Cosmetic surgery has become a lot more popular in recent years due to the advancements that have been made in medical technology and procedures. These days, it’s not only movie stars or the rich and famous who are undertaking cosmetic surgery procedures.

Nowadays cosmetic surgery is considered less radical and more socially acceptable. Surgically enhanced reality TV stars and other TV shows such as Extreme Makeover and Nip/Tuck have increased the public consciousness of such surgery.

Many people are now realising it is not necessary to live with imperfections or appearance problems that cause embarrassment or make them feel uncomfortable. Those who have suffered accidents or diseases which have left them scarred or deformed can find comfort in knowing that the level of successful treatment with cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgeries is increasing all the time.

Many simple cosmetic procedures can even be done as a day visit to the surgery, with only local or light anaesthesia.

Cosmetic surgery holidays, where you can combine your cosmetic surgery with a vacation are now becoming popular. The rise of low cost airlines, combined with cheap medical deals and an affordable holiday in the sun, has encouraged this trend. These offers should be researched thoroughly to ensure fully qualified and trained surgeons are part of the deal. Overseas surgery can cost as little as a third of Australian prices.

Listed below some of the many cosmetic surgery (also known as plastic surgery, or reconstructive surgery) procedures which are available:

• Liposuction – removal of extra fat deposits
• Implants to enhance areas such as breasts, cheeks, calves and buttocks
• Reduction of various parts of the body like breasts (male and female), buttocks, genitals, cheeks
• Reconstruction of areas damaged as a result of accident, cancer or birth defect
• Cellulite treatment
• Acne and acne scar treatment
• Chemical peels, injected fillers, anti-wrinkle injections
• Tattoo, birthmark or pigmentation removal
• Treatment of scars due to burns, disease or accident
• Removal of moles, spider veins/capillaries
• Lifts of face or various body parts
• Hair restoration/transplantation
• Laser hair removal
• Orthodontics and Dentistry
• Laser vision correction

Many cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgery clinics are listed online and some specialise in certain types of surgery, so online research is a good way to find the right place to have your cosmetic procedure.

It is essential to fully understand everything that is involved, including things such as costs, risks and after effects. A reputable cosmetic surgeon will be happy to fill you in on all the details and address all of your questions and concerns.

Before deciding on a particular surgeon it may be useful to get recommendations, and talk to as many people as possible who have had work done by the surgeon, and ask their opinion on whether they were happy with the results or not.

Your health insurer may not cover cosmetic surgery procedures, so it is advisable to look into this before committing to anything. Loans to qualified borrowers are available for many cosmetic, plastic or reconstructive surgeries.