Cosmetic surgery is also known as aesthetic surgery. It is normally performed to improve an individuals appearance. This type of operation involves surgery on features such as the nose, ears, forehead, eyelids, breasts, abdomen, hips, thighs and face. It remodels, repairs or restores body parts, involving the transfer of tissue. In addition to correcting a deficiency, cosmetic plastic surgery is often sought for its cosmetic appeal. This involves improving the shape of a nose, reshaping protruding ears, removal of abdominal flesh or addition of fat to the buttocks.

There has been a phenomenal rise in the number of surgeries, in the recent years. Annually, 12 million cosmetic procedures are carried out in the United States. This is opted for personal enhancement. Despite the cosmetic and aesthetic appeal of this surgery, it is to be kept in mind that it involves surgery and thus the risks of normal surgery are also associated with it.

Abdominoplasty is the cosmetic surgery that includes reshaping and firming of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat that may accumulate after pregnancy, with obesity or age. Blepharoplasty involves the reshaping of the eyelids. Augmentation mammoplasty helps in enlarging the breast size by either using saline or silicone gel implants. Rhinoplasty is the surgery carried out on the nose tissues and at times is also done for a medical cause to alleviate breathing problems. It involves reshaping the nose by reducing or increasing its size and changing the shape of the tip or bridge.

Cosmetic surgery is seen as lucrative and involves a considerable inflow of money. It is essential to check a physician's credentials. The plastic surgeons are required to undergo training that takes a minimum of 5 to 7 years of surgical residency training, after medical school. A little research on the surgeon helps.