Top 20 Popular Plastic Surgery Procedures

Feeling dissatisfied with your reflection is a common sentiment. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports over 1.8 million cosmetic surgeries and 8.4 million minimally invasive treatments, such as Botox and laser hair removal, were conducted in the U.S. in 2005. Below are the 20 most popular cosmetic surgeries.

1. Liposuction

Liposuction involves extracting fat deposits through a tube inserted under the skin, with fat removed using a vacuum-like tool. Commonly targeted areas include the abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, and upper arms. In 2005, 89% of the 323,605 liposuction procedures were performed on women. Recovery typically takes one to four weeks, though swelling may persist for up to six months. The procedure costs approximately $2,300.

2. Rhinoplasty

Often referred to as a nose job, rhinoplasty involves reshaping the nose to alter its size, narrow nostrils, or adjust the angle between the nose and upper lip. This procedure is popular among both genders, with 67% of the 298,413 rhinoplasties performed in 2005 being on women. Recovery usually takes one to three weeks, but patients are advised to avoid nasal bumps or sunburn for eight weeks. The average cost for rhinoplasty is around $3,500.

3. Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammaplasty, involves enhancing breast size using saline or silicone implants. In 2005, 291,350 such procedures were performed, making it the most popular cosmetic surgery for women. Recovery typically takes a few days, though the ASPS advises avoiding physical contact with the breasts for three to four weeks. The average cost for this procedure is around $3,400.

It’s no surprise that liposuction and breast augmentation top the list of most common plastic surgeries. Continue reading to learn about other popular procedures, such as eyelid surgery and facelifts.

4. Eyelid surgery

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, addresses drooping upper eyelids and under-eye bags by removing excess fat, muscle, and skin. Women opt for this procedure far more than men, with 86% of the 230,697 blepharoplasty procedures in 2005 performed on women. Recovery takes about a week to ten days, though contact lens wearers should wait at least two weeks before using their lenses. While it doesn’t enhance vision, the surgery improves appearance, costing around $2,500.

5. Tummy tuck

While beer bellies are often linked to men, women overwhelmingly opt for abdominoplasty more frequently. During the procedure, the abdomen is flattened by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the abdominal muscles. In 2005, plastic surgeons conducted 134,746 tummy tucks, with 96% of the patients being women. Recovery typically takes two to six weeks, though the $4,400 physician’s fee may take longer to recover from financially.

6. Face-lift

Is anything actually being lifted? Not exactly, but excess fat is removed, muscles are tightened, and the skin is repositioned. The term face-lift is simpler than its medical name, rhytidectomy. Regardless of the name, the procedure results in firmer facial and neck skin. In 2005, 90% of the 108,955 facelifts were performed on women. Recovery takes ten days to three weeks, with limited sun exposure recommended for several months. While your face will appear tighter, the average $4,500 physician’s fee might not bring a smile.

7. Breast lift

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is designed for women seeking to elevate and reshape sagging breasts. The procedure involves removing excess skin and repositioning the remaining tissue and nipples. In 2005, 92,740 breast lifts were performed, costing an average of $3,600. Recovery can range from one week to a month.

8. Dermabrasion

Despite its medieval-sounding name, 69,359 individuals underwent dermabrasion in 2005. This procedure involves using a high-speed rotating tool to remove the top layers of skin, effectively erasing wrinkles and blemishes to reveal smoother, fresher skin. Women account for 88% of dermabrasion patients. Recovery typically takes two to six weeks, with redness potentially lasting up to three months. While the procedure may leave your face temporarily red, the average cost of $875 is less likely to cause a flush.

Tummy tucks and facelifts are widely known, but there are also lesser-known procedures like ear surgery and hair transplantation. Continue reading to explore these unique surgeries.

9. Forehead lift

This surgery smooths out wrinkles and corrects drooping by removing excess tissue and tightening the skin and forehead muscles. Recovery typically takes one to three weeks, though sun exposure should be avoided for several months. In 2005, 87% of the 55,518 forehead lifts were performed on women. The average cost for this procedure is around $2,400.

10. Hair transplantation

Men finally have an insecurity they can claim! If the scalp is thinning, surgeons can reduce the scalp area or implant hair clusters (plugs) directly into the head. Depending on the method, multiple visits over 18 months may be needed to restore your hair to its former glory. In 2005, 83% of the 47,462 hair transplants were performed on men. While you’ll gain more hair, the $4,750 physician’s fee might leave little for hair products.

11. Ear surgery

Prominent or large ears can cause significant distress, particularly for children. This is why most otoplasty (ear surgery) patients are kids. The procedure involves reshaping the ear’s skin or cartilage to bring the ears closer to the head. In 2005, 59% of the 27,993 otoplasty procedures were performed on females. Recovery involves bandaging the head for a few days and removing stitches after a week. Activities that could bend the ear should be avoided for about a month. The average cost is $2,400.

12. Lip augmentation

If your lips lack the desired fullness, lip augmentation can help. A surgeon removes a portion of the lip and inserts an implant to add volume. Swelling typically subsides within two to three weeks. Women value fuller lips more than men, as 95% of the 25,878 lip augmentation procedures in 2005 were performed on women. The average cost for this procedure is around $1,200.

13. Breast implant removal

Some women who undergo breast enlargement later choose to have their implants removed. This requires another surgery and a recovery period of a few weeks. In 2005, 24,694 women had their breast implants removed. The procedure is less expensive than implantation, with an average cost of $2,300.

14. Breast reduction (men)

Gynecomastia, a condition causing men to develop breasts similar to women’s, can result from hormonal changes during puberty, drug use, tumors, genetic disorders, liver disease, or certain medications. Breast reduction surgery removes excess fat or glandular tissue to address this issue. According to the ASPS, 40 to 60% of men are affected by gynecomastia. In 2005, 16,275 men underwent breast reduction surgeries, averaging $3,000 in cost, with recovery typically taking two to three weeks.

Proceed to the next page to explore more common plastic surgeries, such as cheek implants and buttock lifts.

15. Chin augmentation

Individuals seeking better facial proportions often opt for chin augmentation, or mentoplasty, to enhance their profile. This procedure typically involves inserting an implant or reshaping the chin bone, often to improve symmetry after other cosmetic surgeries. Most patients resume normal activities within a week, though numbness or discomfort may persist for up to three months. In 2005, 58% of the 15,161 chin augmentation surgeries were performed on men. The average cost for this procedure is $1,600.

16. Upper arm lift

The upper arm is one of the most challenging areas to tone, particularly for women. Loose skin and fat deposits can create a jellylike appearance when moving the arms. An upper arm lift, or brachioplasty, addresses this by removing excess fat (often via liposuction) and tightening the skin. Recovery typically takes a week or less, with exercise resuming in two weeks. In 2005, 96% of the 11,873 upper arm lifts were performed on women, with an average cost of $3,260.

17. Thigh lift

While cottage cheese is a delicious protein source, its dimpled appearance on thighs is less desirable. Cellulite creates this uneven texture, but a thigh lift can remove excess skin and fat to improve leg appearance. Women account for 95% of the 9,533 thigh lifts performed in 2005. Be prepared to use your newly sculpted legs to handle the $4,200 average physician’s fee.

18. Cheek implant

As a child, you might have winced when Aunt Gertrude pinched your cheeks, but today, people are investing in those pinch-worthy features. A cheek implant, or malar augmentation, involves placing an implant below the cheekbone to create a fuller facial appearance. In 2005, 62% of the 9,326 cheek implants were performed on women. Full recovery from swelling may take one to two months. Surprisingly, achieving high cheekbones isn’t overly expensive, with an average cost of $1,760.

19. Lower body lift

Why focus on one area when you can address multiple at once? A lower body lift targets sagging hips, thighs, and buttocks by removing excess fat and tissue and tightening the skin. In 2005, 86% of the 8,696 lower body lifts were performed on women. Recovery takes one to two months, with strenuous activities like exercising and heavy lifting requiring even more time. This comprehensive procedure costs approximately $6,400.

20. Buttock lift

If your hips and thighs are fine but your backside needs a boost, a buttock lift can remove excess skin and tissue to lift and reshape the area. In some cases, implants are added for enhanced contour. Women accounted for 92% of the 5,193 buttock lifts performed in 2005. Recovery takes about two weeks, though swelling may persist for months. Enhancing your posterior will cost around $3,790.