If you’re like me, you’ve probably considered plastic surgery at least once in your life. Maybe it was in high school and you really wanted a cute little ski-slope-shaped nose like the most popular girl in class. Or maybe you woke up one day after having kids and realized you didn’t recognize your body anymore, and you started thinking more seriously about changing it.
There’s no question that plastic surgery (and cosmetic enhancement in general) has become more mainstream. In fact, according to an article from USA Today, Americans are spending more money on plastic surgery now than ever before–and they aren’t afraid to talk about it. Whereas in the past people having plastic surgery tried to hide that they were “having work done,” we now have celebrities like Kim Kardashian posting selfies of their before-and-after results. This trend toward transparency when talking about aesthetic surgery has opened the door for websites like RealSelf–an online community and forum specifically for those who have had (or want to have) plastic surgery.
Trending Now: Combining Procedures
One cosmetic trend that has continued to gather momentum in recent years is combining plastic surgery procedures. This technique is perhaps best known as the Mommy Makeover. According to Dr. George Pope, a breast augmentation surgeon in Orlando, mommy makeovers often include procedures like breast augmentation, liposuction, and a tummy tuck.
However, Dr. Pope says a mommy makeover isn’t just for moms who want to tighten their tummy and enlarge their breasts. Mommy makeovers can include any combination of surgeries for the face, breast, or body, which means pretty much anyone can benefit. Nonsurgical treatments like dermal fillers, laser skin resurfacing, or BOTOX® Cosmetic could also be included or used in place of surgery for those who want a less-invasive option.
It May Sound Scary, but It’s Smart
At this point, you’re probably thinking, “Okay, that sounds intense–and expensive.” And while that’s partially true (plastic surgery does cost money and surgery in general is a big deal), there are benefits to having your procedures performed at once. For starters, combining your surgeries into one operation rather than spacing them out gives you more complete results. Instead of having your breasts done one year and your tummy done another, you have both improved at the same time–which makes a much bigger change in your appearance.
You could think about it this way: If you were remodeling your kitchen, you wouldn’t get new cabinets and then wait a few years to invest in new countertops. Then wait a few more years and get a new stove. Then a few more years and splurge on a new dishwasher. (You see where I’m going with this?) You’re not going to fully enjoy your kitchen because it’s never really finished.
The same is true for cosmetic surgery. Having all your procedures performed at once allows you to enjoy a more dramatic transformation. It also saves you time away from work, school, or social activities because you have one recovery period instead of several. And, you minimize your exposure to anesthesia, which is always a good thing.
And here’s the most surprising benefit: Combining plastic surgery procedures actually saves you money overall. That’s because every time you go to the hospital, you pay for things like facility fees, surgeon’s fees, anesthesia fees, and other costs related to your surgery. When you combine your surgeries, you only pay once for these additional charges. This can end up saving you thousands of dollars.
A Note on Safety
Choosing to have plastic surgery is an important decision. Whether you’re having several procedures or only one, you’ll want to make sure you’re in good hands. The best way to do this is to find a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (not the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, which isn’t the same thing). Choosing a safe, experienced, and skilled surgeon will guarantee that your health and safety are top priorities. It also gives you the best chance for achieving exactly the look you want.
