The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has announced that there has been an overall increase in patients opting for non-invasive procedures. Surgeries like breast augmentations and tummy tucks remain popular, but procedures that do not involve going under the knife are rapidly gaining in popularity.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has announced that there has been an overall increase in patients opting for non-invasive procedures. Surgeries like breast augmentations and tummy tucks remain popular, but procedures that do not involve going under the knife are rapidly gaining in popularity. In cosmetic surgery, non-invasive procedures are typically performed via injection or laser. The reason for the shift is due to many factors.

1. Secrecy

You have two choices with cosmetic surgery. You can hide away on a deserted island while healing, which, although ideal, is not always practical. Your second option is that someone you know will see you in the healing process with a bruise, a bandage or some other tell-tale sign. Maybe you are open and don’t mind who knows what you had "done". Maybe you want it to be private. One thing is for sure, there is no secrecy.

On the other hand, non-invasive procedures are pretty hard to pinpoint. Your friends may notice something unusual, but will not be able to say exactly what’s different about you. That’s the goal, right? To let everyone think you are well-rested or maybe lost weight. Let them assume that your youthful appearance is due to good, healthy living without any help from the medical community. It is a great reason to choose a more discrete and non-invasive procedure.

2. Speedy Recovery

Since most of us do not have time to recuperate in style at a resort on a tropical island. The idea that you can schedule a non-invasive procedure on a Friday afternoon and no one will be the wiser when you return to work on Monday is extremely appealing. In fact, the convenience factor is huge when comparing non-invasive procedures to standard cosmetic surgeries.

Checking into a hospital or surgical center coupled with a lengthy and bruised recovery can be a turn off. A quick Botox on one’s lunch hour, however, has wide-spread appeal for both men and women. A laser treatment on your day off is always a better use of your time than taking several vacation days to recuperate from a physically exhausting surgical procedure. Plus, you don’t have to con anyone into driving you there and sitting in the waiting room.

3. Safety

Any cosmetic surgery has inherent risks (walking down the street has risks, too). The biggest potential issue is with the use of general anesthesia. It is used to put people "to sleep" during surgery. It’s a blessing to modern medicine but anesthesia is a powerful sedative. It can cause severe and adverse reactions in some patients. Extra waivers are signed just for its use. Instead, many patients are opting for simple, in-office procedures that are non-invasive and do not use general anesthesia are considerably safer.

The results of many non-invasive procedures are just as stunning as their surgical counterparts. A natural, more youthful appearance is usually the desired result of any procedure. Whether you want to erase that frown line on your forehead or just add a little extra hair up there, non-invasive procedures can provide wonderful results. The idea of achieving comparable results for less money, less downtime and less risk is appealing on so many levels to so many people.