2: Getting a New Nose

The nose job. Is there any procedure more commonly associated with cosmetic surgery than nose reshaping, or rhinoplasty? It is, according to WebMD, the most common cosmetic surgical procedure among teenagers. In fact, roughly half (or 35,005) of the total surgical procedures (76,841) recorded in 2010 by the ASPS for the 13-to-19-year-old demographic were nose jobs. That's understandable, given how self-conscious most teens are (though there are certainly non-cosmetic reasons for a rhinoplasty, such as a deviated septum).

But the nose job -- whether the procedure is to remove a bump, straighten the bridge, reshape the tip or open breathing passages -- is popular among all age groups, and carries with it an average fee of $4,306 [source: ASPS]. In the 20-to-29 age group, it's a close second to breast augmentation, and third in the 30-to-39 age range (falling slightly behind liposuction). All have certain risks involved, not the least of which are unreasonable or irrational expectations.

The actual surgery is fairly uncomplicated, in most cases. However, patients should be aware of any underlying issues that might be driving their decision to have a nose job. According to a study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, roughly a third of patients considering the procedure could possibly suffer from a mental condition known as Body Dysmorphic Disorder [source: Doheny]. That underscores the importance of consulting with not only your plastic surgeon, but also your primary care physician and family prior to proceeding. The bottom line, say experts, is that a nose job might change the way you look, but it won't change who you are.

Finally, one additional word of warning for teens: Rhinoplasty isn't recommended until the patient's facial features have full matured. That age is typically between 15 and 16 for girls, and 16 and 17 for boys [source: WebMD].

What the most common cosmetic surgery procedure?