Plastic Surgery Myths and Misconceptions: What to Know

People undergo plastic surgery for a variety of reasons. They may want to adjust some of the effects of aging, improve their appearance after an accident, or simply make a change to feel their best. Unfortunately, many individuals don’t receive information from reliable sources. If you are considering a surgical procedure, you may have come across some myths and misconceptions in your preliminary research.

Because the internet is full of misinformation about plastic surgery, patients should receive only facts and health information from their surgeons. The following are some of the most common myths and misconceptions that people believe about plastic surgery.

Plastic surgery is the same as cosmetic surgery.

Many people use the terms “plastic surgery” and “cosmetic surgery” interchangeably. However, these two specialties are different. According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, plastic surgeons focus on reconstructive and corrective surgery. Such procedures can include breast reconstruction, burn repair, trauma surgery, and scar revision procedures.

However, many plastic surgeons will complete extra training to include cosmetic surgery in their practice. Cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentations, and tummy tucks all are aimed at improving appearance. So, while these two disciplines are not necessarily the same, you might see them offered in the same office.

Only celebrities get plastic surgery.

There is a common misconception that plastic surgery is only a luxury for the rich and famous. However, no single “type” of person undergoes such procedures. People of many ages and lifestyles undergo surgical treatments to improve a variety of issues. They may want to improve their appearance, eliminate unwanted fat, or calm the effects of aging. Doctors may also refer their patients to plastic surgeons after injuries and trauma. The bottom line is that you should never discount a procedure because you aren’t an A-list celebrity.

It is important to remember that insurance does not cover many of these surgical procedures, especially if they are elective. If you are concerned about paying for your surgery, be sure to talk to your surgeon’s office staff. They may have payment plans available to help ease any financial stress.

Breast implants will last a lifetime.

Breast augmentation may help many women feel more confident. However, it’s important to remember that the implants do not last for life. In most cases, breast implants will last about 10 to 15 years before the breasts return to their original appearance. This is why patients will need to undergo multiple surgeries to retain the augmentation. If you are considering any type of breast procedure, be sure to speak with your surgeon about how often you should see them. They will likely want to monitor the position and condition of the implants over time.

These procedures will not leave scars.

Even though plastic surgery enhances physical appearance, it is a myth that these procedures won’t leave scars. This type of surgery does involve incisions, so there can be some scarring. However, plastic surgeons do everything they can to minimize the appearance of scars. They usually create an incision in a natural body crease to make the incision less obvious. For example, they might make the incision along the hairline or behind the ear for facial surgery. If a patient is concerned about a surgical scar, they may choose to undergo scar revision surgery in the future.

With so much health information immediately available on the internet, it can be tricky to know what to believe. This is why a plastic surgeon is the best possible resource. If you are considering a procedure and need more information, one can sit down with you for a consultation. During this meeting, you can ask any questions and bring up any concerns. Once you feel fully informed, you can decide whether the procedure is right for you.