An increasing trend in the field of cosmetic surgery points to the absolute necessity of thorough pre-procedure consultations and the cultivation of realistic expectations before going under the knife.

Although the removal of tattoos is the number one "buyer's remorse" option in the world of cosmetic procedures, more and more patients are now seeking to turn back the page on major changes to their features.

Estimates vary, but as many as 16 million Americans get some kind of "work" done each year. Now cosmetic medicine is faced with the challenge of undoing changes for patients that were not as successful as they hoped.

In many cases the process of "undoing" amounts to reconstructive surgery. For instance to rebuild a nose that has undergone rhinoplasty the surgeon might take cartilage from a patient's septum to get the necessary materials.

Such procedures are much more difficult than just removing implants from lips as the days of the pouty look begin to pass.

Certainly the Internet and other media outlets are replete with photographs and commentary on stars and public personalities who have gone too far in altering their appearance.

Singer Courtney Love has written on her blog that after three rounds of work on her nose, she would like to revert to her natural features. Jenna Jamison, famous for her work in adult entertainment, had her breast implants taken out.

Leading surgeons admit, however, that going back isn't easy nor is it always possible. Many patients see improvement, but they do not look like they did before the original procedures were performed.

With a more natural look in favor, it's more important than ever for individuals considering cosmetic work to thoroughly research the procedure and to be completely sure of what they are doing before moving forward. Moving backwards won't be nearly so easy.