Cosmetic surgery has enjoyed a long and illustrious history around the world. Everything from breast lifts to Botox to tummy tucks, cosmetic surgical procedures are growing in popularity around the world. The 21st century has seen a large portion of society seeking to reduce the damage and destruction caused by a multitude of factors, including overexposure to the sun, poor nutrition, obesity, and the damaging effects of polluted environments by turning to cosmetic surgery.
Cosmetic surgery is no longer limited to the Beverly Hills crowd, and minorities and middle-class citizens are enjoying nearly 24% of cosmetic procedures performed in the United States alone. Men are among the growing number of individuals seeking cosmetic and plastic surgery. In a mere six years, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons noted a 202% increase in the number of men requesting Botox injections and a 49% increase in the number of men opting for laser skin resurfacing treatments.
The growth of medical tourism has given consumers more options than ever before, in the type and cost of cosmetic surgery. Medical tourists are able to enjoy a wide selection of minimally invasive, surgical, and reconstructive cosmetic surgery procedures. Some of the most popular destinations, which include Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand and India, offer procedures that save medical travelers tens of thousands of dollars.
Customer demand and the availability of a wide range of plastic and cosmetic surgical techniques such as laser technologies and inject able and noninvasive treatments have taken much of the fear and uncertainty out of cosmetic procedures such as face lifts, tummy tucks, and breast reductions and augmentations. However, it is advised in cosmetic surgery procedures that consumers take the time to research various facilities and surgeons and ensure that both their doctor and facility of their choice has received adequate accreditation from governing boards of plastic surgeons and foundations in their country of origin.