So you`re considering a cosmetic procedure but are a little overwhelmed and confused because there`s so much to choose from? What`s the difference between a cosmetic procedure and plastic surgery anyway? What about microdermabrasion? Doesn`t that do the same thing as a chemical peel? What does Botox do that a peel can`t? What about laser resurfacing? Phew! Hold on there. Let`s take it one step at a time.

Cosmetic and "Plastic" Surgery vs. Cosmetic Procedures

First things first - let`s sort out the confusion. Plastic surgery does not always refer to surgery that involves the use of plastic or silicone. Rather, the term plastic surgery derived it`s name from the original meaning of the word ‘plastic’ which meant to mold or form. Hence, plastic surgery can refer to any procedure that involves changing the shape, surface, or texture of the skin. The difference between cosmetic surgery and a cosmetic procedure is a little easier to understand. Cosmetic surgery is just that - surgery; and that means going under the knife. Whereas cosmetic procedures - well those are a lot less invasive and treatment on the surface of the skin.

Common Cosmetic Surgeries

The number of cosmetic surgeries in this country continues to rise at dramatic rates with new technologies and procedures and more and more surgeons becoming board certified. The most popular and sought after anti-aging cosmetic surgeries include the mini face-lift, the eyelid lift (also known as blepharoplasty), the chin implant, the neck lift, and the eyebrow lift. These surgeries involve going under anesthesia, cutting of the skin and muscle to create a tighter look, and possible scarring.

Common Cosmetic Procedures

Here`s where it gets a little confusing. So we have BOTOX and other filler treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser resurfacing. These procedures are minimally invasive and deal with the signs of aging more on a surface level.

There are a few different types of chemical peels. The "min-peel" which involves application of alphahydroxy acids to remove fine lines and wrinkles. A more in-depth treatment is derived from the standard peel which involves the application of Trichloroacetic acid, has a greater recovery time of 2-3 days, and offers more dramatic results. Last but not least, the most in-depth peel involves the application of phenol, and has a recovery time of up to a month. All peels involve the risk of skin sensitivity and irritation and extra care must be taken to protect skin from the sun afterwards. And let`s not forget microdermabrasion which involves a `"scraping" of the skins surface to reveal a newer, softer layer of skin.

Then there’s the ever-popular anti-aging injections. This involves injecting fat or collagen into the skin to fill in specific areas and add fullness. These procedures do not produce permanent results, however, as the body metabolizes collagen and fat. Therefore, for optimal results, the patient must return on average of every few weeks. And last but not least, laser resurfacing involves to use of lasers to actually remove damaged skin cells.

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