Surgery, at its most basic, is the removal, repair, or replacement of body organs or tissue, or, quite literally, going under the knife. When an incision is placed in your body and later the stitched is closed-that's surgery. For many people, this is a terrifying event, especially when done voluntarily for cosmetic purposes. Consequently, people who are dissatisfied with an aspect of their appearance may choose to simply deal with it rather than take the risks associated with surgery.

Today, advancements in medical technology have made non-surgical or non-invasive techniques possible. Some procedures, even as complicated as facelifts, can be done by using alternative methods to scalpels and stitches.

Following are the popular non-surgical procedures that people choose to undergo.

Lasers

Lasers, for example, are an increasingly popular method of skin rejuvenation. Beams of light pulsate across the surface of your skin, removing wrinkles, scars, sun damage, and acne. You won't need to be put under anesthesia, and the recovery time is usually far shorter than that of traditional surgery. Some types of laser treatments are even referred to as "lunch break" procedures. This means that they are so painless and quick that you can be finished and ready to show your face in a short period of time.

Injectables

Another type of non-surgical procedure is facial injection. Although there is an element of invasiveness, like lasers they are also done quickly and without the need for anesthesia or medications. Common ones include Botox and Restylane. Injections fill in wrinkles, crevices, and can plump up lips and hollows under eyes and cheeks.

Hair Removal

Removing unwanted hair permanently has become increasingly popular and is more effective than ever. Laser treatments are now available and have been used with some success, but the longest-lasting is still the process of electrolysis. A thin piece of metal is slid into the follicle and a small jolt of electricity zaps it, damaging it just to the amount required to cease the new hair growth. There will be some pain and discomfort during the process, but little to none afterwards.

Facelift

Non-surgical facelifts use a combination of other procedures to achieve similar effects to a traditional facelift. Most frequently, lasers, injectables, and chemical peels are used in conjunction to combat wrinkles and treat skin tone and texture. It won't be able to remove excess skin or tighten certain areas, but for those looking for facial refinement and a more youthful look, it is a viable alternative.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a form of skin rejuvenation. They are applied to the skin's surface and can help remove the top layers, revealing the new, undamaged skin cells that lie beneath. With repeated treatments, they can banish blemishes that hide deep within the skin layers.

Although non-surgical procedures can't enhance your breast-size or give you a smaller nose, they are a possible alternative for those looking for a subtle procedure without fear of the operating room.