Plastic surgery has many misconceptions and strange myths that have adhered to it for many years. While views on cosmetic surgery are changing and people are becoming much more lenient about openly discussing procedures, the air of secrecy that surrounded cosmetic surgery held for so long means that many incorrect views or rumors surround procedures. Webb Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has seen many of these myths during their time. So today, we lay to rest seven of the most common myths we see circulating about plastic surgery:
- Liposuction is for weight loss
While there are plastic surgery procedures that can aid in weight loss, liposuction is not one of them. Liposuction is meant for patients who are at a stable and healthy weight that have problem fat deposits they would like removed. Liposuction will only remove between 10 and 12 pounds of fat overall and then only from problem areas, like love handles.
- Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are the same
There are different kinds of plastic surgery and while all have a cosmetic element, many procedures focus on reconstruction first. Things like tumor removal and laceration repair do fall under plastic surgery, but not in the context most people are familiar with. Plastic surgery that is elective is usually only cosmetic and completely optional.
To be a plastic surgeon means that a physician has completed five years in surgical training at an accredited hospital with at least two years dedicated only to plastic surgery.
- There are no scars that result from plastic surgery
We’re not sure how this myth ended up being propagated because there’s no such thing as surgery without scars. However, plastic surgeons are very adept at minimizing scars. How visible a scar is after surgery and when the skin has healed is based on how the incision is closed, how it’s cared for, and where it’s made. Most surgeons look to make scars where there are natural creases in the skin, which minimizes the scar’s future visibility.
- Breast implants last a lifetime
Unfortunately, breast augmentation does not last a lifetime. Like facelifts, maintaining your breast augmentation will most likely mean another procedure down the line. Gravity and environmental damage will take their toll on the skin, as well as on the implant itself. Many people who get breast augmentation will require another procedure in 10 to 15 years.
- No more sun exposure after a procedure
Each procedure has its own post-surgical instructions you must follow, but avoiding the sun is not typically necessary unless you’ve had something like a chemical peel done or something that will make you more sensitive to sun exposure.
- Fat can show up in other places after liposuction
During liposuction, fat cells are removed from the body, but the cells that are left behind can still grow. So if you gain a lot of weight, the fat can start to grow again. This does not mean the procedure was a failure, but that you didn’t maintain the required weight to prevent the reappeared. Sometimes, people have a distorted perception of their bodies after liposuction and may think that another part of their body is larger once fat is removed from another place.
- If you can afford it, you can have it done.
Like any surgical procedure, your doctor will have to weigh what is the best possible procedure for you and whether you are a good candidate. Surgical candidates are screened before being permitted to go forward with any cosmetic surgery, whether they have the money in hand or not.
Yeah, I bet the stereotypes come from people who’ve never been to a plastic surgeon 🙂
You have compiled an excellent list of common plastic surgery myths. Getting plastic surgery is not always the right decision for each person and many of the considerations you mentioned have to be weighed.
Kyle recently posted…Kintsugi and Plastic Surgery
“Breast implants last a lifetime” this one was a total shock for me :d I was convinced that it last with you for ever and ever 😀
Very nice blog. These surgeries are very common these days, but many of us are feeling fear when we have to undergo these cosmetics surgeries.
A few months ago I had gone through Rhinoplasty surgery from Dr. Michael Omidi’s clinic. He is a top expert in rhinoplasty and treats patients in Beverly Hills, Apple Valley, and the Inland Empire.
They are very good and professional at their work. If anyone is planning for any cosmetics surgery then I personally recommend them to get consult with Dr. Michael Omidi.
Eva Taylor recently posted…Morpheus Skin Tightening
Another myth to add is that going overseas for “cheaper” cosmetic surgery. There is a very complication rate and most plastic surgeons will not them or they have to pay high fees. The cosmetic outcome they were hoping for is also extremely compromised.
Excellent list of thoughts, and misconceptions. It is funny how rumors become fact. Another type of “fake news”, I guess.
Great read. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for telling me that the medical expert would still have to weigh if I’m a good candidate for the procedure I wanted. I’ve always felt uncomfortable with how my chest looks and I’m looking forward to the process of breast reduction. However, it will still be better to seek a professional’s advice before the actual procedure.
Thank you for sharing such important info! By the way, to prolong the result of a facelift, do not forget to use sunscreen daily, use retinoid cream and drink enough water. But even if you haven’t had a facelift, these things will make your skin look younger and more beautiful.