5 Facial Plastic Surgery Myths Debunked
According to a report by the American Society of Plastic Surgery, nearly 1.8 million plastic surgery procedures were performed in 2016, making it one of the most popular aesthetic trends in the United States. Modern surgical procedures are more advanced than ever and are progressing every day, thanks to new developments in the techniques and technologies employed. As a result, patients can now achieve better results with a lighter and faster recovery period.
While plastic surgery has been in the media spotlight for decades, there is still pervasive misinformation surrounding it. In order to help prospective patients better understand the world of plastic surgery and the procedures they are interested in, it’s important to dispel these rumors and talk about the actual facts.
1. Plastic Surgery Looks Unnatural
Bad plastic surgery procedures are always being covered by the media (particularly the tabloids). Publications and media sites know that people love to hate celebrities in every way they can. It is usually the worst plastic surgery results that go viral on social media, garnering the attention of millions of Americans.
While these instances may appear to be the norm, they are mostly stories of individuals who sought out extremely unnatural results and underwent multiple procedures at once. Most plastic surgeons recommend this, but some clients are unwilling to listen.
In reality, the goal of any plastic surgery procedure is to achieve natural-looking results that leave the patient looking better than ever.
2. Plastic Surgery Is Not For Men
While it is true that women account for more than 80% of cosmetic surgery procedures performed on average, the numbers for men have been rising in recent years. Now more than ever, people want to look their best to compete in society, and this has affected both men and women alike. Liposuction, male breast reduction (otherwise known as gynecomastia), rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, and facelift surgery are among some of the procedures that are popular among men. Non-surgical treatments such as dermal fillers are also a favorite among men.
3. Plastic surgery Can Help People Lose Weight
While plastic surgery is known for achieving remarkable changes in a person’s appearance, it is not a tool for weight loss. Liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and other body contouring procedures can improve a patient’s silhouette by removing pockets of fat or removing sagging skin, but they are not weight loss treatments. Moreover, patients who wish to undergo these procedures are usually instructed to be at or near their goal weight prior to the procedure, as a high BMI can put them at risk for procedural complications.
4. Plastic surgery Results Are Permanent
While the results from plastic surgery can be quite astonishing, they can diminish over time. This is particularly true for patients who don’t take the necessary steps to maintain their new look. Making healthy lifestyle choices and maintaining a good body weight are vital to preserving the results long term.
5. Cosmetic Surgeons and Plastic Surgeons Are the Same
While people often assume that plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons are the same, they are actually quite different. Plastic surgeons are required to complete a certain amount of specialty training and have a certain level of experience before they can claim it as a specialty. Conversely, there is currently no metric for recognizing the training level of cosmetic surgeons.
What Is the Takeaway?
There are various misconceptions surrounding plastic surgery. Rather than making judgments based on internet images or the opinions of others, patients should consult with a credentialed practitioner to ask any questions they may have regarding procedures and results. Seeking out a skilled, experienced surgeon will ensure that patients achieve results that are in line with their desired look.