Some aesthetic procedures are more invasive than others. The invasiveness of your procedure can impact how long your surgery is, how risky your surgery is, how extensive your recovery will be and how long your results may last. Below is some general information to consider about each level. Be sure to consult with your aesthetic plastic surgeon if you have questions about your specific procedure.
Most Invasive (Surgical Procedures)
Bundled surgical procedures tend to be the most invasive, with the longest surgery time and recovery period. Some common surgical procedures in this category are:
- Body — Plastic Surgery After Dramatic Weight Loss, Plastic Surgery Post-Pregnancy, Lower Body Lift, Upper Body Lift, Butt Lift
- Head & Face — Facelift, Facial Rejuvenation
- Breast — Breast Reconstruction
Recovery usually takes over two weeks, with months of healing and additional precautions needed. These results typically last the longest, with some results lasting a lifetime.
Invasive (Surgical Procedures)
Surgical procedures reposition tissue, restore lost volume, and smooth skin to rejuvenate our faces and bodies. Body and breast contouring can reduce fat deposits, lift sagging skin, and shape breasts, arms, hips, and thighs. Surgical implants add permanent volume in areas such as your face, breasts, pecs, and calves. Some “invasive” surgical procedures are:
- Body — Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Upper Arm Lift, Thigh Lift, Calf Implants, Fat Transfer, Penis Enlargement, Labiaplasty, Vaginoplasty, Vulvaplasty
- Breast — Breast Lift, Breast Augmentation, Breast Reduction, Breast Revision, Gynecomastia, Pectoral Implants
- Head & Face — Brow Lift, Eyelid Surgery, Ear Surgery, Facial Implants, Lip Enhancement (with Fat Grafting), Neck Lift, Nose Surgery
- Skin & Hair — Hair Transplantation
Recovery usually takes more than a week, with weeks to months of healing and additional precautions needed. These results typically last a long time, with most of these procedure results lasting more than ten years and some lasting a lifetime.
Moderately Invasive (Nonsurgical)
Moderately invasive procedures, while nonsurgical, are neither risk-free nor a substitute for plastic surgery. The most common nonsurgical procedures involve injection therapy. The longevity of these treatments varies from a few months to a few years. For a time, they reduce the appearance of lines and creases, plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours, and soften wrinkles.
- Head & Face — Lip Enhancement (with injections)
- Skin & Hair — Botulinum Toxin, Soft Tissue Fillers, Laser Skin Resurfacing, Deep Chemical Peels, Nonsurgical Skin Tightening, Cellulite Treatments
These treatments typically require minimal recovery but don’t achieve the same results as surgery or surgery combined with moderately invasive procedures, which produce more noticeable and longer-lasting results.
Minimally Invasive (Nonsurgical)
Minimally invasive treatments even out skin tone, increase cell turnover, promote cell growth, remove unsightly veins or abnormal hair growth, and stimulate collagen production to help the skin retain its softness and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Common procedures in this category include light-based treatments to remove sunspots and treatment of leg veins. These treatments often require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results. They are not without risk though and should be performed by a trained provider overseen by an aesthetic plastic surgeon. These procedures can reduce the effects of sun damage and discolorations and improve skin texture. However, the results are usually temporary, and you may need multiple treatments over time to maintain your results.
- Body — Spider Vein Treatment, Nonsurgical Fat Reduction
- Skin & Hair — Intense Pulsed Light (IPL®), Microdermabrasion, Light Chemical Peel, Laser Hair Removal
Noninvasive (Nonsurgical)
Noninvasive procedures (or spa treatments) are therapeutic and relaxing, designed primarily to reduce blemishes and revitalize and protect the skin. The results are temporary.
These techniques and treatments, such as cellulite wraps, facials, and deep-tissue massages, are for people of all ages, from younger people who want to improve skin tone to older adults looking to relieve muscle tension or back pain.