Discover the Different Types of Plastic Surgery and their Benefits

May 1st, 2024

Since modern plastic surgery first came to the fold around 200 years ago there has been a monumental shift forward in the technology and techniques available today.

Thanks to innovative technology and surgeons pushing the boundaries, there is a whole host of different types of plastic surgery available.

Thanks to the variety of plastic surgery available you have the power to change many different aspects of your body.

In this article, we will discuss the types of plastic surgery available. 

What is Plastic Surgery? 

types of plastic surgery - feature image

Plastic surgery, also known as cosmetic surgery, is when you have a surgical procedure carried out to change the appearance of your body in some way. 

Whilst some of these procedures are surgical they can also include non-surgical procedures. 

These include:

These non-surgical options provide effective solutions for various cosmetic concerns with minimal downtime and recovery compared to surgical procedures. 

Types of Plastic Surgery

 Here are some common types of plastic surgery:

Breast Augmentation

breast augmentation

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of your breasts. 

The surgery is typically carried out using implants filled with silicone gel or saline solution, although other techniques like fat transfer are also utilised.

The procedure involves making incisions, usually under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit, to create a pocket for the implant. 

The implant is then inserted either under the chest muscle (submuscular placement) or directly behind the breast tissue (sub-glandular placement). 

Those seeking breast augmentation surgery are often dissatisfied with the size and shape of their breasts. This can happen for a number of reasons such as:

  • Genetics.
  • Pregnancy. 
  • Weight loss. 
  • Ageing. 

A study conducted in 2020 showed that breast augmentation plastic surgery in married women could significantly improve marital satisfaction and the quality of life in married women

Benefits of Breast Augmentation

  • Enhanced appearance – Breast augmentation can increase breast size and improve symmetry, creating a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing figure.
  • Improved self-confidence – You may experience a boost in self-esteem and body image after breast augmentation, feeling more confident in your appearance.
  • Clothing fit – With increased breast size, clothing may fit better and you may feel more comfortable and confident in various styles of clothing.
  • Correction of asymmetry – Breast augmentation can help correct asymmetrical breasts, providing a more balanced and symmetrical appearance.
  • Reconstruction after mastectomy – If you’ve undergone a mastectomy due to breast cancer or other medical reasons, breast augmentation can reconstruct the breast mound.

Rhinoplasty

rhinoplasty

Commonly referred to as a nose job, rhinoplasty involves reshaping the nose to improve its appearance or correct breathing problems.

The upper part of your nose is bone and the lower part is cartilage. 

When reshaping the nose with rhinoplasty you are making changes to the bone, cartilage or skin. In some cases, you could be changing all three.

Rhinoplasty can be performed using either an open or closed technique. 

In an open rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision across the columella (the strip of tissue between the nostrils) and lifts the skin to access the nasal structures. 

In a closed rhinoplasty, incisions are made inside the nostrils, avoiding any external scarring. 

The choice of technique depends on the specific goals of the surgery and the surgeon’s preference.

Considered one of the most complex plastic surgeries, Rhinoplasty is also one of the most popular surgeries worldwide. 

In the UK Rhinoplasty has seen a 72% increase, and it is now the most popular cosmetic procedure in men.

Benefits of Rhinoplasty

  • Increased self-confidence – By achieving a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing nasal profile, you can experience a boost in self-esteem and confidence.
  • Correction of nasal deformities – Rhinoplasty can correct congenital or acquired nasal deformities, such as a deviated septum, nasal trauma, or cleft lip nasal deformity.
  • Enhanced nasal symmetry – Rhinoplasty can address asymmetry in the nose, whether it’s due to genetics, injury, or previous surgery. 
  • Correction of breathing difficulties – Functional rhinoplasty, which focuses on improving nasal function, can alleviate breathing difficulties caused by structural abnormalities. 

Liposuction 

liposuction surgery

This procedure involves removing excess fat from specific areas of your body, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, or buttocks, to improve body contours.

During liposuction, a thin tube called a cannula is inserted through small incisions in the skin. 

The cannula is connected to a vacuum device or syringe, which sucks out the unwanted fat cells. 

It’s important to note that liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure or a treatment for obesity. 

Instead, it’s intended for combating localised areas of excess fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.

Benefits of Liposuction

  • Fat reduction – Liposuction effectively removes stubborn fat deposits from various areas of the body. This can lead to a more contoured and slimmer appearance.
  • Improved body proportions – By selectively removing fat, liposuction can enhance body proportions and symmetry, helping you achieve a more balanced silhouette.
  • Boost in confidence – Many people undergo liposuction to address areas of their body that have been resistant to diet and exercise. Achieving the desired body shape can significantly boost your self-esteem and confidence.
  • Enhanced mobility – Excess fat deposits can restrict movement and cause discomfort. Liposuction can alleviate these issues, improving mobility and making physical activities more comfortable.
  • Treatment of Lipomas and Gynecomastia – Liposuction can also be used to remove benign fatty tumours called lipomas and to treat gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts), providing both cosmetic and functional benefits.

Facelift

facelift

Also known as rhytidectomy, a facelift is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing visible signs of ageing in the face and neck by tightening the skin and underlying muscles.

During a facelift procedure, the surgeon makes incisions in strategic locations, typically around the ears and sometimes extending into the hairline. 

These incisions allow the surgeon to access the underlying facial tissues. 

Depending on the specific technique used, the surgeon may also make additional incisions under the chin or in the scalp.

Facelift procedures have evolved over time, and there are various techniques available, including:

  • Traditional facelifts. 
  • Mini facelifts.
  • Lower facelifts. 

Benefits of a Facelift

  • Reduced Wrinkles and Sagging – A facelift can address wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin on the face and neck, particularly in areas like the cheeks, jowls, and neck. 
  • Improved Facial Contours – A facelift can restore youthful contours by lifting and tightening the skin and underlying tissues, resulting in a more defined jawline and cheekbones.
  • Enhanced Self-Confidence – By addressing visible signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and sagging skin, a facelift can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your appearance.
  • Natural-looking Results – When performed by one of our skilled and experienced plastic surgeons, a facelift can produce natural-looking results that enhance your facial features while preserving your unique appearance. Modern facelift techniques focus on creating subtle, rejuvenated results without a “pulled” or overly tight appearance.
  • Improved Skin Tone and Texture – In addition to addressing sagging skin and wrinkles, a facelift can also improve skin tone and texture, leading to smoother, more radiant skin.

Abdominoplasty

abdominoplasty

Commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, abdominoplasty involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the abdominal muscles to create a firmer and smoother profile.

During an abdominoplasty procedure, the surgeon typically makes an incision across the lower abdomen, usually just above the pubic area, extending from one hip bone to the other.

The length and shape of the incision may vary depending on the extent of correction needed and the specific technique used.

In some cases, additional incisions may be made around the belly button to address excess skin in the upper abdomen.

Benefits of an Abdominoplasty

  • Improved abdominal contour – Abdominoplasty can address excess skin, fat, and laxity in the abdominal area, resulting in a flatter, more toned abdomen. 
  • Correction of muscle separation – Pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations can lead to diastasis recti, a condition where the abdominal muscles become separated. Abdominoplasty allows the surgeon to repair and tighten these muscles, restoring core strength and improving abdominal tone.
  • Removal of stubborn fat deposits – In addition to removing excess skin, abdominoplasty can also eliminate stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. This can further enhance the contours of the abdomen and improve overall body shape.
  • Reduction of stretch marks – While abdominoplasty cannot eliminate all stretch marks, it can significantly reduce their appearance, particularly those located on the lower abdomen below the belly button. The surgical removal of excess skin can lead to a smoother and more even skin texture.
  • Improved posture and core strength – Repairing the abdominal muscles during abdominoplasty can improve core strength and stability, leading to better posture and reduced back pain.

Types of Plastic Surgeries at New Birkdale Clinic

These are a selection of the types of plastic surgery that are available in today’s market. 

They are also procedures that we offer here at the New Birkdale Clinic

Our surgeons are among the most skilled in the world and they have consistently delivered successful results for our clients over the years.

Thanks to the innovative techniques of our surgeons you can expect stellar results when choosing us as your plastic surgery.
Please contact us if you want to know more about our services. 

Surgeries for you

Specialists in surgical and non-surgical procedures

Breast Surgery


Expert surgeons to give you the breasts you have always wanted.

Breast surgery

Body Surgery


Regain your confidence and love your body.

Body surgery

Facial Surgery


Your face is in safe hands with our consultants.

Facial surgery