Since the 1970s, cosmetic surgery has soared in popularity. New technology and rapidly changing trends relating to physical beauty combined to attract millions of customers from around the globe. In the UK alone, over 30,000 procedures were performed in 2022 which was a 102% increase in 2021. It is clear that we are currently seeing a cosmetic surgery boom, but is it right for you? Use this guide to help you decide.

What is cosmetic surgery?

Unlike plastic surgery which seeks to repair things like birth defects, serious burns, and the effects of a disease, cosmetic surgery is performed with the sole purpose of enhancing aesthetic appearance. These are elective procedures rather than doctor-recommended treatments.

Common cosmetic surgery procedures

Common cosmetic surgery procedures include facial contouring such as chin or cheek fillers and rhinoplasty, skin tightening facelifts and platysmaplasty, and fat reduction through liposuction. The leading cosmetic surgery procedures for women are breast augmentation and breast reduction.

The benefits of cosmetic surgery

There are several apparent benefits to cosmetic surgery, both physical and mental:

• Boosted confidence – fixing the perceived flaw in someone’s physical appearance helps to tackle feelings of insecurity and increase their sense of self-confidence

• Improved physicality – several procedures have the power to improve physical health as well as enhance appearance, such as liposuction which can make it easier for people to exercise

• Better mental health – perceived physical flaws can cause anxiety and depression which can be debilitating, so successful cosmetic surgery often helps to alleviate mental health issues

The dangers of cosmetic surgery

As with any surgery, there is the possibility of things going wrong – with potentially irreversible consequences. While you can claim compensation in the event of surgical negligence, sometimes it is impossible to repair the damage which can leave you permanently disfigured or in pain.

One of the most common plastic surgery complications is hematoma, a blood pocket that shows on the surface of the skin as a large and painful bruise that is most common in female breast augmentation and male facelifts. Other complications range from infection and scarring to nerve or organ damage.

Most procedures are performed safely, but it is important to be cautious and aware of any risks so that you can make an informed decision. When you choose where to have your cosmetic surgery, be sure to check that your surgeon is a member of a relevant professional association, has performed procedures before, and has the required qualifications and training. Aftercare should also be offered.

Other contributing factors

In addition to the clear pros and cons of cosmetic surgery, there are other contributing factors that need to be considered. For one, cosmetic surgery comes with a significant price tag, so you need to consider whether or not it is an affordable option.

Another factor to consider is that beauty trends are always changing: physical aspects praised today might be out of fashion tomorrow. Take plenty of time to think things through before committing to cosmetic surgery to be as sure as you can that you will be happy with the results in the long-run.