Beauty Doc Blog

Not all cosmetic surgery is actual surgery in the strictest sense of the word. Procedures that fall under the broad category of cosmetic surgery can include chemical peels and breast augmentation, hair transplants and laser hair removal. These “surgeries” have different levels of invasiveness: some require anesthesia and an operating room, while others are a quick in-office procedure, and still others can be performed at a day spa.

As a guideline, there are four levels on the spectrum of cosmetic surgery that increase as the level of invasiveness increases. Beginning with the most invasive and ending with the least, the different types of surgeries, as well as examples, are listed below.

Surgical

Surgical procedures are the most invasive. They usually require either local or general anesthetic. The surgeon repositions tissue during these procedures, most commonly on the face, breast and body.

Facial surgery includes volume restoration by surgically removing tissue from one area and repositioning it in a saggy, flat or hollow area of the face. This category also includes eyelid surgery, ear surgery and rhinoplasty.

Breast surgery falls into three categories: breast augmentation, reduction or lifts. These all require the surgeon to make incisions into the breast in order to alter them to the patient’s request.

Body surgery includes liposuction, abdomen etching, tummy tucks, and arm and leg lifts.

Moderately Invasive

Cosmetic procedures that are intense, but not surgical fall into this category. These include laser treatments for the face, Botox injections, chemical peels, cellulite treatment and others.

These procedures will require some healing time, but usually not as much as true surgical procedures. The results of most of these procedures is not permanent, and can last anywhere from several months to several years.

Minimally Invasive

Medical skin care treatments that are meant to reduce wrinkles, even skin tone and promote cell growth are minimally invasive.

Procedures such as light facial peels, hair removal, microdermabrasion acoustic wave therapy and liquid face lifts are some common examples of minimally invasive cosmetic surgery. Although these are not as serve as true surgeries, they do entail some risk, and should only be done with the supervision of a doctor.

Non-Invasive

Procedures that are in no way invasive are sometimes called spa treatments. They will relax muscles, reduce blemishes and allow the patient to relax.

Seaweed wraps, mud baths, facials and massages all fall into this category. The results are temporary, but this is one of the most accessible forms of cosmetic procedures. Men and women of all ages are able to benefit from their results.