Debunking The Common Plastic Surgery Myths

It’s sometimes amusing as well as disheartening when our patients visit us with a lot of myths and misconceptions related to the procedures of plastic surgery. Therefore, the thought of debunking some of the most common myths about plastic surgery arised, and here we go.

Myth 1. Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery mean the same.
Truth. Both the terms – plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are not interchangeable. People think these terms mean the same but that is not true. Plastic surgery is used to correct dysfunctional part(s) of the body, whereas Cosmetic Surgery is used to improve the aesthetic appeal of a body part including treatments like body contouring.

Myth 2. Plastic Surgery is only meant for women.
Truth. The percentage of women who undergo plastic surgery is higher than the percentage of men undergoing plastic surgery treatments. But, plastic surgery is only meant for women would be a completely wrong statement. The ratio of Male and Female patients operated at Aestiva Clinic is 1:3. The plastic surgery procedures such as Eyelid Surgery, Ear Surgery, and Rhinoplasty are the treatments which are mostly prefered by men these days. Irrespective of the gender, plastic surgery procedures help both men and women improve their appearance.

Myth 3. Plastic Surgery is very expensive.
Truth. There was a time when Plastic surgery was only opted by celebrities but advanced and modern technologies have made plastic surgery procedures more affordable for everyone. Therefore, Plastic Surgery can no longer be considered as a luxury for rich class only.

Myth 4. The results of Plastic Surgery last forever.
Truth. Well, we all know that nothing lasts forever. The optimum results can be achieved from a plastic surgery procedure by choosing a well trained plastic surgeon and following the instruction post-op. However, you can’t control natural factors like aging which is definitely going to affect the appearance as well as the structure of your skin.

Myth 5. Plastic surgery can be dangerous.
Truth. There are some health risks involved in the plastic surgery procedures but you don’t have to risk your life. Most of the procedures are now safe and risk-free given to the advancements in the field. Also, if you choose a certified plastic surgeon, they will try and minimize the risks involved with a surgery.

Myth 6: Plastic Surgery Is Only for the Wealthy

Truth.While it is true that most of the time, it is wealthy people, especially celebrities, who opt for plastic surgery, it is not true that the treatment is only reserved for rich people. In some cases, the need for plastic surgery is more than addressing the aesthetic concerns. In fact, in some cases, plastic surgery becomes medically necessary. Plastic surgery costs vary widely depending on the procedure, the experience and expertise of the surgeon, and the geographic location. Many people who seek plastic surgery save up for their desired procedures or finance them through payment plans or loans. Additionally, health insurance often covers reconstructive surgeries, especially when they are deemed medically necessary.

Myth 7: Plastic Surgery Leaves Noticeable Scars

Truth. Another common misconception that people have regarding plastic surgery and scarring is that the scars are pretty visible. While it is true that all surgeries involve incisions and, consequently, some scarring, the notion that plastic surgery leaves noticeable, unsightly scars is outdated. When you get the surgery from leading and experienced surgeons who leverage advanced technologies and techniques, the chances of scarring reduce significantly. Additionally, using advanced suturing techniques and post-operative care can further reduce the visibility of scars. Over time, most surgical scars fade and become less noticeable. In some cases, laser treatments or other interventions can significantly improve the appearance of scars.

Myth 8: Plastic Surgery Is a Quick Fix

Truth. The idea that plastic surgery is a quick fix for all aesthetic or body concerns is misleading. While some procedures may offer relatively fast results, plastic surgery is not a magic solution to deeper issues like low self-esteem, body dysmorphia, or aging. There is a lot that goes into getting plastic surgery. This is where most people go wrong because they try to quicken the process, making things a lot more complicated. Patients must be in good health, both physically and mentally, and have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve. It's essential to view plastic surgery as one tool among many for enhancing your appearance or addressing specific concerns, not a shortcut to happiness or self-worth.

Myth 9: Only Young People Get Plastic Surgery

Truth. Among the myths around plastic surgery, one of the biggest ones is people thinking that younger people are the ones usually getting it. Usually, statistically speaking, the case is the opposite. Aging changes the body and face, such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and volume loss. Many older adults turn to plastic surgery to address these issues and maintain a more youthful appearance. Facelifts, eyelid surgery, and dermal fillers are among the procedures commonly sought by older patients. The majority of the time, people who consider plastic surgery are the ones struggling with the visible signs of aging, like drooping eyelids that impair vision or loose skin that causes discomfort.

Myth 10: Plastic Surgery Requires Frequent Maintenance

Truth. Unlike its non-surgical counterparts, plastic surgery doesn’t require frequent maintenance. While some procedures may need follow-up treatments, this is not universally true. For example, procedures like rhinoplasty or breast augmentation typically provide long-lasting results without the need for regular maintenance. However, non-surgical treatments like Botox or dermal fillers may require periodic touch-ups to maintain their effects. Depending on your treatment goals and outcomes, you’d need to discuss the longevity of the procedure and its effectiveness with your surgeon before you finalize your treatment.

Myth 11: You Can Spot Plastic Surgery a Mile Away

Truth. A widespread misconception that people have about plastic surgery is that its results are always evident and unnatural. That is farther from the truth, provided you are getting the treatment done by a leading plastic surgeon with expertise. While some procedures can produce dramatic changes, the goal of plastic surgery is often to create subtle, natural-looking results that enhance a person's appearance without making them look "done." Advances in surgical techniques and a focus on individualized treatment plans have enabled results that complement a patient's natural features. A skilled plastic surgeon will work with the patient to understand their goals and create a harmonious and balanced result.

Myth 12: Plastic Surgery Is Addictive

Truth. Another myth about plastic surgery that needs to be addressed and debunked is thinking that it's “addictive.” The common notion that “Once you start getting plastic surgeries, you won’t be able to stop” is not a universal fact. People who do develop an addiction or inkling towards getting frequent surgeries are usually people who are either struggling or unsatisfied with their current surgical results. Most people who undergo plastic surgery do so to address specific concerns and are satisfied with the results. However, a small subset of individuals may develop body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a mental health condition where they become obsessed with perceived flaws in their appearance and may seek numerous surgeries in an attempt to "fix" these flaws. Just because it happens with a few doesn’t mean it can happen with every person who is considering undergoing plastic surgery.

Hope, this article was helpful for you. If you would like to know more about plastic surgery treatments, we would be glad to educate you. To book an online appointment log on to www.aestiva.in or reach us at mrinalinirao09@yahoo.in.