For residents of New Mexico, plastic surgery is becoming more prevalent. The five most popular plastic surgery treatments are laser skin resurfacing, breast implants or augmentation, abdominoplasty surgery, face lifts and Botox injection treatments.

For more information on these five New Mexico plastic surgery procedures, read on for a full overview of each procedure, along with a tip on how to find a certified surgeon in your area.

Treatments for Botox

In terms of popularity for New Mexico plastic surgery, Botox is hands down the most popular procedure in the state. Because it's an inexpensive drug that's simply injected and not a full surgical procedure, it's very popular and the results are temporary.

Botox works essentially by paralyzing the face. It's a toxic poison, though safe in small doses, and once injected, the poison attaches itself to the muscles and stops them from contracting. Those minute muscle contractions are what cause the appearance of facial wrinkles as well as their development.

A Rhytidectomy or Face Lift

A rhytidectomy, more commonly known as a face lift, is an extensive surgery that takes approximately 2 to 3 hours of surgery time and several weeks of recovery. Most New Mexico plastic surgery patients who opt for a rhytidectomy book their surgeries during a time when they can set aside 3 to 5 weeks for reclusive recovery.

Most rhytidectomy procedures cost between $7000 and $11,000 in New Mexico. However, New Mexico patients are advised to evaluate a potential surgeon based on their experience and skill, and not merely their discounted prices. Remember, a face lift is a highly visible procedure that can have long-lasting facial results, so choose your doctor cautiously.

Abdominoplasty Surgery

Abdominoplasty is also referred to as a "tummy tuck," and its goal is to actually tighten the abdominal muscles, get rid of excess skin and even improve the shape of the area. Despite its ability to work miracles on patients who are at a relatively normal weight, the tummy tuck is not recommended for overweight patients, nor is it considered a replacement for exercise and a healthy diet.

Breast Implants

Clinically referred to as a breast augmentation, New Mexico plastic surgery patients have made breast implants a popular procedure in this southern state. In a typical breast augmentation, the plastic surgeon makes a small incision under the breast and inserts either a saline or silicone implant over or beneath the breast muscle.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Therapy

Laser skin resurfacing is a revolutionary non-surgical alternative for New Mexico plastic surgery patients. The deep laser light treatment is used to diminish the appearance of scars, age spots, fine wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Prices can range from $85 for a simple, one-time basic treatment to $3000 for an extensive, full laser skin resurfacing.

How to Find a New Mexico Plastic Surgeon

To find a board-certified New Mexico plastic surgery professional who performs some or all of the technique described above, search the online database available on the American Society of Plastic Surgeon's website.