by: Elizabeth McGee

For most of us, we go through the majority of our lives not even
noticing our skin; then one day we wake up and notice we just got
older. I remember that day!

We might begin to look tired with bags under our eyes, our eyelids
look a bit droopier and our cheeks sag a little more than they use
to. Perhaps you're getting tired of your thin lips or large nose or
maybe you just want a fresher or more glowing look.

Unlike years past, more and more people are looking into the option
of plastic surgery for making their faces look
younger, contouring noses and eyes or getting rid of the extra fat
pockets that just won't go away.

Did you know that according to the American Society of Plastic
Surgeons, men accounted for about 1.2 million cosmetic procedures in
2004? It's a known fact that
men don't want to look any older than women do.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) the top
5 cosmetic procedures were:

For women:
1 Liposuction
2 Breast Augmentation
3 Eyelid Surgery
4 Facelift
5 Chemical Peel

For Men:
1 Nose Reshaping
2 Eyelid Surgery
3 Liposuction
4 Hair Transplantation
5 Breast Reduction

The new five-year trending data shows cosmetic procedures are up 24
percent from 2000.

So is cosmetic surgery right for you?

Well, I can't speak for everyone but there are a few things to note
on what to expect.

First and foremost, cosmetic surgery is "surgery" and it hurts
...ouch! There is swelling and puffiness immediately
after the procedure, so don't expect to look beautiful coming right
out of surgery.

Understand that a nose job or a face lift won't necessarily make you
beautiful and it probably won't change how the world feels about
you. In fact, patients have been known to feel a sense of
disappointment after their procedures.
Because of this it's extremely important to understand how much of a
change you can expect. Changes could vary from subtle to extreme.

If you're considering plastic surgery try asking yourself these
things first:

Q: Why do I want cosmetic surgery? Who am I doing this for?
A: If it's because your co-worker says you have a big nose or if you
think looking more beautiful for your husband will help him pay more
attention to you then,
you're a poor candidate.

Pleasing your co-worker or hoping your husband will be more
attentive are poor reasons. A new face, nose or body won't change
how others feel about you and if
it does, it will be temporary.

Q: Can I afford This?
A: Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by health insurance
unless they are health related. If you have to scrape together the
thousands of dollars it
costs to have a procedure done then you're probably better off
looking into non-surgical or less invasive treatments such
as Botox, Chemical peels or microdermabrasions.

Q: What if the results are not what I expected?
A: There's always the chance that expectations won't be met. Be sure
you are ready financially and emotionally to
undergo more treatment if the results failed to meet your
expectations.

As with any high cost, risky procedure, be sure to think it through.
Don't act on a whim. Discuss the procedure extensively with your
doctor as well as with relatives and friends. Get some outside
opinions. If you can, talk with people who have had the same
procedures done that you are looking into. Talk with them about
their experiences and get advice from them on their recommendations.


If you're still interested in pursuing cosmetic surgery be sure you
are in good health and free from any major health disorders such as
diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure.


About the author:
Elizabeth is an online skin care consultant who features and
reviews fine beauty and skincare products. Visit her site at:
http://www.fine-skin-care-products.com