Plastic surgery can help patients achieve a wide variety of cosmetic goals. And it’s more common than you might think. In fact, millions of plastic surgeries are performed in the United States every year. 

Despite the plastic surgery field growing steadily, many people still have questions about what plastic surgery is, what it can do, and who it’s right for. Read on to learn more about plastic surgery and how to get started with Image Center.   

What Is Plastic Surgery?

Plastic surgery is any surgical procedure that alters the appearance of the body. Plastic surgery procedures can be broken down into two categories: reconstructive and cosmetic.

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery 

Reconstructive plastic surgery is usually considered medically necessary and is done to correct defects or abnormalities in a person’s anatomy. It’s commonly done to correct birth defects such as cleft lips, but can also be performed to rebuild damaged or missing bodily structures after a traumatic injury or disease. 

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery 

Cosmetic plastic surgery encompasses a wide variety of elective procedures meant to alter your appearance, address common cosmetic concerns, and enhance the appearance of certain features. 

Cosmetic plastic surgery is much more common than reconstructive surgery, despite not being medically necessary. Most people have one or two physical features they’d like to change or enhance, and plastic surgery makes that possible.  

Is Plastic Surgery Safe?

Plastic surgery is regarded as safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgery specialist like Dr. Newen at Image Center. However, no surgical procedure is totally risk-free. The associated risks vary from procedure to procedure, but certain risks are inherent with general anesthesia. 

At Image Center, we will always inform you of the risks associated with your planned procedures and answer any questions you have about them. 

What Is the Right Age to Get Plastic Surgery?

There’s a common misconception that you should wait until a specific age to get plastic surgery. But the truth is, there’s no right or wrong age for an adult to get plastic surgery. 

It’s true that some procedures are more common in younger patients, such as breast augmentation, liposuction, and rhinoplasty, while older patients tend to go for face and neck lifts. But there are no rules saying you must be at least 50 years old to have a facelift or you can’t get breast augmentation if you’re over 40 years old. 

If you want to change something about your body, it’s never too early or too late to address the cosmetic concerns you have. 

Common Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures 

Some of the most common plastic surgery procedures we perform at Image Center include:

  • Facelift
  • Breast augmentation
  • Liposuction
  • Rhinoplasty
  • Brazilian butt lift 

Read on to learn more about each of these procedures. 

Facelift

Patients get facelifts to improve the appearance of sagging or wrinkly skin on the face. 

During the procedure, small incisions are made along the hairline to lift and reshape underlying structures and pull the skin tighter. Facelifts are commonly paired with neck lifts and the removal of fat below the cheekbone to achieve more dramatic and cohesive results. 

Breast Augmentation

Many people think breast augmentation is only meant to increase breast size, but this isn’t true. A breast augmentation procedure at Image Center can restore volume loss after pregnancy, balance uneven breasts, and improve overall breast proportion to create a smoother, more shapely bustline. 

In addition to augmentations, we also provide breast lifts, reductions, revisions, and more for patients in Huntington Beach, CA, and the surrounding areas. 

Liposuction 

Liposuction can help contour your body to create a smoother profile. But contrary to what some people believe, liposuction is not meant to be a surgery for weight loss. The main goal of liposuction is to reduce unwanted fat and target stubborn fat deposits that have not responded to diet and exercise efforts. 

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasties, also known as nose jobs, are one of the most common plastic surgeries, and often, one of the most life-changing. Rhinoplasty can dramatically change the shape and appearance of your nose by straightening or thinning the bridge, altering the tip, or changing the overall angle of your nose.  

Sometimes, a deviated septum can create breathing problems that make rhinoplasty medically necessary for clearer breathing. 

Brazilian Butt Lift 

Brazilian butt lifts are a popular procedure in which fat is removed from unwanted areas, usually the stomach or thighs, and inserted into the buttocks. This creates a plumper, more voluminous bottom while smoothing out other areas and minimizing the appearance of cellulite. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery in Huntington Beach, CA? 

In general, you’re a good candidate for plastic surgery if you’re in good overall health without any underlying conditions that may cause complications. However, different procedures come with different guidelines regarding who is and is not a good candidate. 

When you come to Image Center for a consultation, we’ll discuss your medical history and all other relevant information to determine whether you’re a good candidate for plastic surgery. 

Don’t Compromise on Your Plastic Surgery Specialist

There’s plenty of room for compromises in life, but not when it comes to your plastic surgery specialist. Luckily, at Image Center, you never have to worry about compromising. Dr. Newen is a licensed, board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience under his belt. 

Whether you’re in Huntington Beach, Irvine, San Clemente, Downey, or any of the surrounding areas, reach out to our team today to schedule your complimentary consultation at one of our four locations.