Cosmetic surgery procedures are sought by those who want to feel better about their own appearance. Some want to look younger, slimmer, or shapelier; others want to get rid of scarring left by acne or as the result of medical conditions. There are surgical and non-surgical solutions for every part of the body.

A 2010 survey performed by the American Society for Aesthetic Cosmetic Surgery found the top surgical procedures were breast augmentation, liposuction, eyelid surgery, tummy tucks, and breast reduction. In 2008, breast augmentation passed liposuction as the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery.

Breast augmentation surgery increases cup size and fullness using implants. They can improve asymmetry and to match proportions to the rest of the body. The best candidates are people whose clothing fits well at the hips but is too small at the bust, for whom breast size and firmness has been lost, and those with self-esteem issues related to the size of the breasts.

Both women and men may seek breast reduction surgery. It may be done whenever a person would feel more confident with smaller breasts. It addresses breasts that are asymmetrical or out of proportion to the rest of the body, when neck or shoulder pain is experienced because of breast weight, or when physical activity is restricted by breast size

Liposuction is the surgical removal of fat deposits under the skin to improve the contours of the body. The best candidates for this type of surgery are those who have fat deposits out of proportion with the rest of the body and with minimal amounts of excess skin. It is most often performed in the areas of the belly, buttocks, hips, waistline, and thighs, but can be done on any part of the body and in both men and women.

Eyelid surgery is chosen by people who want to remove excess skin that can hang down, making them look unattractive and possibly obscuring vision. It's also used to treat wrinkling, bags, and dark circles. The tummy tuck, reduces the amount of extra skin which may be genetic or come with significant weight loss. Anyone with sagging abdominal skin, excess abdominal fatty tissue, or separated and weakened abdominal muscles may benefit from this surgery.

Cosmetic surgeons are among the most highly trained and experienced members of the medical profession. They take the health and safety of their patients quite seriously. In your consultation for cosmetic surgery procedures, look for a physician who is patient, explains everything clearly to you, and is willing to answer all your questions. You should never get the feeling that you're being pressured into anything.