In recent years the growth of cosmetic surgery has increased due to the procedures becoming much safer and more effective. There are now limitless possibilities for the improvement of the human figure, whether it is in the face, body or limbs. If your body sags, bags, wrinkles or pouches or if you feel something is too big, too little or even the wrong shape, cosmetic surgery will probably fix it.

Cosmetic surgery is not only for those who are dissatisfied with their natural looks. It is used to correct certain faults that may be present either from a birth defect or illness and which have contributed to the person's ill health or prevented their social well-being. Bat-ears is one problem that has caused many youngsters to go through the agonies of taunting from those less kind. Otoplasty is the form of cosmetic surgery that will correct this problem. The results are almost immediate and dramatic in their impact upon the happy recipient. After surgery that takes only about two hours, a full head-bandage is worn for 24 hours, followed by a single ski-type band around the head for a few weeks until the small incisions heal properly.

Blepharoplasty is cosmetic surgery to correct sagging of the eyelids due to age or genetic inheritance of fatty deposits. Drooping eyelids can cause eyes to become irritated and vision to become impaired. Excess skin is cut away and fatty deposits treated at the same time. In some cases the condition may be due to thyroid or allergy problems, in which case medication for these problems may be a preferred alternative.

Many cosmetic surgery procedures are performed under general anaesthetic and can be considered as serious an operation as one that is necessary to save a life. Therefore, it should never be undertaken lightly. Always be sure to ask your surgeon every detail you can think of about the operation and don't be afraid to find out whether he is fully qualified for the job.

Other forms of cosmetic surgery such as dermabrasion, laser resurfacing and injections are less invasive and most effective in solving some health problems. These procedures can be used to reduce scarring from acne and other causes, to remove some precancerous lesions and to plump out wrinkles.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery promotes and encourages the art and science of cosmetic surgery in all its forms and can supply reliable information about various procedures to enhance the prospective patients' decision making.