Plastic surgery seems like the fairy tale of the beauty industry: You can walk into a doctor’s office with what you perceive as flaws, and—potentially, if all goes according to plan—leave with those imperfections minimized, and in some cases, erased entirely. Lifelong insecurities, fears, and frustrations (not to mention legitimate medical problems) can be addressed in a matter of hours. Is it any wonder that 1.4 million Americans per year are going under knife?

The fact that women are getting cosmetic surgery at younger and younger ages is well-documented, but that doesn’t make it any less fascinating. Millennial women are certainly contributing to the spike in surgeries (recent data hints that more than a million more people are doing it each year), with the most popular procedures being breast augmentation and liposuction. 

We asked five real women who had positive experiences about their motivations for taking the plastic plunge. Below, five share the stories of their surgeries—plus, advice for other women thinking of doing the same.

Imaxtree

Breast Implants

Who: Laura, 26, marketing communications director in Boynton Beach, FL
What: Saline breast implants, $2,300
Why: “I was small-chested while growing up, and was always unhappy about it. In 2014, I moved to Florida and made it a New Year’s resolution to get surgery because I want to enjoy my body while I’m young and single. I found a good doctor at a decent price, the surgery was quick, and I wasn’t in pain, but felt for a week or so like I had done a very heavy chest workout. The worst part was that the anesthesia made me constipated for days—TMI but important to share! I was back to work in five days.

I’m happy with my new breasts, I feel more confident and would definitely do it again. If you’re thinking about getting breast augmentation, just be prepared for the emotional rollercoaster you’ll be on post-op. Between being sore and loopy on medication, you’ll also feel major mood swings, from happy to worried about how your body will ultimately look to doubting your decision and beyond. Hang in there and try not to Google every little thing.”