ONCE it was the exclusive preserve of movie stars and millionaires – but today people from all walks of life are considering cosmetic surgery.

Now as the New Year approaches an ever-increasing number of people – both men and women – are deciding that now is the time for them to have that treatment they have been promising themselves.

Cosmetic surgery can boost confidence or relieve issues such as back problems and is an option more and more people have been taking over recent years.

Consultant plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon at BMI Droitwich Hospital Darren Chester said he has seen a significant increase in demand for five procedures offered at the hospital over the past year.

He said it was important anyone considering cosmetic surgery discussed the matter thoroughly with their surgeon before making a decision.

“You need to be confident both in the surgeon and in the actual decision you are making,” he said.

“Many times people want to discuss their options several times in order to get a clear and positive view of what they are having done.”

Mr Chester told your Worcester News about five of the most popular procedures:

BREAST REDUCTION

Overly large breasts can cause problems such as back and neck pain as well as bad posture. A procedure to reduce the size can relieve these problems as well as boost a woman’s confidence.

The operation is performed under general anaesthetic and most patients need to stay in hospital for one or two nights afterwards.

PLATYSMAPLASTY (FACE AND NECK LIFT)

The neck is often one of the first places on the body to show signs of ageing. Neck lift surgery or a facelift focuses on reducing the loose look of sagging skin around the neck and under the jaw line.

The procedure takes about two or three hours under general anaesthetic and requires an overnight stay in hospital.

BLEPHAROPLASTY (EYELID SURGERY)

The eyes can also betray a person’s age.

Eyelid surgery can give the patient a fresher, more youthful look. The procedure involves making a small incision in the eyelid’s natural folds to remove excess skin and tissue and then applying very fine stitching to close the incision again.

The operation can be performed under either local or general anaesthetic and usually means an overnight stay in hospital.

GYNAECOMASTIA (MALE BREAST REDUCTION)

Recent years have seen a massive increase in men wanting breast reductions. Excess fat on the chest can be treated by losing weight, but in some cases a gynaecomastia operation may be more effective.

The procedure involves making an incision under the arm or around the nipple to allow excess skin and tissue to be removed. Sometimes liposuction is performed to remove excess fat. The operation is generally performed under general anaesthetic operation and patients will have to stay in hospital for at least one night.

ABDOMINOPLASTY (TUMMY TUCK)

Events such as pregnancy, losing a lot of weight, or just aging can leave their mark on the stomach. A tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles and requires a general anaesthetic. Patients will have to stay in hospital for at least one night.