Plastic surgery is big business in the United States. Over 18 million cosmetic surgeries (both invasive and non-invasive) occurred in 2019 alone. Once considered the realm of women, cosmetic surgery is becoming increasingly common for men.
Surgery isn’t the only type of cosmetic procedure that Americans are opting for, though. Cosmetic dentistry also has hugely expanded over the past few years, with more people than ever requesting state-of-the-art treatments to perfect their smiles.
Let’s take a look at five of the most popular cosmetic procedures, both surgical and dental, on the horizon for 2021.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is more commonly known as a nose job and is one of the most prevailing cosmetic surgeries in the United States. With rhinoplasty, the plastic surgeon changes the shape, structure, and overall appearance of the patient’s nose. This may involve diminishing the size of the nose, refining certain areas, or just bringing the nose into better alignment with the patient’s face.
Rhinoplasty is the most common facial plastic surgery procedure, with almost 220,000 performed annually. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost for a rhinoplasty is $5,409. Insurance can sometimes cover the procedure if it is performed to improve a patient’s breathing ability.
Veneers
The implantation of dental veneers is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. In this process, the dentist creates a porcelain shell to cover a patient’s tooth. Patients may undergo the procedure for a variety of reasons, such as correcting worn enamel, chipped or cracked teeth, uneven spacing, or discoloration.
If you’re wondering about the cost of porcelain veneers, you should expect to spend between $900 and $2,500 per tooth, although your final price will vary based on your teeth, dental insurance plan, and other factors like where you’re having the procedure done. For instance, you’ll likely pay more for porcelain veneers in Beverly Hills than you would in your local hometown, but sometimes it pays to go with the best cosmetic dentists in the business.
Veneers are long-lasting but not permanent—porcelain models last 10 to 15 years on average. Composite veneers are less expensive than porcelain but don’t last as long.
Dental Implants
Tooth implants are another prevalent cosmetic dental procedure. If you are unlucky enough to lose a tooth, dental implants provide a permanent and high-quality solution.
In the procedure, a dental surgeon implants a metal root into the jaw. The root, generally made of titanium, has a crown on top that serves as the false tooth.
Dental implants are very durable and can last a lifetime. However, the procedure is invasive and involves a six-month recovery period. The procedure costs between $900 and $3,000 per tooth.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a widespread cosmetic surgical procedure that gives the patient a slimmer appearance by suctioning off fat from specific areas of the body. It is the most common cosmetic procedure in the United States, with over 400,000 occurring each year. There are two main types of liposuction: tumescent liposuction and ultrasound-assisted liposuction.
Tumescent liposuction is the most popular type of liposuction. A cosmetic surgeon infuses a liquid solution of saline, numbing agents, and other materials into the area that is to be treated. The surgeon then uses hollow metal tools called cannulas to suction the liquid, along with the fat, out of the body.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) is more invasive and poses more risks than tumescent liposuction. In UAL, the surgeon still uses cannulas, but the cannulas release ultrasonic energy to melt away the fat that is then suctioned off the body.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that the average cost for liposuction is $3,548.
Rhytidectomy
More commonly known as a facelift, rhytidectomy is another popular cosmetic procedure in the United States. In this procedure, the plastic surgeon tightens the skin of the face and smooths deep wrinkles, giving the patient a more youthful appearance. The patient will have sutures from the procedure, which may fall out on their own or may need to be removed professionally.
Rhytidectomy is often combined with other cosmetic procedures such as a forehead lift, neck lift, or eyelid shaping. Patients may undergo multiple facelifts to achieve their desired results. The average cost for a facelift is $7,467, according to a study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
If you’re considering any type of cosmetic procedure, make sure to do your homework, compare prices, and weigh the pros and cons. Cosmetic surgery can be life-changing, but it’s not for everybody.