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Going Under the Knife? Read This First!

Post-surgery women reveal the whole truth about the most popular plastic surgery procedures -- from (ow!) recovery to (omg!) results
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Considering plastic surgery? You're not alone. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 14.6 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in 2012 (the most recent stats available), and 91 percent of those surgeries are performed on women.

We've all seen the black and blue bruising, bloody gauze, mummy-like bandages and nose splints. But, beyond the gory images, what about the other little details you never hear about? The ups and downs from post-op recovery to new-body results in the days, weeks and hours after a tummy tuck or breast implant surgery or rhinoplasty. We talked to doctors and women, and combed the threads on RealSelf to bring you the skinny on 11 of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, from what it entails, what it will cost you and what to expect. Click ahead to see what you're in for before you take the plunge.

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Breast Reduction aka Reduction Mammaplasty
The surgery: Usually consists of three incisions on the breast, which allow the surgeon to remove excess breast tissue, fat and skin.
Average cost: $5,384
Procedure time: 2-5 hours
Recovery time: 4-6 weeks

The Wow: Women who opt for a breast reduction surgery rave about their new down-sized cup size and life without back pain. "I am so happy that I really did it and every time I see myself I can't believe how much smaller I look, and my chronic back pain has already disappeared," writes one woman who went from a J cup to a 36 C. "I can't wait to go shopping!" and "I can't wait to work out!" are two phrases repeated over and over by women after they emerge from the four- to six-week recovery stage.

The Ow: Women who have had this surgery warn: don't forget about your nipples! In most cases, the nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying tissue to preserve sensation, so be sure to consider them in your pre-op consultations. "You really have to discuss with the surgeon how he is placing your new nipples. I found out that this is not a 'clear' thing," one post-op patient writes. Others warn that your breasts may not heal at the same rate. "So my right breast is definitely healing faster than my left. My right breast is softer and taking it's own shape whereas my left side is still harder and more "implant-ish" looking. Agh."

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Breast Augmentation aka Augmentation Mammoplasty
The surgery: May refer to breast implants, a breast lift that can be combined with an implant, or fat injections, which is a limited option due to interference with interpreting mammograms and lack of sufficient tissue in thinner patients.
Average cost: $6,525
Procedure time: 2-5 hours
Recovery time: 1 week to resume normal activity, including driving, and 2+ weeks to resume aerobic or strenuous exercise. Soreness and swelling may last for 2 to 3 weeks.

The Wow: Women who were once insecure about the shape or size of their breasts say breast augmentation is well worth the pain. "Now they push together with bras and they look fantastic in clothes! My husband loves them, he says they're sexy as hell," one woman writes. Others enjoy the wider range of options they have in the lingerie department. "Now I have so many bras. I love it!" one reviewer raves, while another adds "I LOVE having bigger and perkier boobs! And they look more even than before."

The Ow: Again, show your nipples some TLC post op. "I have very dry, sensitive nipples though, so have been told to moisturize them frequently, I guess that's what happens when your skin gets stretched like that," one woman posts. "Everything seems good with the boobs, getting squishier and squishier by the day, my only annoyance with them is the numbness I have from my incision to the nipple, feels all tingly when I touch it, just a bit irritating really."

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Butt Lift aka Lipectomy
The surgery: Transfers fat cells from your body into multiple layers of your buttocks to enhance both shape and size. Often, additional liposuction is done around the rear to improve contouring and the appearance of a lift.
Average cost: $4,665
Procedure time: 2-3 hours
Recovery time: 10-15 days, full recover 4-6 weeks

The Wow: While the focus of this operation is on the rear, women say the additional lipo really transforms the shape of your entire body. "If you want hips, I would honestly say just get a fuller butt because my transfer makes me look like I have hips now. Coca cola shape! It's awesome," one happy patient writes. Other perks? "My butt was covered in cellulite before and now there's none!" says one reviewer.

The Ow: This may seem fairly obvious, but be sure to wrap your head around the fact that won't be able to sit down for a good 10-15 days after surgery. "I'm so sick of being in bed on my stomach, my neck is killing me," one woman laments. Time to get creative. "I sleep on a layer of pillows to keep my back from hurting, my feet elevated, my knees from being sore and my head at the same level as my body," another suggests. Oh, you'll also have to invest in a female urinal ("it works wonders; got it at Walmart for $5.99!").

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Eyelid Surgery aka Blepharoplasty
The surgery: Removes excess skin to reduce thinning, crepe-y eye skin, drooping lids, puffy under eye bags and dark circles. Also performed to create/accentuate an eyelid crease.
Average cost: $4,075
Procedure time: 30-45 minutes per eyelid
Recovery time: Stitches removed in 3-4 days, 8-10 days to resume normal activity, makeup can be applied by day 8

The Wow: The relatively short recovery time and noticeable results for this procedure is a big plus for women who opted to have blepharoplasty. One woman elaborates: "My eyes were very droopy and I looked very tired. I had thought about upper lid surgery for a few years but was reluctant. I am so pleased with the results. The pain was minimal and the healing process was quicker than I ever expected. My eyes look 20 years younger. I should have done this sooner."

Related Story: My Mom Made Me Get Double Eyelid Surgery

The Ow: Compared to slicing your stomach or arms open, this procedure may seem less serious, but women warn you'd be foolish to think so. "Plastic surgery is surgery! Hydrocodone makes you constipated! Local anesthesia is still anesthesia and will rattle your brains! Do not undertake this endeavor lightly," writes one post-op patient. Women also report getting pink eye in addition to their "black eye."

BY ERICA SMITH | FEB 14, 2014 | SHARES
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