If you are considering plastic surgery of any kind, make sure you do plenty of research before taking the plunge! Surgery is a major step and there are risks involved that you should be aware of.
Always consult a reputable plastic surgeon, one who has been recommended by someone you trust if possible, and prepare a list of questions you want to ask just in case you forget something.
A good surgeon will go through every little detail of the procedure, the associated risks and the financial aspect with you to ensure that you are fully informed.
One of the most popular types of plastic surgery is breast augmentation, which involved inserting breast implants to achieve larger breasts or enhance the shape of the breasts.
Many women choose this procedure after weight loss or pregnancy.
Another type of surgery is liposuction, where unwanted fat is removed from the body, commonly the waist, stomach, buttocks, arms and thighs.
Abdominoplasty is also known as a tummy tuck and gets rid of excess fat and skin to create a smoother, tighter tummy area, which many people find hard to do through diet and exercise.
An arm lift reshapes the upper arms; another stubborn area that women in particular may find difficult to tighten.
If you are concerned about signs of ageing on your face and neck, a face lift may be an option for you.
An alternative to a full face lift is a brow lift, which decreases creases across the forehead area and makes the whole face look firmer and younger.
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) has a similar effect.
A nose job (rhinoplasty) is another popular surgical procedure that reshapes the nose to improve its appearance and give balance to the entire face.
Laser skin treatments are growing in popularity as women and men alike seek new ways to improve skin tone and facilitate skin tightening.
Skin resurfacing takes away thin layers of facial tissue using different laser treatments, such as ablative and non-ablative treatments using intense light energy.
A consultation with an expert will determine what treatment is best for your particular skin, depending on what you hope to achieve from the procedure.
Laser skin treatments can help those suffering from acne, skin pigment damage such as melasma, stubborn wrinkles and cellulite.
If you have scars from severe acne or surgery, laser treatments can help reduce their appearance and create a smoother, more supple skin surface.
The Internet is a great resource for researching surgery and treatment options.
Educate yourself and arrange an appointment with your consultant armed with the knowledge to help you make the right surgery choice for you.
Remember to look at your budget, and ask about payment options; many surgeons offer monthly payment plans to spread the cost and make the procedures more affordable in the short term.
Plastic surgery and other skin improvement procedures should give you only positive results, but you need to do your homework before rushing into anything to reduce the risk of regretting your decision.