Debunking Common Plastic Surgery Myths and Misconceptions

Plastic surgery has become increasingly popular – year in and year out. Plastic surgeons have perfected their tradecraft and technology has dramatically improved. Doctors are increasingly able to deliver outstanding results while also guaranteeing the patient’s safety and wellbeing. The number of horror stories in the field is going down and more and more men and women are opening up to these procedures. The total number of cosmetic surgical and reconstructive surgical procedures is nearing 10 million based on 2020 statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). 

But even as the popularity of plastic surgery has climbed up over the last few years, so has the amount of false information on the field. It is not uncommon to come across a listing or fact that is absurdly based on falsehoods. If you have been thinking about having plastic surgery in The Woodlands, this article will help get a few myths and misconceptions out of the way. 

1. It is a preserve for the rich 

Long gone are the days when plastic surgery used to be associated with TV hosts and Hollywood celebrities. Back then, wealthy individuals would sometimes travel out of state or the country to look for the most qualified surgeon. Things are entirely different today. The average American can benefit from this type of treatment. The number of plastic surgeons across the country has dramatically increased and (almost always) you can easily find a qualified practitioner in your town or city. Procedure costs are within the reach of most Americans. More so, there are numerous providers (such as Credit Care) who provide credit services to enable patients to obtain the treatment they need. 

2. It is for women 

A common misconception is that plastic surgery is meant for women alone. Nothing could be further from the truth. It’s important to acknowledge, though, that women make up the bulk majority of plastic surgery patients. However, countless men are turning to this type of treatment to address diverse aesthetic and functional issues. In 2020 alone, more than 18,000 men had male breast reduction surgery in the US. Men also benefit from diverse other cosmetic surgeries ranging from facelift surgery to abdominoplasty and liposuction. 

3. Plastic surgery is purely cosmetic 

The majority of plastic surgeries are performed for cosmetic reasons. However, many other treatments are administered to achieve functional or medical goals. For instance, many patients who have a deviated septum or other functional issues affecting the nose and breathing can benefit from functional rhinoplasty. Geriatric surgery is performed exclusively to help obese patients shed off excess pounds. In some cases, patients may have a tummy tuck so as to address a hernia or alleviate posture problems. 

4. Cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons are the same 

Any surgeon may refer to themselves as a cosmetic surgeon even if they do not have board accreditation. This includes oral surgeons and dermatologists. Cosmetic surgeons primarily focus on addressing aesthetic issues as their primary role. Plastic surgeons, on the other hand, often perform both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. While there are many overlaps between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon, you can make the right surgeon by looking for board certification and membership with organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). 

5. You can easily tell that someone has had plastic surgery 

While the outcome of a plastic surgery procedure will vary from one patient to the other, it is not true to say that results are easily noticeable. In fact, with advances in surgical techniques and technology, the opposite may be just true. Plastic surgeons utilize modern methods to conceal incisions along natural fold lines – where they are hardly noticeable. Furthermore, subsequent scar care programs (after recovery) help ensure that scars are hardly noticeable. With a properly done job, the patient will look better and natural. 

6. Plastic surgery is unsafe

The vast majority of plastic surgery procedures are completed safely. However, it is important to acknowledge that there are inherent risks involved. It is not unheard of for patients to have to deal with complications such as bleeding, blood clots, and infections. Patients should focus on finding (and working with) a highly seasoned plastic surgeon in order to minimize the risk of complications. 

7. Liposuction can help lose weight 

A common misconception that many people have is that liposuction is meant to be a weight loss procedure. This is totally incorrect! Liposuction is a body contouring treatment that is designed to get rid of stubborn pockets of fat from different areas of the body. This procedure is commonly combined with other treatments such as a tummy tuck and should never be seen as an alternative to weight loss. 

8. Results are usually temporary 

Another common plastic surgery myth is that results are not long-lasting. Patients who have breast enlargement are able to enjoy the results of their surgery for up to 15 years, often more. The same goes for other treatments, including facelifts, abdominoplasty, arm lifts, etc. The important thing is to maintain a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise in order to maintain your results for a long duration (and thus get the most out of your treatment). 

Conclusion

Now that you know what is true and what is not, the next step is to learn as much as possible about the procedure you are interested in before you schedule a consultation visit with your plastic surgeon.