Cosmetic surgery has become a preferred way to alleviate nagging discomforts and imperfections that may be causing embarrassment or negatively affecting your self-esteem. Techniques have greatly improved over the last 2 decades, allowing plastic surgeons to perform these procedures with an impressively low incidence of complications and undesirable side effects. If you have been thinking about turning to aesthetic surgery in order to improve your quality of life in one way or the other, this page highlights the most ‘worth it’ procedures.
Note: the procedures in this list have been ranked based on patient ratings from the two largest plastic surgery reviews websites: RealSelf and Real Patient Ratings.
1. Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries today. It aims to help women who have naturally small breasts improve their size and volume. Plastic surgeons may either use artificial implants (saline or silicone implants) or natural fat tissue to complete the breast enlargement surgery. This procedure has been ranked among the most ‘worth it’ aesthetic surgeries of all time. 97 percent of breast enlargement patients on Real Self said that they were satisfied with the outcome of the treatment, and 96 percent of patients on Real Patient Ratings said the same.
2. HydraFacial
This is a newer non-invasive treatment that uses a patented device to exfoliate, cleanse, extract, and hydrate facial skin. HydraFacial treatments are far less invasive compared to traditional facials such as laser resurfacing and chemical peels that may leave the skin irritated or red for hours post-treatment. HydraFacial treatments have recorded the highest patient satisfaction rates among non-invasive treatments, with an exceptional Real Self-score of 100% and a 96.2% score on Real Patient Ratings.
3. Body Lift
A body lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat in order to create a firmer and toned appearance. This procedure is typically a good procedure choice for women who are looking to alleviate some of the negative effects of aging, pregnancy, sun damage, and significant fluctuations in weight. Plastic surgeons often target the abdominal area, buttocks, and thighs region. Body lift has been ranked as one of the most ‘worth it’ cosmetic surgeries with a Real Self-score of 96% and a Real Patient Rating score of 96.4%.
4. Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck – also referred to as abdominoplasty – is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. Plastic surgeons also tighten the underlying abdominal muscle in order to create a firmer and flatter belly appearance. This procedure is particularly common with women who have been through pregnancy and childbearing. Tummy tuck is a highly rated aesthetic treatment with
5. BOTOX
This is by far the most common minimally invasive cosmetic procedure. In 2020, more than 4.4 million BOTOX treatments were administered in the United States alone. BOTOX injections work by relaxing facial muscles in order to alleviate smooth lines and wrinkles such as frown lines and crow’s feet. The procedure is well rated with a 95% satisfaction rate on Real Self and an impressive Real Patient Rating score of 95.2%.
6. Mommy Makeover
‘Mommy Makeover’ is an umbrella procedure that refers to a combination of specialized cosmetic surgeries designed to address adverse physical changes that linger on after pregnancy. Examples of procedures that may be bundled in a mommy makeover include breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, tummy tuck, and/or liposuction. 95 percent of women who had a mommy makeover said that the procedure was worth it on Real Self. A similar 94.8 percent of mommy makeover patients expressed positive feelings about the outcome of this cosmetic surgery.
7. Blepharoplasty
Eyelid surgery – also referred to as blepharoplasty – is a cosmetic procedure that repairs droopy eyelids in order to correct vision obstruction and improve facial appearance. In 2020, eyelid surgery was the second most common cosmetic surgery after nose reshaping surgery. This procedure has impressive patient rating scores of 94% on Real Self and 93.8% on Real Patient Ratings.
8. Breast Lift
A breast lift – also referred to as a mastectomy – aims to improve the shape of drooping breasts by removing excess skin. This treatment may be used to reverse some of the negative physical changes resulting from pregnancy and weight fluctuations. Breast lift boasts an impressive aggregate satisfaction rating of 93% on Real Self and an even higher score of 94.6% on Real Patient Ratings.
9. Labiaplasty
This is a less common aesthetic surgery that aims to improve the shape and appearance of the vaginal folds. Labiaplasty – also referred to as vaginal rejuvenation – may help alleviate discomfort and embarrassment caused by excessively large vaginal folds. This treatment is commonly requested by women in their 30s and 40s. Labiaplasty has impressive patient satisfaction ratings of 92% on Real Self and 94.4% on Real Patient Ratings.
10. Face Lift
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a cosmetic surgery that aims to improve the appearance of the face. Plastic surgeons achieve this by reducing skin sagging on the jawline and cheeks, as well as making other changes to improve age-related imperfections. A facelift is a well-rated procedure with a score of 92% on Real Self and 93.8% on Real Patient Ratings.
Conclusion
There are numerous other highly rated aesthetic procedures that couldn’t all fit in this list. If you have a specific aesthetic aspect that needs to be improved, schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss the options.