The number of people choosing to have plastic surgery is soaring, and not just in Hollywood. The number of procedures shot up 9 percent in 2010.

Breast augmentations, tummy tucks and Botox injections are also popular in Central Wisconsin.

Heather Taft, 30, of Weston is part of that statistic. She underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2003, which made her feel great but left some unwanted side effects.

"Total weight loss was over 220 pounds... at my lowest 130.. which left a lot of loose, baggy skin," said Taft.

It also left painful infections where her skin overlapped. Last year, she decided plastic surgery could give her a better life.

"It was a simple procedure, they just cut one line from hip to hip and then they pull the skin down and then they cut off what overlaps."

The mother of two says the procedure has changed the way she lives.

"I feel much better because I don't have that floppy skin, I can be more intimate with people," Taft said.

Plus, she says she no longer has to worry about bacterial infections and constantly going to the doctor.

There are misconceptions that cosmetic surgery is only for celebrities and reality shows, but Taft says the medical procedures can help ordinary people have a better life.

"I feel more comfortable, especially with myself," she said.

The term plastic surgery comes from the Greek word plasticos, which means to reshape or remold.