Perfection is a mirage. That could be true for many aspects of life. We all have our little imperfections that give our lives some meaning and drama. However, when it comes to the way we look, perfection is attainable when a capable surgeon meets your expectations. Surgery, which was meant to help people become healthier, has today become a means for men and women to have a body and face that matches their expectations.

You could be for it or against it, but the number of men and women who opt for the scalpel or the laser will only go upwards. 18.1 million cosmetic procedures and 5.9 million reconstructive procedures were done in 2019, and the numbers in 2021 will go up by a few percentage points.

1. Breast augmentation
   This continues to be the most popular plastic surgery procedure since 2006 for women, however, with a slight dip in the total numbers compared to the previous year. Medically the augmentation is called mammoplasty; surgeons place silicone or saline implants under the chest tissue to increase their size.
2. Liposuction
   More than 265,000 women and about 31,000 men opted for liposuction to reduce fat from different parts of their bodies. The rate of obesity among young girls and older women is becoming a cause of concern for many. Though exercise, a good diet, and a disciplined life could reduce weight, it takes time. Many also use liposuction to revert the changes in the body after childbirth. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that takes out the fat from the stomach, buttocks, hips, arms, and neck. Men prefer liposuction to remove fat from the neck, chest, and abdomen. Though there is a risk of long-term side effects, both men and women use this as a short cut to lose weight and help shape their figures the way they want.
3. Eyelid surgery
   Nearly 180,000 women and 31,500 men have opted for eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty. It is mainly done as one grows older, and the excess skin, muscles, and fat are removed during the procedure. Many also get an eyelift done to make their eyes look fuller and more prominent.
4. Nose reshaping
   This is called rhinoplasty and is done both as cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery. Many do a rhinoplasty to overcome difficulties in breathing or to improve the functioning of the nose. It is equally true that rhinoplasty numbers are always higher for men as many are involved in brawls or street fights, and the nose is an easy victim.
5. Facelift
   Rhytidectomy is the medical term for a facelift. This procedure reverses the effect of aging, particularly from the face. It reduces age-related sags around the skin, cheeks, and jawline. It is not a one-time procedure as it involves multiple surgical procedures. Once the procedures are completed, you must follow a strict exercise regimen as part of the treatment. About 125,000 women and 12,000 men have opted for a facelift.

Apart from these surgical procedures, the top popular non-surgical methods in terms of the number of surgeries are Botox, soft tissue fillers, chemical peels, laser hair removal, and microdermabrasion. Not all non-surgical procedures are painless, less complex, and take less time. Some procedures are so simple that you can finish them and even go to work. Some procedures are complex and require multiple sittings. Doctors give a strict list of dos and don’ts that you have to follow to avoid any setback for some procedures. Ensure you know what you want, never decide on a whim, and understand the possible side effects and risks.