Cosmetic Surgery: An Overview

Cosmetic Surgery: An Overview

Cosmetic surgery is an increasingly common way for individuals to improve their appearance in a way that might otherwise be impossible. Cosmetic surgery is not to be mistaken with plastic surgery, though the two can be very similar. Plastic surgery is used to repair deformities, or correct appearance from after an accident or injury. Cosmetic surgery is concerned with improving the appearance of an otherwise perfectly healthy individual.

The science behind cosmetic surgery has continued to advance, and an amazing variety of different procedures are available. Botox is a popular treatment for both men and women, reducing wrinkles and tightening the muscles in the face to increase youthful appearance. This treatment became widespread in the United States during the 2004 election with John Kerry, though it is a practice among politicians, the wealthy, and movies stars.

There are several other cosmetic surgeries for the facial area, as well. Everything from a face lift, to rhinoplasty (nose job), laser eye lid surgery, lip augmentation (for those ladies looking for the gorgeous Angelina Jolie look), facial minisculpture, or the great one for middle aged men: hair transplants. Almost any facial feature can by altered or modified in a way more pleasing to the individual. The options are amazing, and information is easy to find.

Beyond the face there are all types of procedures. Sharon Osborne, wife of famous rock singer Ozzy Osborne, is very open about the multiple cosmetic surgeries she has had, and is a great example of a now common celebrity practice. For the body there is liposuction, butt lifts, breast lifts, breast augmentation, and breast reduction (which is also available for weighted men unhappy with upper body flab). There are so many procedures that can be undertaken that it can be intimidating to someone just beginning to look around.

If everything seems overwhelming, just take it one step at a time. Which trait would you most like to see changed? Lips? Stomach? Nose? Choose the one feature you would like to take care of first and meet with a cosmetic surgeon to see what your options are. With how common cosmetic surgery has become, the procedures are safe and done by professional doctors who often specialize in even just the one treatment. This is a field where there is something for everyone, but consider your options carefully. Like getting a tattoo, work may be reversed, but it may lead to more headaches than you care for. Still, if it’s time for a change, the options are all there at your disposal, and your happiness at an improved appearance may be a phone call away.

Hand In Hand: Hollywood Stars and Cosmetic Surgery

Many of Hollywood’s biggest stars have had more than their fair share of cosmetic surgery. Many are quiet about it, not letting such information slip out to the public, but others are very open. While Cher may have really been the Hollywood poster child for cosmetic and plastic surgery, she is a more extreme example. Recently it seems to be Sharon Osbourne, wife of rock and roll legend Ozzie Osbourne, who is a poster child for cosmetic surgery, and unlike other stars, she is very open about it.

Sharon Osbourne has admitted that she’s blown more than half a million dollars on cosmetic surgery over her lifetime. The procedures range from trimming off extra skin to installing Barbie-sized fake boobs. Tucks, lifts, you name it, she has probably had some experience with it. When asked why she would take so much cosmetic surgery, Sharon was very straight forward in her response. Sharon Osbourne says she always dreamed of having surgery to improve her looks, because she was sick and tired of fans thinking she was Ozzie's mother. Because of this apparently common misperception, the fifty-three year old was paranoid that she wasn't good looking enough to grace the rocker's arm, and longed to be lusted after.

Sharon comments on additional background about why she wanted so much cosmetic treatments. "I was never a good looking woman.” The need to be desired even once in a while led to an insecurity, and as the wife of a world renowned rock star, the “Ozzie’s mom,” comments certainly did not help matters. A large part of her decision was also based on a desire to please her husband more. Sharon comments that after the surgery she felt for attractive for Ozzie, and in her mind was more like the person he deserved.

She struggled with weight problems, but credits a 1999 stomach banding procedure that helped her to lower her weight dramatically. She then invested in further surgery including a tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift and two boob jobs. Each time her appearance shifted, but many cosmetic surgeons have commented on how they like Sharon Osbourne as an example of cosmetic surgery, because she improves the way she appears, but does not change it. In other words, she’s trying to be an improved model of herself, not a new person, and that is what someone considering cosmetic surgery should look at.

Tags: information on cosmetic surgery