Cosmetic treatments can roughly be divided into two categories: surgical and non-surgical. The surgical procedures are invasive and usually involve some kind of surgical incision. These include breast augmentations, tummy tucks and facelifts. Non-surgical treatments are non-invasive, involve no surgical incision and have much quicker recovery times. Examples of non-surgical cosmetic treatments include dermal fillers, light therapy and dental procedures such as tooth whitening.

Cosmetic surgery is very safe and very successful thanks to many years of research and development and technological advances. However, patients must remember that it is still surgery and involves all the associated risks that come with surgery. Any surgical incision involves a risk of complication and infection. Although cosmetic surgery is carried out by professional surgeons in excellent surgical condition, there is always still a risk no matter how small.

Similarly, as with any surgical treatment there is a recovery period when things can still go wrong. And there is always the risk that after surgery the patient is not happy with the permanent results of the procedure. Obviously these are worst-case scenarios but they do occasionally happen and are worth considering when thinking about cosmetic surgery.

Non-surgical procedures on the other had are considerably safer as they are temporary and involve no surgical incisions. Treatments such as dermal fillers involve small injections of naturally occurring protein into the skin tissue of the face. These proteins then encourage cell growth and multiplication which makes the skin smoother, looking younger and healthier. Botox injections temporarily paralyse muscle movement which causes the development of wrinkles.

The effects of dermal fillers last for about four months before they are broken down naturally and need replacing. Skin peels have a similar duration and also involve no actual surgical treatment. Skin peels can cause an element of pain, especially if the deeper tissue peels are used. They work by removing the top layers of dying skin to reveal the younger and firmer skin underneath. Peels are very effective but are not quite as easy as dermal fillers.

There are many other non-surgical cosmetic procedures and also the possibility of cosmetic dentistry. Some good dental work can be just as effective as having facial treatments as the smile is one of the most important and noticeable aspects of our appearance.