Guide to Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
The days of being insecure about any aspect of your appearance are LONG gone, but at a bit of a price tag! Over the years, cosmetic plastic surgery has become common to get done, and even more common to talk about/admit to! You don’t need to explain to anyone why you got a cosmetic procedure nor is it anyone's business. We love a good natural beauty, but we also love the filler and botox beauties as well! Viewing anyone as less than for wearing makeup just doesn’t make sense so neither should shaming someone for going under the knife or upkeeping their fillers when it gives a woman more confidence and better self-esteem. Having fillers, botox, facelifts, ass-shots, etc. should never make anyone feel inferior just because it’s not considered “real” or “natural”. If someone who claims to be “natural” takes off their contour, lash extensions, acrylics, or hair extensions, They’re just as “fake” as the people they’re calling fake.
Women are put down and ridiculed for getting cosmetic procedures done so much to the point of (awkwardly and very obviously) lying about what procedures they’ve gotten in fear of the negativity and shame that comes along with it. The more we, as a society, starts talking openly and honestly about wanting/getting cosmetic procedures, the more normalized it will become, which will directly affect how young women (& men!) see themselves when comparing to celebrities and influencers that seem to have an unattainable beauty standard that nobody can ever seem to reach.
Always make your cosmetic decisions based solely on how YOU feel about yourself and not to appease anyone else. When starting your makeover journey, start off slowly because it's easier to add than it is to fix/takeaway if you overdo it. Permanent cosmetic surgical procedures are a lot more money and commitment than a semi permanent or short term procedure. Both have pros and cons to them but we suggest getting a semi permanent option before going all out on the surgery in order to be sure that it's something you're going to want forever. For example, one of the most common appearance enhancing procedures is a rhinoplasty (nose job). While many people that want a nose job know for sure that it's something they want and/or need, we suggest opting for a “liquid nose job” which is a form of filler decided upon by your Dr. that will give you an idea of how you’re going to look when you go for the permanent surgery. If you end up not liking your new nose, the filler will dissolve within a year or less and you can go back to your old nose! Some people even prefer keeping up with the filler forever instead of changing to a permanent nose job!
Los Angeles is very oversaturated with Medspas and plastic surgeons that the prices are competitive and you can even find some offices on Groupon! We also suggest doing a little research on what you want before heading to the nearest Medspa near you because a lot of places have special monthly discounts!
Below is everything you need to know about the most common cosmetic procedures!
Body Procedures:
1. Breast augmentation (boob job): Boob jobs are one of the most common procedures to exist in plastic surgery! When getting your boobies done, there are so many options from the type and shape of the implant, to above or below the muscle, and even to where the incision will be. The most popular options available now are silicone and the newer “gummy implants”, so the price and healing time will vary because of all the options the patient has.
Price: 6-10K
Healing time: 6-8 weeks for a full recovery and depending on the surgery you should be back to work/activities within a couple weeks of the procedure with new and improved titties!
Pain level: the most pain will be in the first 1-5 days after surgery. Your breasts and chest area are likely to feel sore but you also may feel some stabbing/ shooting pains which will be controlled by medication from your surgeon
Upkeep: depending on the person and how well their body maintains the implants, along with what kind of implant and procedures were done, you always want to schedule yearly (or every couple years) check ups. Some women may need their breasts redone within 5 years and some may not need them redone at all. Most women go about 10 years until getting another surgery to upkeep their boobies. Weight gain or loss, diet, exercise, hygiene, and more go into the longevity of your implants.
2. Liposuction and body contouring (lipo): Lipo is popular among both men and women and can be used in many different areas of the body and coupled with other procedures to achieve the best results. Some of the most popular areas are stomach, upper arms, love handles, and thighs.
Price: Pricing for liposuction will vary and depend on how many areas you have done as well as how large of an area it is. On average, lipo will start at around $3,500
Healing time: Depending on what you have done, the healing time will vary from about 1-5 weeks.
Pain level: The pain ranges from uncomfortable to feeling like a really bad bruise. Most people will be prescribed pain medication from their surgeon to control any discomfort and pain they may experience the days following your procedure.
Upkeep: Liposuction removes fat cells from the body which means when they are gone, they are gone for good! UNLESS you gain the weight back by an unhealthy diet and no exercise. Lipo can be a great push to having the body you always longed for, so once you have it done make sure to start a workout and diet plan to maintain your new look!
3. Non-invasive body treatments: Treatments that don't require surgery but must be done multiple times in order to get results. These treatments range from $100 to $1000 per session but most places will have special packages.
Emsculpt: One 30 minute session is equal to about 20,000 crunches for your abs! The results will not be permanent if you don’t keep it up with a healthy diet and exercise routine. Most patients will need around 4-6 treatments to see results that will make them look like they've been working out your entire life. I mean how do you think the sway boys got their abs?
VelaShape: reduces cellulite and tones the body with noticeable results within 4-6 weeks. Patients will need follow up appointments for maximum results
PPC Fat Drain: injectables used to destroy fat cells. Most patients will need multiple appointments and will notice the fat burning off within 4-6 weeks.