Treatment GuideCosmetic Surgery Overview: Procedures, Preparation and AftercareThe independent guide to the 22 most common aesthetic procedures – with general tips on surgical preparation, aftercare and detailed pages for each treatment.
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Procedures in guide22
Procedures in glossary60+
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Insurable from€11.90/month
Max. coverage€500,000
Editorialbeautyprotect Editorial
Updated1. Apr. 2026
Medically reviewed
Dr. med. Marc EckSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
Dr. med. Nina DucksteinSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
Dr. med. Davide ToniniSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
This guide provides an overview of the 22 most common aesthetic procedures. Each subpage explains methods, typical costs, risks and tips on pre- and post-operative care. The information provided here is general in nature and does not replace an individual medical consultation. beautyprotect additionally protects against the financial consequences of unexpected complications with a follow-up cost insurance – for all common procedures.
Decision guideWhich procedure suits which concern?An aesthetic wish can often be achieved through several procedures. The following guide helps find the right starting point – the final choice belongs in a personal consultation with your doctor.
I want to look youngerWrinkle reduction and facial tightening – from minimally invasive to surgical.→Facelift→Eyelid lift→Botox→Wrinkle injection
I want to change my silhouetteContouring of abdomen, hips, thighs or arms – often combinable.→Liposuction→Tummy tuck→Thigh lift→Buttock augmentation (BBL)
I am unhappy with my breastsChange volume, shape or position – with implant, autologous fat or lift.→Breast augmentation→Breast reduction→Breast lift→Mastectomy / Reconstruction
I want to change a single detailTargeted correction of a body area – nose, ears, lips, hair.→Rhinoplasty→Ear correction→Lip filler→Hair transplant
The 22 procedures in detailTreatment overviewClick through to the subpages for methods, typical costs, risks and procedure-specific pre- and aftercare tips. All listed procedures are insurable through beautyprotect.
Face6 procedures
FaceliftSurgical face lift to reduce wrinkles and signs of ageing in the mid and lower face.
Downtime: 2–3 weeks
Eyelid liftCorrection of drooping upper or lower lids. Improves appearance and, with hooded lids, the field of vision.
Downtime: 1–2 weeks
RhinoplastyReshaping or functional correction of the nose – aesthetic or for breathing problems.
Downtime: 2–3 weeks
Ear correctionOtoplasty to correct protruding ears or shape adjustment – possible from childhood.
Downtime: 1 week
Botulinum (Botox)Smoothing of expression lines through muscle-relaxing injection. Minimally invasive, effect 3–6 months.
Downtime: none
Wrinkle injectionVolume filling of wrinkles and contours with hyaluronic acid or similar fillers.
Downtime: none
Breast4 procedures
Breast augmentationVolume augmentation with implants, autologous fat or hybrid. One of the most common procedures in Europe.
Downtime: 4–6 weeks
Breast reductionReduction of breast volume to relieve physical discomfort or for aesthetic reasons.
Downtime: 4–6 weeks
Breast lift (Mastopexy)Tightening and lifting of the breast – for skin laxity after pregnancy or weight loss.
Downtime: 3–4 weeks
Mastectomy / ReconstructionUnilateral or bilateral removal of breast tissue – medically indicated or as reconstruction.
Downtime: 6–8 weeks
Body7 procedures
LiposuctionContouring by removing stubborn fat deposits – also medically indicated for lipoedema.
Downtime: 2–4 weeks
Tummy tuckRemoval of excess abdominal skin and tightening of abdominal muscles after pregnancy or weight loss.
Downtime: 4–6 weeks
Back liftRemoval of excess skin on upper or lower back, often after significant weight loss.
Downtime: 3–4 weeks
Buttock augmentation (BBL)Shaping of the buttocks through autologous fat transfer or implants.
Downtime: 4–6 weeks
Arm liftRemoval of excess skin and fat tissue on the upper arms.
Downtime: 2–3 weeks
Thigh liftTightening of the inner or outer thighs after weight loss or skin laxity.
Downtime: 3–4 weeks
Calf augmentationShaping of calves through implants or autologous fat – aesthetic or to correct asymmetric calves.
Downtime: 2–3 weeks
Other procedures5 procedures
Lip fillerEnlargement or contouring of the lips with hyaluronic acid fillers.
Downtime: 1–2 days
Hair transplantTransplantation of hair follicles (FUE or FUT) for hair loss or thinning hair.
Downtime: 3–7 days
LabiaplastyLabiaplasty – correction and reduction of the inner or outer labia.
Downtime: 1–2 weeks
Gastric reductionSurgical or non-surgical reduction of the stomach for extreme overweight.
Downtime: 2–4 weeks
Other treatmentsOther unlisted aesthetic procedures – beautyprotect insures all approved procedures.
Individual consultation
Facts & figuresAesthetic procedures in numbersThe following key figures provide an overview of the frequency, risks and satisfaction of aesthetic procedures.
~ 17.4 Mio.aesthetic procedures worldwide per yearISAPS Global Survey 2024
~ 3 - 6 %average complication rate across all proceduresMadison Plastic Surgery Review
~ 6 - 10 %capsular contracture rate for breast implantsDGÄPC (Baker III/IV)
> 95 %patients with high satisfaction after 12 monthsASPS Patient Satisfaction Study
General adviceBefore and after every cosmetic surgeryThe following principles apply to almost every aesthetic procedure. Procedure-specific details can be found on the respective subpage.
Preparation (general)
1. 8–12 weeks before:
balanced diet, no crash diets, regular exercise.
2. Smoking:
stop at least 2 weeks before surgery – nicotine delays wound healing.
3. 2 weeks before:
no blood-thinning medication (ASA, ibuprofen), no alcohol.
4. 2 months before:
no vaccinations (unless medically necessary).
5. Work absence:
plan leave in advance – purely aesthetic procedures are not covered by sick leave.
6. Day before:
fast from 10 PM, last fluids 2 hours before surgery.
7. On surgery day:
loose clothing, no contact lenses or piercings, arrange an escort.
Detailed, procedure-specific advice can be found on the respective treatment subpage.
Aftercare (general)
1. Day 1–2:
rest, accompaniment at home, pain medication strictly as prescribed.
2. Week 1:
keep wound dry, no sport, no sauna, no solarium.
3. Week 2–4:
wear compression garments (if prescribed), light exercise for thrombosis prevention.
4. Week 4–6:
gradual return to sport and daily life – consult your doctor.
5. Scar care:
3 months no direct sun or solarium on the scar, SPF 50+.
6. Nutrition:
anti-inflammatory diet (vegetables, oily fish, nuts), no alcohol, no nicotine.
7. Follow-up:
attend all agreed aftercare appointments with the operating doctor.
Detailed, procedure-specific advice can be found on the respective treatment subpage.
Glossary A–ZAll aesthetic procedures from A to ZQuick access to over 60 aesthetic treatments – including synonyms and medical terms. Procedures with their own detail page are linked. All other procedures are also insurable through beautyprotect.
A
Abdominoplasty
Adam's apple reduction
Eyelid lift
Laser eye surgery
B
Tummy tuck
Spider vein removalBichectomy
BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift)
Blepharoplasty
Botox
Breast lift
Breast augmentation
Breast reduction
Breast implant replacementNipple surgeryBrow lift
CCellulite treatmentChemical peelChondrolaryngoplasty
DDermabrasionDermal filler
F
Facelift
Wrinkle injection
Liposuction
Fat transfer (lipofilling)
GButtock implantsButtock liftGender reassignmentGynecomastia surgery
H
Hair transplant
Hand rejuvenationSkin tumour removalScrotoplastyHyperhidrosis treatment
IIntimate surgery
KChin implants (mentoplasty)Chin lift / chin reductionBody contouringVaricose vein treatmentCryolipolysis
L
Labiaplasty
Laser skin treatment
Lip filler
Lipoedema surgery
M
Mammoplasty
Mastectomy
Mastopexy
Gastric reduction
Gastric balloonMicroneedlingMommy Makeover
NNeck liftScar correction
Rhinoplasty
O
Upper arm lift
Upper lip lift
Thigh lift
Ear correction
Earlobe correctionOtoplasty
PPenile augmentationPRP therapy (Vampire lift)
R
Rhinoplasty
Back lift
STemple liftSweat gland suctionForehead lift
TTattoo removalThermage (skin tightening)Tracheal shave
VVaginal rejuvenation
W
Calf augmentation
Cheek implants / buccal fat removal
Procedure not listed? Contact us – beautyprotect insures all approved aesthetic procedures, even if not listed here.
Frequently asked questionsQuestions about cosmetic surgeryThe most common questions patients and interested parties ask us – answered briefly and clearly.

What counts as cosmetic surgery?

Cosmetic surgery includes all medically non-essential procedures that primarily change outward appearance – from non-surgical treatments like Botox and fillers to surgical procedures like breast augmentation, liposuction or facelift.

What risks are typical for aesthetic procedures?

Common risks include post-operative bleeding, wound healing disorders, infections, asymmetries, scar irregularities and sensory disturbances. With implants, capsular contracture is an additional risk.

Does health insurance cover cosmetic surgery?

Purely aesthetic procedures are not covered by statutory or, as a rule, private health insurance. Follow-up treatments after complications may also be excluded – beautyprotect closes exactly this gap.

How do I choose the right doctor?

Check the specialist qualification, memberships in professional societies, experience with the specific procedure, patient reviews and the personal consultation.

How long does healing take after an aesthetic procedure?

Downtime ranges from a few days for minimally invasive treatments (Botox, fillers) to 6–8 weeks for major surgical procedures (tummy tuck, BBL, mastectomy).

Can I combine multiple procedures in one day?

Yes, so-called combination procedures are possible. The more that is done in one session, the more strenuous the procedure and the higher the complication risk. This decision belongs in a thorough consultation with your doctor.

What are follow-up costs and why do they matter?

Follow-up costs arise when complications occur after cosmetic surgery and follow-up treatments become necessary. Since health insurers usually do not cover these, the bills remain with the patient. A follow-up cost insurance like beautyprotect protects against exactly these costs.

From what age are aesthetic procedures possible?

Minors may only receive purely aesthetic procedures in exceptional cases and with parental consent; responsible clinics usually set an age limit of 18. Medically indicated procedures (e.g. protruding ears in children) are exempt.

Is cosmetic surgery abroad worthwhile?

Procedures abroad are often cheaper but carry specific risks: difficult aftercare, travel stress, more complex liability issues and sometimes lower quality standards. Choose only certified clinics and clarify insurance coverage before departure.

How long does the result of cosmetic surgery last?

This depends heavily on the procedure: Botox lasts 3–6 months, fillers 6–18 months, breast implants last on average 10–15 years, liposuction and lifts are permanent with stable weight.

What happens if something goes wrong after surgery?

First contact the operating doctor and document the course (photos, complaints, dates). Report the case to your follow-up cost insurance in parallel – at beautyprotect via the online claims reporter or by phone.
Protection in case something doesn't go to planbeautyprotect covers follow-up costs of aesthetic procedures – medical and aesthetic complications. Monthly cancellable, also for operations already performed.Calculate my offer now
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