Chin implants, also known as chinplants, became the fastest-growing cosmetic procedure in 2011 -- doctors performed over 20,000 surgeries on both men and women, a 70 percent increase over 2010.
Almost 14 million people spent over $10 billion on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in 2011, a 5 percent increase from 2010, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The most common surgeries were breast implants and nose reshaping, but other procedures such as Botox and facelifts rose as well.
The ASPS attributes increased chinplant to the relative ease and safety of the procedure. Doctors insert a small, rubbery implant through an incision in the patient's chin. Complications are rare, usually consisting of numbness, infection and bleeding, but patients typically recover in a few days.
While many cosmetic surgeries are commonplace, there are some weird plastic surgeries that people elect for. Click through the slideshow to see some of the weirdest plastic surgeries that people undergo.
Chin implants, also known as “chinplants,” were the fastest-growing cosmetic procedure in 2011 -- doctors performed over 20,000 surgeries on both men and women, a 70 percent increase over 2010.The ASPS attributes the increase to the fact that the surgery is relatively easy and safe. Doctors insert a small, rubbery implant through an incision in the patient’s chin and send them on their way. Complications are rare, usually consisting of numbness, infection and bleeding, but patients usually recover in just a few days.
American Society of Plastic SuTongue splitting, also known as tongue bifurcation or forking, involves cutting the tongue from the tip to as far back as possible, creating a snake-like effect. Surgeons typically use a heated scalpel to slice the tongue and then suture each of the cut edges, preventing it from healing back together. While minor complications such as difficulty speaking or eating can occur, the surgery is generally considered safe. However, many people elect to perform the surgery themselves using fishing line, which increases the risk of complications such as infections.With practice, patients can learn to control each half of the tongue independently and even use it to grasp objects. While tongue splitting is reversible, doctors warn that the reversal is very painful.
FlickrAlso known as six-pack surgery, abdominal etching is an extreme form liposuction that leaves the patients with washboard abs. While traditional liposuction removes fat from the belly area, abdominal etching goes a step further to “sculpt” the abs that patient’s desire.A doctor makes several small incisions in the patient’s belly and uses a tube to suck out excess belly fat. The doctor then removes all the fat from between the abdominal muscles, giving the appearance of a six-pack.The surgery is expensive -- it can cost upwards of $10,000, and complications include bleeding, bruising and excessive scarring.
Dr. Aldo Guerra
