The Rise of Plastic Surgery: Not Just for Celebrities
Plastic surgery has been around for millennia, with practitioners in ancient India, China, and Rome practicing both cosmetic and reparative procedures. During the first and second world wars, the need for plastic surgery increased due to battlefield injuries. After the second world war, people had more income to spend and plastic surgeons had the time and resources to perform a more diverse array of procedures.
By the 1960s, breast surgery, nose reshaping, and facial surgery were becoming more common. They were mostly done for reparative reasons, but in the 1990s, the number of cosmetic procedures skyrocketed. Celebrities began to embrace and endorse cosmetic procedures, fueling the rise of plastic surgery.
This led to an association of richness and fame with plastic surgery. Most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures, making the costs higher than they are for reconstructive surgeries.
In the 2020s, however, plastic surgery is no longer just for actors on the big screen, but also for audiences too. There are ways to finance cosmetic enhancements now, and the stigma surrounding plastic surgery has steadily faded.
Is Plastic Surgery Acceptable?
In decades past, many people associated plastic surgery not only with celebrities but also with celebrities who took their desire for improved facial features to the extreme. Michael Jackson and Donatella Versace may come to mind.
Because of this, individuals may be wondering, “Is plastic surgery acceptable?” Is there still a stigma associated with undergoing procedures to improve one’s appearance? Now more than ever, plastic surgery is an acceptable and normal part of everyday life.
People are more aware of their insecurities now than they were back before phones had cameras built into them. Cameras are everywhere, and they can highlight undesirable traits, prompting individuals to seek out cosmetic procedures.
Thus, from Botox to fillers to tummy tucks, people with typical lives and average incomes are turning to plastic surgery to rejuvenate their appearance. Whether it’s a mother who wants to repair some of the damage wrought by childbirth or a middle-aged man seeking to smooth out wrinkles, cosmetic procedures are commonplace.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates that in 2020, plastic surgeons performed 15.6 million cosmetic procedures and 6.8 million reconstructive operations in the United States alone.
It also helps that receiving plastic surgery is much more openly documented than it once was. Individuals no longer feel as though they must keep their improvements secret. It’s routine to see patients posting before and after images, along with surgery recovery pictures, on social media.
COVID-19 and the Rise of Plastic Surgery
During the initial COVID-19 lockdown beginning in March of 2020, plastic surgeons went about eight weeks without performing any procedures. Once businesses began to open back up, however, the demand for plastic surgery surged.
This was due in part to the dramatic increase in video conferencing during the pandemic. Many people became acutely aware of their appearance, which led to a desire to enhance their features.
Video conferencing and remote work also gave individuals more time and space to undergo surgery and recover from it without losing weeks of work. Instead of needing to head back to the office after a couple of weeks, they could work from home while they recovered.
Plastic Surgery Technology Advancements
Another major driving factor behind the rise of plastic surgery is the recent plastic surgery technology advancements. Many cosmetic procedures can be done in a minimally invasive manner. Non-surgical fat reduction (cool-sculpting ), dermal fillers, and laser hair removal treatments are just a few examples of this.
Technology for more involved surgeries has also improved in the past decade, making for quicker recovery times than in years past.
Can I Afford Plastic Surgery?
Now more than ever, it is easy to find affordable plastic surgery or to figure out financing options that work for an individual’s particular circumstances.
Some patients may be able to pay cash for procedures. Others choose to take out loans to pay for their surgery. Still, others take advantage of financing options designed to help pave the way for affordable plastic surgery.
Providers may offer a payment plan, wherein the patient can pay a certain amount each month until the entire procedure has been paid for. Others offer financing through CareCredit and other medical credit cards.
For treatment from one of the most respected facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons, contact Dr. Azizzadeh, a double-board certified, internationally renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who was featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show for his expertise. Dr. Azizzadeh offers financing options through CareCredit, making plastic surgery feasible and affordable for patients.
Should I Get Plastic Surgery or Cosmetic Enhancements?
Cosmetic enchantments are now acceptable and accessible to virtually anyone. Outpatient and minimally invasive techniques make procedures such as Botox, nose jobs, facelifts, and breast enhancements safer with less downtime.
But is plastic surgery right for you? Are you a candidate? Individuals should begin by examining their motivations for cosmetic surgery and exploring with a surgeon whether their goals are attainable. Dr. Azizzadeh is the top choice for all facial cosmetic or reconstructive needs in the Los Angeles area and has treated scores of clients, including young adults, housewives, , celebrities, sports players, and everyone in between. He is happy to sit down and speak with patients to discuss potential treatment options.
To take advantage of the benefits brought by the rise of plastic surgery, we encourage individuals to find out how they can rejuvenate their facial features under Dr. Azizzadeh’s expert care. Schedule your consultation today or call us at 310-870-1055 to begin your journey to a more confident you!