The goal of cosmetic surgery is to enhance a person's appearance, self-esteem, and self-confidence. It can be performed on any part of the face or body, and includes both surgical and non-surgical procedures. A facelift is a common cosmetic surgery procedure that involves making an incision around the perimeter of the face. The surgeon lifts and repositions the skin, tightens the underlying muscle and connective tissue, and removes fat and excess skin.
Cosmetic surgery requires a specialist surgeon trained in the procedure, including proper recovery time, healing, and care. Girls who want to enlarge their breasts for aesthetic reasons should generally be at least 18 years old because saline implants are only approved for women over 18 years old. Plastic surgery residency programs may include cosmetic surgery as part of surgeon training, but generally do not include training in all cosmetic procedures. There are currently no residency programs in the United States dedicated exclusively to cosmetic surgery.
The title “board-certified plastic surgeon” indicates a certain level of training and experience with respect to plastic surgery, but does not indicate the same with respect to cosmetic surgery, since the residency training required to obtain board certification in plastic surgery may not include training regarding many common cosmetic procedures. If you're considering undergoing a cosmetic procedure, it's important to research your options carefully and consult with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. At University of Missouri Health Care, you can count on the cosmetic surgery experts for a subtle improvement or a dramatic new look.
