients seeking a change in their appearance include:.

The Neck Area

Men and women in their 40s may experience some loosening of the skin in the neck area. The formation of jowls along the jaw line and loose neck skin can be addressed with neck lift surgery, liposuction of the chin and neck, or a combination of the two.

The Body

During your 40s, your figure may also benefit from the assistance of a cosmetic surgeon. For many women in this age group, the breasts begin to droop and lose volume, which can be easily remedied with a breast lift with or without breast implants. Liposuction and tummy tuck are also popular plastic surgery procedures among both genders, as they help to help smooth and tone specific areas of the body.

The appearance of cellulite, stretch marks, varicose veins, and spider veins are a common complaint among patients in their 40s. What many men and women do not know is that there are now effective treatments that can target such problems.

Cellulite Reduction Treatments: VelaShape and VelaSmooth have been shown to diminish the appearance of cellulite.
Stretch Mark Removal Treatments: Natural stretch mark removal, laser stretch mark removal, and surgical stretch mark removal can reduce or eliminate the appearance of stretch marks.
Vein Removal Treatments: Natural vein removal, laser vein removal, sclerotherapy, and surgical vein removal can reduce the appearance of veins.

In Your 50s

The majority of patients in their 50s are interested in undergoing facial plastic surgery, skin care treatments, and reconstructive surgery. Read on to learn about some of the most common treatments performed on patients in their 50s.

Facial Plastic Surgery

Individuals in their 50s are usually most concerned with facial aging. Loss of skin elasticity and diminished facial volume can cause folds, deep wrinkles, and sagging skin, all of which can be addressed through facelift. Facelift offers both men and women unparalleled facial rejuvenation, and its effects can be enhanced when it is performed in combination with other plastic surgery procedures and skin treatments.

For those who have lost facial volume due to aging, facial implants for the chin and cheeks can restore youthful contours, redefine facial structure, and can easily be combined with a facelift. During your consultation with a cosmetic surgeon, you will have the opportunity to explore all of your facelift options and discuss additional procedures that may improve the final overall result, such as neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, and non-surgical treatments.

Skin Care

For individuals in their 50s who are concerned with skin care, a cosmetic surgeon may recommend more powerful skin rejuvenation procedures such as laser skin resurfacing, deep chemical peels, and intense pulsed light treatments to combat wrinkles, uneven skin tone, age spots, and sun damage. Daily use of physician recommended skin care products can help you maintain the results achieved with skin treatments, minimize signs of aging, and protect your skin.

In Your 60s

As long as you are a considered a “good candidate” for plastic surgery, it can be performed at any age. Your cosmetic surgeon will consider your physical health, the type of surgery, and your expectations when recommending procedures that can help you achieve your goals.

Facial Procedures

Most patients in their 60s and beyond undergo facial plastic surgery procedures, including facelift, brow lift, and eyelid surgery, to regain a youthful appearance.

Body Contouring

The success of body contouring techniques, including liposuction, tummy tuck, and lift procedures, among those in this age group depends on the thickness and elasticity of the skin, as well as the patient’s overall health.

Plastic Surgery Costs

The cost of cosmetic surgery can vary, depending on the plastic surgery procedure, the surgeon, and the area of the country where the surgery is being performed. The plastic surgery prices listed below are estimates; for specific pricing information, consult a cosmetic surgeon in your area.

Breast Surgery Procedures Cost Breakdown

Breast augmentation cost: $3,000 - $5,000
Breast lift cost: $4,000 - $6,000
Breast reconstruction cost: $3,000 - $9,000
Breast reduction cost: $5,000-$10,000

Facial Plastic Surgery Prices

Brow lift cost: $3,000
Eyelid surgery cost: $4,000
Facelift cost: $6,000
Lip augmentation cost: $300-$5,000
Neck lift cost: $5,000
Otoplasty cost: $2,000-$5,000
Rhinoplasty cost: $5,000

Body Contouring Surgery Pricing Breakdown:

Liposuction cost: $1,500 - $8,000
Tummy tuck cost: $3,000-$10,000
Body lift cost: $10,000 - $17,000

Many patients choose their cosmetic surgeon based on prices for plastic surgery rather than credentials. It is important to thoroughly research your doctor to ensure that he or she has the requisite training, experience, and facility. Making sure you get the results you desire the first time around could mean lower cosmetic surgery costs in the long run. Choosing an inexperienced surgeon could jeopardize your safety and result in health problems or the need for follow-up surgeries.

Cosmetic Surgery Financing

Some surgeons work with local companies to help patients finance healthcare treatments. Cosmetic surgery financing allows patients to break up the costs of their cosmetic surgery treatment into affordable monthly payments.

Other Payment Options

Most surgeons offer patients a range of payment options to help cover plastic surgery costs, including cash, check, and credit cards. In addition, most doctors offer plastic surgery financing plans to help patients set up an affordable payment schedule. Talk to the surgeons in your area to find out which payment and financing options are available to patients.

Plastic Surgery and Insurance

Most plastic surgery procedures cost thousands of dollars. This makes it difficult for many prospective patients to afford the cost of their desired procedures, considering most cosmetic treatments are not covered by health insurance policies. In the majority of cases, plastic surgery is considered elective treatment that is not medically necessary to maintain patients' health. However, there are specific cases in which health insurance will cover the entire cost of, or a portion of, cosmetic surgery procedures.

Overly Large Breasts: When women have overly large breasts that cause back and neck problems, they may be able to obtain insurance coverage for their breast reduction procedure. Patients will need to show proof of other treatments for back or neck problems, including chiropractic, massage, and medication receipts.
Eyelid Ptosis: Upper eyelid skin can become lax due to the aging process, genetics, and other factors. If upper eyelid skin begins to block vision, your health insurance company may cover the price of upper eyelid surgery to tighten the skin.
Breathing Obstructions: A person's nasal passage can be obstructed due to congenital flaws or injury. When nasal blockages make it difficult for people to breathe, your doctor may recommend nose surgery, also known as rhinoplasty, to correct the problem.
Reconstructive Surgery: When a person needs reconstructive surgery to address birth defects, traumatic injury from an accident, or areas affected by a disease, your health insurance policy should cover the cost of cosmetic reconstructive surgery. Some of the reconstructive surgery procedures that can be covered by health insurance include:
- Breast reconstruction
- Skin cancer reconstruction
- Cleft lip and palate repair
- Scar revision
- Skin grafts

Looking for Male Cosmetic Surgery Options?

According to statistics compiled by the American Society of Plastic Surgery, the popularity of male cosmetic surgery continues to increase. Here are some of the most commonly performed procedures for men:

Male Cosmetic Surgery for the Body

Are you interested in undergoing a cosmetic procedure? Then read the sections below to learn more about the body contouring options for men:

Liposuction: Male liposuction is becoming increasingly common in the United States and around the world. Learn more about liposuction for men, from the cost of the procedure to the areas of the body men are most commonly sculpting with liposuction.
Laser Hair Removal: Laser hair removal is ideal for any man with unwanted back, chest, and other body hair. The laser hair removal procedure is simple and virtually painless and can be performed on most areas of the body.
Tummy Tuck: Male abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a common procedure among aging men concerned with natural fat redistribution to the midsection. Abdominoplasty can produce a flatter, tighter, more aesthetically appealing stomach.
Male Breast Reduction: Gynecomastia is the technical term for enlarged male breasts. The causes of gynecomastia vary, but, due to recent advances in male breast reduction surgery, the condition can be treated.
Bicep Implants: Bicep implants are a plastic surgery option available to patients who wish to increase the mass and definition of the upper arms.
Calf Implants: Calf implants are a cosmetic surgery option designed to add size and definition to underdeveloped lower legs.
Pec Implants: Pectoral implants are a popular plastic surgery option for men seeking to shape and enhance their chest muscles.

Facial Plastic Surgery for Men

Facial plastic surgery options for men include:

Rhinoplasty: Male rhinoplasty is a surgery for men that has become very popular in light of the fact that it can alter the shape and contour of the nose, a source of embarrassment and self-consciousness for many men.
Face Lift: Male face lift procedures minimize many of the signs of aging experienced by men. A face lift for men achieves benefits similar to those enjoyed by women, while being tailored to male cosmetic needs. Use DocShop to locate male face lift specialists in your area.
Eyelid Surgery: Male eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty for men, is a cosmetic procedure designed to correct drooping upper eyelids and puffiness around the eyes. More and more men are undergoing this surgical procedure as a way of rejuvenating the face and eliminating signs of aging.
Brow Lift: For an increasing number of men, brow lift (forehead lift) surgery is an excellent way to address the eyebrow drooping and forehead creasing that come with age. Brow (forehead) lift procedures for men are different than procedures designed to treat women, and the surgeon must take several factors into consideration to attain a natural look.
BOTOX® Injections: BOTOX® injections for men are a convenient way for males to enhance their appearance without undergoing surgery.
Otoplasty: Male ear surgery can be used to reshape and recontour the ears for an improved appearance. Ears that are disproportionately large or that protrude sometimes attract the wrong kind of attention. Ear surgery for men, or otoplasty, can also be used to treat cauliflower ear.

Find Plastic Surgeons in Your Area

The best plastic surgeons blend art with science for stunning results. At DocShop, we provide prospective plastic surgery patients with an easy-to-use online directory of cosmetic surgeons. Complete with physician profiles, lists of procedures offered, and direct links to the doctors' websites, you can be sure to find a reputable surgeon at DocShop. Find the top cosmetic surgeons in your area today.

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