What Plastic Surgery Should I Get? How to Choose the Right Procedure

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How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure

Deciding to undergo plastic surgery is a personal and often life-changing decision, but with so many options available, the question becomes: What plastic surgery should I get? Choosing the right procedure depends on several factors, including your goals, body type, and expectations. Whether you’re looking to enhance a specific feature, correct an imperfection, or reverse the signs of aging, understanding which procedure aligns with your needs is key to achieving satisfying results.

This guide will walk you through the most common plastic surgery procedures, what to consider when choosing the right one, and how working with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help you make the best decision.

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Step 1: Identify Your Aesthetic Goals

The first step in determining what plastic surgery you should get is to identify your goals. Ask yourself what part of your appearance you want to enhance or change, and whether you are seeking cosmetic or reconstructive improvements.

Common Aesthetic Goals:

• Facial Rejuvenation: Do you want to reduce the signs of aging, such as wrinkles or sagging skin?
• Body Contouring: Are you looking to improve your body’s shape by removing excess fat or tightening loose skin?
• Enhancement or Reduction: Do you want to enhance certain features, like increasing breast size, or reduce areas such as the nose or ears?
• Correcting a Deformity or Injury: Are you interested in improving a scar, birth defect, or injury from an accident?

Being clear about what you hope to achieve will help you and your surgeon determine which procedure best aligns with your expectations.

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Step 2: Explore Popular Plastic Surgery Procedures

Once you’ve identified your goals, the next step is learning about the available procedures and how they align with your needs. Below are some of the most popular cosmetic procedures, categorized by the area of the body they target:

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Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures

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• Brow Lift

Best for: Reducing forehead wrinkles and lifting sagging brows to create a more youthful, refreshed appearance.
What to Expect: The surgeon lifts the skin and underlying tissue of the forehead to smooth wrinkles and elevate the brows.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with deep forehead lines, sagging brows, or hooded upper eyelids.

• Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Best for: Removing excess skin and fat from the eyelids to correct drooping and under-eye bags.
What to Expect: The surgeon removes excess tissue and tightens the skin, resulting in a more youthful, alert appearance.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with sagging upper eyelids, puffy lower eyelids, or vision impairment caused by excess skin.

• Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

Best for: Reshaping the nose for cosmetic enhancement or improved breathing.
What to Expect: The surgeon reshapes the bone and cartilage of the nose, improving aesthetics and/or function.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals seeking to change the shape of their nose or improve nasal breathing.

• Lip Lift

Best for: Shortening the space between the upper lip and nose, giving the lips a fuller and more youthful appearance.
What to Expect: The surgeon removes a small strip of skin below the nose, lifting the upper lip.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals who desire a more defined upper lip and youthful contour.

• Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

Best for: Reducing sagging skin and deep wrinkles on the face and neck.
What to Expect: Tightening of the skin and underlying muscles for a smoother, youthful appearance.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with moderate to severe facial sagging and wrinkles seeking long-lasting rejuvenation.

• Neck Lift

Best for: Tightening loose skin and muscles in the neck area, reducing jowls and a “turkey neck” appearance.
What to Expect: The surgeon tightens the underlying neck muscles and removes excess skin for a smoother contour.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with excess skin or sagging neck muscles.

• Non-Surgical Fat Transfer

Best for: Restoring lost facial volume with a non-invasive approach.
What to Expect: Fat from another part of the body is injected into areas that have lost volume, such as cheeks or lips.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals seeking natural rejuvenation with their own fat rather than fillers.

• Facial Liposuction

Best for: Removing localized fat deposits in the face, such as under the chin.
What to Expect: The surgeon uses a small cannula to suction fat from areas of the face or neck.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with stubborn facial fat resistant to diet or exercise.

• Renuvion

Best for: Tightening skin and improving contour using radiofrequency and helium plasma.
What to Expect: Minimally invasive procedure that promotes collagen production and tightens skin in the face and neck.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity not ready for surgical lifting.

• Injectables (Botox and Dermal Fillers)

Best for: Reducing fine lines and wrinkles or adding volume to areas like cheeks or lips.
What to Expect: Botox temporarily relaxes muscles, and dermal fillers restore volume or smooth lines.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals seeking a non-surgical solution for facial rejuvenation.

• Face Revision

Best for: Correcting or improving the results of previous facial surgeries.
What to Expect: The surgeon readdresses issues from previous procedures to enhance the overall result.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals unsatisfied with the outcome of prior facial surgeries.

Breast Plastic Surgery Procedures

• Breast Augmentation

Best for: Enhancing breast size or restoring volume after weight loss or pregnancy.
What to Expect: Implants or fat transfer are used to increase breast size and improve shape.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals seeking fuller breasts or those who want to restore volume lost after breastfeeding or weight loss.

• Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Best for: Lifting and reshaping sagging breasts to achieve a more youthful contour.
What to Expect: The surgeon removes excess skin and tightens surrounding tissue to elevate the breasts.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with drooping or sagging breasts due to aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations.

• Breast Reduction

Best for: Reducing breast size to alleviate discomfort or improve proportions.
What to Expect: The surgeon removes excess breast tissue and reshapes the remaining tissue for a smaller, more proportionate breast size.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals who experience discomfort, such as back or neck pain, due to large breasts.

• Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

Best for: Correcting sagging breasts while maintaining or enhancing volume.
What to Expect: Excess skin is removed, and the breasts are lifted to a higher position on the chest.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with breasts that have lost their firmness and shape.

• Breast Fat Transfer

Best for: Enhancing breast size naturally without implants by using the body’s own fat.
What to Expect: Fat is harvested from another area of the body and injected into the breasts for subtle volume enhancement.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals who desire a natural increase in breast size using their own fat.

• Gynecomastia Surgery

Best for: Reducing excess breast tissue in men to achieve a flatter, more masculine chest.
What to Expect: The surgeon removes excess fat and glandular tissue from the chest to create a more defined contour.
Ideal Candidate: Men with enlarged breasts due to hormonal changes, genetics, or weight fluctuations.

• Capsulectomy

Best for: Removing scar tissue (capsule) around a breast implant that has hardened.
What to Expect: The surgeon removes the capsule and may replace or remove the implants.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with capsular contracture, which causes breast implants to feel hard or misshapen.

• Breast Implant Removal (Explant Surgery)

Best for: Removing breast implants either for medical reasons or personal preference.
What to Expect: The surgeon removes implants and may perform a lift or fat transfer to reshape the breasts.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals seeking implant removal due to complications or lifestyle changes.

• Breast Revision

Best for: Correcting or improving the results of previous breast surgeries, such as augmentation, lift, or reduction.
What to Expect: The surgeon addresses complications or unsatisfactory results from previous procedures.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals unhappy with the outcome of previous breast surgeries or experiencing complications.

• Breast Implants

Best for: Enhancing the size and shape of breasts using silicone or saline implants.
What to Expect: The surgeon places implants either under the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscles to achieve the desired breast size and contour.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals seeking to enhance their breast size and shape, with options for natural or more augmented looks.

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Body Contouring Plastic Surgery Procedures

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• Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Best for: Removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles for a flatter, firmer stomach.
What to Expect: The surgeon removes excess skin and fat, tightening the abdominal muscles to create a smoother profile.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with loose skin or weak abdominal muscles, often following pregnancy or significant weight loss.

• Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

Best for: Enhancing the size and shape of the buttocks using fat transfer.
What to Expect: Fat is removed from one area of the body via liposuction and injected into the buttocks to achieve a fuller, rounder appearance.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals who desire a more contoured buttock and have enough fat for transfer from other areas.

• Gruber Booty Lift

Best for: Custom buttock enhancement to achieve a personalized, contoured look.
What to Expect: This unique procedure involves specialized fat transfer techniques to sculpt the buttocks.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals seeking a highly tailored buttock enhancement.

• Back Liposuction

Best for: Removing excess fat from the upper and lower back to create a more sculpted appearance.
What to Expect: The surgeon uses liposuction to target fat deposits on the back, creating a smoother contour.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with localized fat deposits on the back that are resistant to diet and exercise.

• Chest Lift

Best for: Lifting and reshaping sagging chest tissue, often in men after weight loss or gynecomastia surgery.
What to Expect: The surgeon removes excess skin and tightens the tissue to create a more toned chest.
Ideal Candidate: Men with loose skin or sagging tissue on the chest.

• Back Lift

Best for: Removing excess skin and fat from the back to improve contour and tone.
What to Expect: The surgeon removes loose skin and excess fat to smooth and reshape the back.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with significant skin laxity on the back, often after massive weight loss.

• Buttock Lift

Best for: Lifting sagging buttocks to achieve a smoother, more youthful contour.
What to Expect: Excess skin is removed and the underlying tissues are lifted and tightened.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with sagging skin on the buttocks due to aging or weight loss.

• Lower Body Lift

Best for: Tightening loose skin on the lower abdomen, hips, buttocks, and thighs after major weight loss.
What to Expect: The surgeon removes excess skin and fat to reshape the lower body for a firmer appearance.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with excess skin and fat in multiple areas of the lower body after significant weight loss.

• Liposuction 360

Best for: Comprehensive fat removal from the abdomen, flanks, back, and hips for full-body contouring.
What to Expect: The surgeon uses liposuction to target multiple areas, providing a complete contouring solution.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals looking for total body sculpting around the midsection.

• Body Revision

Best for: Correcting or improving the results of previous body contouring surgeries.
What to Expect: The surgeon revises the areas previously treated to achieve a more satisfactory result.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals unsatisfied with the outcome of previous body contouring procedures.

Arm Contouring Plastic Surgery Procedures

• Arm Liposuction

Best for: Removing excess fat from the upper arms to create a more toned appearance.
What to Expect: A small tube (cannula) is inserted to suction out excess fat, contouring the upper arms.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with localized fat deposits on the arms that are resistant to exercise.

• Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Best for: Removing excess skin and fat from the upper arms for a tighter, smoother appearance.
What to Expect: The surgeon removes loose skin and tightens the underlying tissue, often resulting in a scar along the inner arm.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with sagging arm skin due to aging or significant weight loss.

• Mini Arm Lift

Best for: Removing a smaller amount of excess skin from the upper arm with less scarring.
What to Expect: This procedure involves a smaller incision and focuses on tightening the upper arm area.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity on the upper arms who want minimal scarring.

• Armpit Liposuction

Best for: Reducing fat under the armpit area to smooth and contour the upper body.
What to Expect: The surgeon uses a cannula to remove fat from the underarm area, improving overall arm and chest contour.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with stubborn fat in the underarm area that does not respond to exercise.

• Arm Revision

Best for: Correcting or improving the results of previous arm surgeries.
What to Expect: The surgeon addresses complications or unsatisfactory results from prior procedures to enhance arm appearance.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals who are not satisfied with the outcome of previous arm lift or liposuction procedures.

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Leg Contouring Plastic Surgery Procedures

• Inner Thigh Liposuction

Best for: Reducing excess fat on the inner thighs for a more sculpted and toned appearance.
What to Expect: The surgeon uses liposuction to remove fat from the inner thighs, improving contour and reducing friction.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with localized fat deposits on the inner thighs resistant to diet and exercise.

• Outer Thigh Liposuction

Best for: Removing excess fat from the outer thighs (saddlebags) to create a slimmer profile.
What to Expect: Liposuction is performed on the outer thigh area to reduce fat and improve overall leg contour.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with stubborn fat in the outer thigh area that impacts the silhouette.

• Knee Liposuction

Best for: Removing excess fat around the knees for a more streamlined leg appearance.
What to Expect: The surgeon uses a cannula to target and remove fat deposits around the knees.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with fat deposits around the knees that do not respond to exercise.

• Thigh Lift

Best for: Removing excess skin and fat from the thighs to achieve a firmer and more toned appearance.
What to Expect: The surgeon removes loose skin and reshapes the thighs, resulting in tighter, smoother legs.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with significant skin laxity on the thighs, often due to weight loss or aging.

• Mini Thigh Lift

Best for: Treating mild to moderate skin laxity in the thigh area with a less invasive procedure.
What to Expect: The surgeon performs a more targeted lift, focusing on a smaller area of the thigh, with shorter recovery time and reduced scarring.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with moderate sagging in the upper thigh area seeking a less invasive option.

• Calf Liposuction

Best for: Removing excess fat from the calves to create a more contoured and defined leg shape.
What to Expect: The surgeon uses a cannula to remove fat deposits from the calf area.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with thick calves due to excess fat rather than muscle.

• Ankle Liposuction

Best for: Sculpting the ankles and reducing fat around the area to improve leg contours.
What to Expect: The surgeon uses liposuction to slim the ankle area, often referred to as "cankle" reduction.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with excess fat around the ankles that causes the legs to appear less defined.

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Lipedema Plastic Surgery Procedures

• Lipedema Liposuction

Best for: Reducing fat deposits caused by lipedema, a condition that results in abnormal fat accumulation in the legs and arms.
What to Expect: The surgeon performs liposuction specifically designed to remove lipedema fat, improving mobility and comfort.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals with lipedema, especially those experiencing pain or difficulty with mobility.

• Lipedema Lift

Best for: Tightening and lifting skin after liposuction for lipedema to improve contour and reduce excess skin.
What to Expect: The surgeon removes excess skin and reshapes the affected areas, often in the arms or legs, to improve appearance and comfort.
Ideal Candidate: Individuals who have undergone lipedema liposuction and need additional skin tightening and lifting.

Step 3: Understand Your Body Type and Health Factors

Your body type, skin elasticity, and overall health play an important role in determining which procedure is right for you. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your anatomy and discuss factors such as:

• Skin Elasticity: Procedures like liposuction work best when your skin is firm and elastic, allowing it to conform to your new contours after fat removal. If you have loose skin, a tummy tuck or other skin-tightening procedures may be more suitable.
• Bone Structure: For facial procedures, your underlying bone structure will determine how certain surgeries, like rhinoplasty or a facelift, will impact your appearance.
• Health and Lifestyle: Factors like smoking, diabetes, or a history of certain medical conditions can affect your candidacy for surgery and recovery. Your surgeon will assess your medical history to ensure that you are healthy enough for surgery and healing.

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Step 4: Set Realistic Expectations

It’s important to have realistic expectations about what plastic surgery can achieve. While many people undergo cosmetic procedures to boost confidence or correct imperfections, it’s crucial to remember that plastic surgery is not a cure-all for dissatisfaction with one’s appearance.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• What do I hope to achieve from this surgery?
• Are my expectations realistic, based on my anatomy and the procedure’s limitations?
• Am I emotionally and mentally prepared for the surgery and recovery process?

During your consultation, be honest with your surgeon about your goals. A skilled surgeon will guide you toward a procedure that aligns with your anatomy and aesthetic desires, while helping you understand the limits of what can be achieved.

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Step 5: Choose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

Selecting the right surgeon is one of the most important steps in choosing the right plastic surgery procedure. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in the specific procedure you’re considering.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Surgeon:

• Board Certification: Ensure your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or an equivalent governing body. This certification ensures the surgeon has the necessary training, experience, and ethical standards.
• Experience in Your Desired Procedure: Each surgeon has areas of specialization. Be sure to choose a surgeon with a track record of success in performing the surgery you're interested in.
• Patient Reviews and Before-and-After Photos: Reading reviews and viewing a surgeon’s gallery of past work can give you a sense of their skill level and the type of results they typically achieve.

A consultation with a qualified surgeon, like Dr. Meegan Gruber, will give you the opportunity to ask questions, share your goals, and receive personalized recommendations based on your unique anatomy and desires.

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Step 6: Consider Recovery Time and Commitment

Each procedure comes with its own recovery time and post-surgery care requirements. Some surgeries, such as Botox injections, require little to no downtime, while more invasive procedures like tummy tucks or facelifts may require several weeks of rest and follow-up appointments.

When choosing a procedure, consider how much time you can dedicate to recovery and whether your lifestyle allows for the necessary downtime.

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Choosing the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure for You

Deciding on the right plastic surgery procedure involves considering your goals, body type, and health, while setting realistic expectations for what surgery can achieve. By working with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon, you can create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your aesthetic desires and ensures safe, effective results.

If you're still wondering “What plastic surgery should I get?”, schedule a consultation with Dr. Meegan Gruber today. With her experience and expertise, she’ll guide you through the options and help you choose the best procedure to meet your unique needs.

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