The Top 10 Most Common Plastic Surgeries and What Charleston Residents Should Know

Plastic Surgery is becoming more common every year. Ever-expanding technologies and added knowledge in the field have made it easier to get the results you are looking for. With the right surgeon it is possible to have work done without it being obvious to the world. Due to these benefits, despite the fact that most have to pay out-of-pocket for elective surgery, more and more people are choosing to take the steps to rectify issues they may be having with their appearance.

At Port City Plastic Surgery, we want to make sure our Mount Pleasant, NC area patients are fully informed on their options. Read on to discover important information about the top 10 most common plastic surgeries.

1. Liposuction

Liposuction involves the removal of body fat from specific areas using targeted suction. It has long been one of the most utilized procedures for people who desire a trimmer silhouette in certain areas.  Using tumescent liposuction, Dr. Widenhouse injects the area with a solution that will loosen the fat cells and numb the area. A hollow needle is then inserted and suction is utilized to remove the fat.

Recovery time for liposuction is relatively short, allowing a patient to return to work within one to two weeks, depending on the breadth of their treatment.

2. Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, or the surgical enlargement of the breasts, can be done for a variety of reasons. Some patients simply desire larger breasts, others are attempting to regain symmetry or replace breast tissue lost due to a mastectomy or other condition. Available in the form of either silicone or saline implants, breast augmentation continues to be one of the more popular plastic surgeries.

After a breast augmentation, patients can usually return to normal activities after one to two weeks. Additional time may be needed to resume high impact activities, such as running.

3. Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Reshaping Surgery)

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid reshaping surgery, can be done on the upper or lower eyelids. Sagging or excess skin in the upper eyelids can impede visibility as well as contribute to a tired or aged look. Puffy or wrinkly lower eyelids can be reduced in order to create a more youthful appearance. Depending on the patients’ needs, these surgeries can be done alone or in conjunction with each other.

After the surgery, your eyes will be swollen and tender, and you will not be able to drive. Most people feel comfortable returning to work in about a week’s time.

4. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

An abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck,” involves the removal and tightening of excess skin in the abdominal area. Not to be confused with liposuction, abdominoplasty is perfect for those who have loose skin around their abdomen due to a recent pregnancy or as the result of significant weight loss, perhaps as the result of bariatric surgery.

Patients are usually able to return to their normal activities two to three weeks after surgery. It may be recommended to avoid more high-impact activities for a longer period of time.

5. Breast Reduction

Oversized breasts can cause a myriad of health and comfort issues. Breast reduction surgery can help to relieve back pain, posture, and self-image issues that can be caused by having breasts of excessive heft or size. Since the benefits of breast reduction surgery so often go beyond the aesthetic, it is one of the plastic surgeries most often covered by insurance.

Similar to breast augmentation, the recovery time for breast reduction surgery is usually about one to two weeks. It may be longer before you can resume high-impact activities.

6. Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose job, is the procedure of improving the size and shape of your nose in order to achieve a more pleasing appearance. Patients may choose to smooth out bumps, address a too large or too wide nose, or to correct an issue due to an accident or defect. Since some rhinoplasty surgeries work to improve functionality issues, it is possible that the procedure will be covered by insurance.

After rhinoplasty, it is common to experience swelling and bruising. The nose will also be braced and packed to encourage healing in the correct shape. Patients normally return to work less than two weeks after surgery.

7. Rhytidectomy (Facelift)

A rhytidectomy, otherwise known as a facelift, works to restore a youthful appearance to an aging face. Dr. Widenhouse will tighten the skin of the face, smoothing out wrinkles and decreasing the effects of gravity in the form of sagging. This can be combined with other facial procedures for a broader effect.

Most patients are able to return to work within two weeks, though some redness and bruising can be expected. Final results may not be fully apparent until about twelve weeks after the procedure.

8. Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

A patient often pursues a mastopexy, or breast lift, if they feel that their breasts are deflated or misshapen due to gravity, weight loss, or pregnancy. A breast lift can reverse the effects of gravity by removing excess skin and repositioning the nipple for a more youthful silhouette. Sometimes patients choose to combine a mastopexy with a breast augmentation if they want to increase their breast volume as well.

Patients can expect to return to work within two weeks and resume a full range of activities within a month.

9. Forehead Lift

A forehead lift works similarly to a facelift, but it is targeted to the upper portion of your face. During a forehead lift, Dr. Widenhouse will pull the skin of the forehead tighter in order to decrease the appearance of wrinkles and to pull the eyebrows up for a more youthful and alert appearance. This procedure is particularly effective at reducing the appearance of deep furrows between the eyebrows.

Patients can expect to return to work within ten days of the procedure, but recovery can be longer if multiple facial surgeries are combined.

10. Gynecomastia Treatment

Gynecomastia is the condition where males experience the growth of excessive breast tissue. It is possible to remedy this with surgery. If men have this condition due to genetic factors, the results of the gynecomastia treatment will be permanent. Men who have developed gynecomastia due to the use of drugs, such as marijuana or steroids, need to understand that treated breast tissue can grow after the surgery if the substance continues to be used.

Recovery for gynecomastia treatment is short, with most patients returning to work within a week. It may be a few weeks before it is recommended to resume any high impact activities.

To find out if plastic surgery is right for you, contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. Port City Plastic Surgery serves Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant and Summerville, South Carolina from two locations in Charleston and Daniel Island.