What is an optional surgery called?

Optional surgery refers to any surgical procedure that is elected by a patient for non-life-threatening conditions. These surgeries aim to improve quality of life or appearance and are not medically necessary. Patients choose to undergo optional surgery for a variety of reasons, from cosmetic changes to preventative measures. While deemed safe when performed by a qualified surgeon, all operations carry some risk and require careful consideration of benefits vs potential complications.

Table of Contents

Types of Optional Surgeries

There are many different categories of optional surgical procedures a patient may elect to undergo:

Cosmetic surgery – Procedures aimed at enhancing one’s appearance. Examples include breast augmentation, liposuction, facelifts, tummy tucks, nose reshaping (rhinoplasty), eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), etc.

Reconstructive surgery – Procedures to correct deformities or improve function. This may include cleft lip/palate repair, scar revision after injury, breast reconstruction after mastectomy, etc.
Gender affirmation surgery – Procedures for transgender patients wishing to transition. Examples are top surgery, bottom surgery, facial feminization, etc.
Vision correction surgery – Laser eye procedures like LASIK to reduce dependency on contacts/glasses.

Dental/oral surgery – Examples are dental implants, veneers, jaw realignment, etc. These aim to improve dental health, function or aesthetics.
Preventative surgery – Procedures to reduce disease risk like mastectomy in high-risk breast cancer patients or hysterectomy for women with strong family history of ovarian cancer.
Bariatric/weight loss surgery – Procedures like gastric sleeve or bypass to aid weight loss in obese patients.

Plastic surgery – Encompasses both cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries aiming to reshape normal structures for improved form or function.

There are other examples like spinal fusions for back pain, cartilage knee repair for arthritis, and more. The key unifying factor is these procedures are elected versus medically urgent.

Reasons People Undergo Optional Surgery

Patients choose optional surgery for diverse reasons. Some common motivations include:

Appearance improvement – Cosmetic procedures for perceived flaws like nose size/shape, excess fat, sagging skin, small breasts, balding, etc. The goal is enhanced attractiveness and self-confidence.
Age-related changes – Rejuvenating treatments like face/eyelid lifts, skin resurfacing, injectable fillers, etc. aim to restore a more youthful appearance as we age.
Fitness/health goals – Bariatric surgery can facilitate weight loss. Breast reduction can help neck/back pain symptoms. Vision correction improves quality of life.

Gender transition – Transgender individuals may undergo surgeries to align physical characteristics with gender identity and alleviate gender dysphoria.
Improve physical function – Knee surgery can reduce arthritis pain. Dental implants can restore ability to chew/eat comfortably. Rhinoplasty can improve breathing.
Prevent disease – Prophylactic mastectomy in high-risk patients reduces breast cancer odds. Hysterectomy prevents ovarian cancer in susceptible women.

Reconstruct after injury/illness – Breast reconstruction post-mastectomy. Cleft repair. Hernia mesh repair. Scar revision after burns, etc.
Improve mental health – Some procedures like nose reshaping or pinned ears can reduce bullying/teasing and bolster self-esteem.
Enhance social status – In some cultures, cosmetic and dental procedures represent wealth and privilege. Rhinoplasty and veneers may help social standing.

The decision to undergo optional surgery is highly personal. Individuals have deeply private motivations, whether medical, psychological or social. This makes understanding each patient’s unique goals and expectations crucial when considering such procedures.

Risks and Limitations of Optional Surgeries

While frequently successful, all operations carry some risks and limitations patients should weigh:

Surgical complications – Bleeding, infection, adverse reactions to anesthesia, blood clots, nerve damage and more. Proper surgical technique minimizes these risks.

Unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome – Risk of scarring, asymmetry, need for revision surgeries if initial results are aesthetically displeasing.
Limited longevity – Many cosmetic procedures require maintenance over time e.g. injectable fillers, non-surgical fat reduction, breast implants.
Functional issues – Numbness, chronic pain, impaired mobility, altered sensations or abilities after surgery.

No impact on psychological issues – Procedures rarely resolve underlying mental health conditions e.g. body dysmorphic disorder.
Financial costs – Optional surgeries are rarely covered by insurance, requiring significant out-of-pocket expenditure.
Recovery time – Most procedures require weeks to months of healing time away from work/activities.

Maintenance costs – Follow-up procedures, injectable fillers, etc. mean ongoing financial investment.

Risks can be minimized by carefully choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. However, patients should have realistic expectations about results and recovery time. Talking through pros and cons with one’s doctor is key.

Most Popular Optional Surgeries

According to American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) statistics, the most popular optional surgeries in the United States are:

Procedure	Number in 2020
Breast augmentation	275,688
Liposuction	201,182
Nose reshaping	152,964
Eyelid surgery	139,576
Tummy tuck	126,356
Breast lift	100,378
Facelift	92,922
Botox injection	4,403,241

Together breast, body and facial procedures account for over 60% of optional surgeries. Nonsurgical treatments like Botox, fillers and laser skin resurfacing are also increasingly popular for their minimal downtime.

Interestingly, the popularity of certain procedures shifts with age. Eyelid surgery, facelifts, and injectable fillers tend to peak among patients aged 40-54 seeking to address aging changes. Meanwhile, nose reshaping and breast augmentation are most common among youth under age 30.

Gender Differences in Optional Surgery Trends

Some clear gender divides emerge in optional surgery statistics:

Over 90% of cosmetic breast surgeries (augmentation, lift, reduction) performed annually are for women.
Liposuction is overwhelmingly sought by women as well, with over 85% of procedures done in female patients.
Men represented 85% of hair transplantation procedures in 2020.

Only about 30% of Botox recipients are male.
Eyelid lifts and facelifts are significantly more common in female than male patients.

This aligns with long-standing societal beauty standards and gender norms that more often push women to seek cosmetic enhancements. However, male interest in optional surgeries has risen steadily over the past decade.

Finding the Right Surgeon for Optional Procedures

Choosing an experienced, reputable surgeon is critical when considering any optional procedure. Key tips include:

Board certification – Ensure your surgeon is board-certified specifically in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Hospital privileges – Opt for surgeons who operate in accredited hospitals and surgery centers.

Experience – Ask how many times the surgeon has done your specific procedure and view before/after photos.
Comfort level – Make sure the surgeon listens to your goals/concerns and you mutually agree on a treatment plan.
Avoid price shopping – Base choice on expertise not deals. Bargain hunting often leads to poor outcomes.

Also seek patient reviews of surgical skill, bedside manner and follow-up care. When done well and safely, optional surgery can provide significant improvements in appearance and self-confidence.

Questions to Ask Before Optional Surgery

Undergoing any optional procedure requires careful self-reflection and planning. Important questions to ask yourself and your surgeon include:

– What specific improvements am I hoping to achieve and are they realistic?

– Are my motivations and expectations around this surgery healthy?
– What specific procedure does the surgeon recommend to meet my goals?
– How much recovery time and discomfort can I expect after surgery?

– What are the short and long-term risks associated with this operation?
– Will I require maintenance surgeries or injections over time?
– Does the surgeon have before/after photos I can view of similar cases?

– Do I understand all aspects of the treatment plan and feel comfortable proceeding?
– Can I afford the surgical fees as well as costs of recovery/time off work?
– Is my support system strong enough to help me through recovery?

Being honest with yourself and your surgeon about hopes, fears and limitations allows for safe, effective care tailored to your situation.

Preparing for Optional Surgery

Meticulous planning helps ensure optimal results from any elective procedure. Key preparations should include:

Medical exam – Full check-up to assess health status for surgery.

Complete all pre-op testing – Follow your surgeon’s pre-surgical protocol exactly.
Optimize health – Quit smoking, lose excess weight, control conditions like diabetes or hypertension prior to surgery.
Medication adjustments – Discuss supplement/medication use in detail and halt any that could heighten surgical risks.

Arrange home assistance – Have family/friends lined up to help with transportation, meals and personal care after discharge.
Stock supplies – Gauze, medications, ice packs, pillows, clean bedding, easy to prepare food and other recovery necessities.
Carefully follow all pre-op instructions – Diet limits, medication timing, showering directives and more.

Meticulous planning helps patients feel empowered and allows for smoother recovery. Discuss any questions or concerns with your surgical team.

Recovery After Optional Surgery

Recovery timelines vary widely depending on the type of optional surgery performed. Some general recovery tips include:

Rest – Take it easy and avoid strenuous activity for first 6-8 weeks, longer for major procedures.

Incision care – Follow surgeon’s directions on bandage changes, wound cleansing and watching for infection.
Manage pain – Use ice, OTC pain relievers, support garments as directed to stay comfortable.
Keep all follow-up visits – Monitor healing progress and address any concerns promptly.

Ease back into exercise – Stick to light walking initially and slowly increase activity over 2-3 months.
Protect scars – Use sun protection, scar treatment gel and compression garments to minimize scarring.
Avoid harsh skincare – Gentle cleansers and moisturizers help skin recover optimally after resurfacing procedures.

Patience is essential – it can take 6 months or more for full effects of surgery to be visible. Closely follow your surgeon’s recovery instructions for smooth healing.

Cosmetic Surgery Recovery Timelines

General recovery periods for popular cosmetic surgeries include:

Breast augmentation – Return to non-strenuous work: 1 week. Full recovery: 6-8 weeks.

Tummy tuck – Return to non-strenuous work: 2-4 weeks. Full recovery: 4-6 months.
Liposuction – Return to non-strenuous work: 1-2 weeks. Full recovery: 6 weeks.
Blepharoplasty – Return to non-strenuous work: 1 week. Full recovery: 2-4 weeks.

Rhinoplasty – Return to non-strenuous work: 7-10 days. Full recovery: 9-12 months.
Facelift – Return to non-strenuous work: 10-14 days. Full recovery: 3-4 months.

Timing varies based on surgical extent, any complications and how diligent patients are about following post-op restrictions.

Conclusion

Optional surgery allows patients to rejuvenate their appearance and improve self-image when performed for the right reasons and using proper techniques. However, these procedures are not risk-free quick fixes. Careful self-reflection, realistic expectations, an experienced surgeon and diligent recovery help ensure the best outcomes from elective operations. By weighing benefits and limitations for their unique situation, patients can make informed choices about pursuing optional procedures.