Two of the most common cosmetic surgeries today are breast augmentations and tummy tucks.

And while obviously breast augmentations are primarily for women, this surgery isn't reserved for them alone.  Many more men are turning to pectoral augmentation to help them get a more defined look in their chest and abdomen region.

By placing silicone implants underneath the chest muscles, the male patient can begin to look as though they have larger pecs that are not only defined, but also hard to the touch.  This is often something that's considered when working out hasn't improved the muscle tone and there is a family history of smaller pectoral definition.  In those cases, surgery is the only option to change the man's chest area.

Since women are the main patients for breast augmentation and tummy tucks, you will learn the finer points of both of these procedures as well as the risks, the results, and the modifications that are possible.

Breast augmentation

Changing the size of one's breasts is a very difficult and personal decision.  Many times this decision comes after years of painful back pain or neck pain in the case of too large of breasts or from years of suffering low self esteem because of a flat chest.

In addition, those who might have had a single or double mastectomy may choose breast reconstruction to help alter the appearance of their chest and bring it back to a more normal appearance.

Other reasons for breast augmentation include:

• To create symmetry in the breasts
• To lift up sagging breasts

Most women are naturally born with one breast that's larger than the other, but in the case of those with significant changes, having a mastectomy will help to solve the problem for good.

Those who have had children or who have gotten older might opt for a breast lift that helps to pull the breast into a higher and more youthful position.

Just as in any surgical procedure, the patient will receive anesthesia for the procedure, at which point an incision will be made at one of three areas of the abdomen:

• Under the armpit
• Under the breast
• Along the bottom edge of the areola

The choice of the incision will be determined by the size of the implants that might be used or the extent of the breast reduction.

In a breast reduction, some of the fatty tissue is removed to help reduce the size of the breasts, while in an augmentation; the surgeon will insert an implant between the breast tissue and the chest muscle wall.

These implants may be made of silicone or of saline, depending on the feel and the choice of the patient.  When the implant is in place, the incision is sewn up after a thorough check by the doctor for symmetry and shape.  Sometimes, a larger or smaller implant will be used if the final look doesn't meet the goals of the surgeon.

Some surgeons like to place the implant within the pectoral muscles too as this will tend to be a firmer fit, but this is something the patient will want to discuss with their doctor.

Breast implants do need to be removed and replaced from time to time, as these aren't meant to last forever.  Regular screenings to check the positioning will help keep the patient and the doctor pleased with the results.

The results are immediate, however, and once the swelling goes down, the breasts will be more defined than they were prior to the surgery.

Tummy tucks

If a patient has tried everything to lose weight around their midsection, but just can't seem to get rid of a spare tire, a tummy tuck can be the cosmetic surgery of their dreams.  By helping to remove excess fat that's accumulated and to tighten up the abdominal muscles, this surgery can help both men and women with a less than defined stomach area.

Before the surgery, however, many doctors will want the patient to try to lose as much weight as possible in order to see just how much work will be necessary.  In some cases, the patient may not have done all that they can and they may very well be able to have a flat stomach without surgery.

However, women especially have troubles with their midsection after pregnancies as the baby can push against and loosen their abdominal wall entirely, causing a drooping abdomen no diet or exercise plan can fix.

The surgeon will make a long incision along the pubic line on the top of the thighs and the pubic area.  There will also be an incision in the belly button.  The surgeon then goes in and tightens up the muscles, removes excess fat and tissues and then closes up the area.

There may be significant swelling for a long time after the surgery has been completed.  This is normal and it will subside.  Since this is often an outpatient surgery, it's best to remember that while you may be able to go home the same day, you will need someone to help you around for a bit until the pain subsides.

Men can also have tummy tucks when they're genetically predisposed to fat accumulation around their stomach area.  This will help to shrink their waistlines and help to create a more balanced overall look.

It's important to keep in mind that while the results of a tummy tuck can be astounding, they need to be maintained with regular exercise and a healthy diet.  If the patient goes back to their old way of life and that way of life included excess calories and a sedentary lifestyle, the larger stomach can come back.

With both breast augmentations and tummy tucks, you can completely change the shape of your abdomen, but keeping it up will be up to you.