Learn the Difference Between Plastic Surgery Myths and Facts

Over time, people have developed misconceptions and exaggerated ideas concerning plastic surgery. Many people associate plastic surgery with material plastic. But the word was initially from a Greek word that means “to mold.”

Although most plastic surgeries integrate cosmetic elements, the procedure is mostly focused on reconstruction. In a 2011 American Society of Plastic Surgeons report, most of the plastic surgery in 2011 involved laceration repairs and tumor removals. “Cosmetic surgery improves on the normal while reconstructive surgery restores the normal,” says Dr. David Newman from Murrieta’s Newman Plastic Surgery.

“Non-surgical and surgical procedures are supposed to enhance and complement each other rather than replace each other,” says Dr. Newman. Let us examine some of the misconceptions people have developed about plastic surgery.

You can lose weight through Liposuction

This is a false statement. The function of liposuction is to remove fat from troubled spots around the body of a healthy person. Nonetheless, this procedure can only remove a maximum of 10 to 12 pounds.

This procedure targets specific body shapes. “Someone cannot go to the gym expecting to get rid of the love handles,” Says Dr. Newman. Liposuction is the effective procedure to work on them. Unlike the gym where someone will lose weight overall, liposuction will help you to lose weight in a specific section of the body.

Fat can re-emerge even after liposuction

Fat re-emergence of fat in other parts of the body cannot be attributed to liposuction. After liposuction, the cells that are left behind can continue growing and produce fat in other places. Therefore, physicians recommend regular exercise and healthy eating to prevent continual weight gain.

Dr. Newman says that, after liposuction, the patient may perceive their body to be “unproportioned.” For example, a man who has had a liposuction procedure on their thighs may feel as though their arms are fatter.

Plastic surgery is for insane people

Our bodies are our beauty. Therefore, if something about your body bothers you, then there is nothing wrong with having a procedure done to correct it. It is just the same way we go and see a physician anytime we are sick.

“Most patients who undergo blepharoplasty have healthy and normal concerns about their look. All they want is to appear happy and well-rested. Patients feel an overall improvement in both their quality of life as well as their appearance”, says Dr. Newman.

Cosmetic surgery is a synonym for plastic surgery

These two phrases are not the same. Almost all procedures have an element of cosmetics. Nonetheless, the two concepts aren’t equivalent as plastic surgery involves an enhancement or a repair. American Board of Plastic Surgeons recognizes a person as a plastic surgeon once they complete a five years training at a recognized hospital and engage in plastic surgery work for at least two years.

However, other disciplines such as ophthalmologist may be trained on how to perform plastic surgery around the eye although that does not equal the training of a plastic surgeon. Therefore, patients should always ask about a physician’s experience with plastic surgery before they allow any procedure performed on them.

Plastic surgery doesn’t leave scars

A cut on the skin results in a scar after healing. Plastic surgery helps minimize its appearance. The visibility of the scar is dependent on how the incision was closed, where it was made, and how it was taken care of after the procedure.

Most procedures are performed around natural creases of the skin as this helps to hide the scar. “During the procedure, we use scalpel blades to incise the skin and thus some physical evidence will always manifest,” says Dr. Newman.

Women only Require One Breast Augmentation Procedure

Three different procedures are often grouped into the term “breast surgery”. Breast augmentation is one of them. The other two operations are breast lifts and breast reduction (mastopexy). As genetics and the environment interact with the human body, the breast will require future surgeries to maintain its appearance as the patient gets older. Patients with breast implants should understand that the practical lifespan of a breast augmentation is around 10 to 15 years.

However, the practical life of a breast augmentation is not like an expiry date of a product. “The practical life of a breast surgery depends on the patient and how they take care of themselves. Breast surgery patients need to be examined regularly”, says Dr. Newman.

After surgery avoid the sun totally

Consult with your doctor on the post-surgical procedure that is appropriate for you. Although the sun may delay the healing process and redden the scars, total avoidance is not necessary. Dr. Newman advises that you limit sun exposure after a procedure. This can be achieved by use of sunscreens to prevent U.V rays causing cancer.

Cosmetic surgery does not need pre-surgical counseling

Pre-surgical counseling is necessary since it helps the physician to gauge the patient’s expectations, emotional stability, and the willingness of the patient. Proper screening is needed to ensure that the patient’s expectations are met.

Even reconstructive surgeries involve counseling. Some of the issues are the cost of the procedure, the likelihood of success and the rehabilitation that will be required after the surgery.