To learn more about each of these popular New Mexico procedures, keep reading for an in-depth explanation, including a hot tip on where to find the best plastic surgeons in the state.

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.

Tummy Tucks

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

By brightening skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, treating age spots and discolorations and even removing hair, laser skin rejuvenation or resurfacing therapy is an incredibly effective, non-invasive and non-surgical cosmetic procedure. It's also fairly cost-effective at an average price of about $85 to $150 per treatment.

How to Find a New Mexico Plastic Surgeon

To find a board-certified New Mexico plastic surgery professional, search the online database available on the American Society of Plastic Surgeon's website.