In 2019, around 18.1 million cosmetic procedures were done in the United States. But while plastic surgery is now largely accepted, it remains a controversial surgical specialty. There are lots of unfounded myths that continue to persist and scare people against it.
Perhaps one of the major myths about plastic surgery is that it is all about beauty and vanity. A quick search through the internet about plastic surgery will probably lead you to stories of celebrities getting popular cosmetic procedures like liposuction, Botox, butt implant, nose lift, etc.
Although these popular cosmetic procedures represent one side of the specialty, plastic surgery is not confined to beauty enhancement. There are many other plastic surgery procedures intended to improve bodily functions and not just appearance. For example, scar revision procedures are not only done for cosmetic purposes but also to improve the movement of affected body parts. More than improving physical appearance and bodily functions, the main goal of plastic and reconstructive surgery is to boost a person’s self-confidence and self-esteem.
Here we debunk some of the most common myths about plastic surgery.
It is dangerous
Like any other surgical procedure, plastic surgery entails some risk. In general, medical experts and government regulators have assessed plastic surgery procedures to be safe, especially when performed by qualified professionals in an ideal clinical setting. According to Seattle plastic surgery specialists, advanced medical equipment and deeper knowledge have made plastic surgery procedures even safer and easier to perform. Several non-invasive procedures are considered safe.
It is only for women
Although women comprise 9 out of 10 plastic surgery patients, these cosmetic and reconstructive procedures are not exclusive to women. Quite recently, the number of men undergoing plastic surgery has increased. In 2019, 1.3 million men underwent cosmetic procedures. Some of the most plastic surgery procedures include hair transplantation, pectoral implants, nose reshaping, ear surgery, calf augmentation, and cellulite treatment. Investing in one’s appearance does not, in any way, reduce masculinity.
It is unsafe to be exposed to the sun
While some cosmetic procedures, particularly those that involve the skin, would necessitate staying away from the sun, it is not always the case. This recommendation depends on the procedure. Some surgeons generally recommend limiting sun exposure post-surgery as it can cause scars to redden and delay healing.
It is costly
Some people shun plastic surgery because of the misconception that it’s costly, but this is not entirely true. Although some cosmetic procedures are expensive, there are also affordable alternatives. Likewise, there are cosmetic surgery clinics that offer patient-friendly payment schemes. Some medically necessary procedures may even be covered by insurance, depending on the terms and conditions of your policy. For example, breast surgery to correct asymmetry, hand surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, and nasal surgery to treat problems with breathing can qualify for insurance coverage.
The growing number of practitioners has gradually made prices more affordable for ordinary folks. We can expect
Results last forever
Plastic surgery procedures lead to immediate, life-changing results. Although the outcome is typically long-lasting, don’t expect the results to last forever. Your skin can still get wrinkles after a facelift. Your belly might still swell up after having liposuction. This is why it is important to follow the recommendations of your plastic surgeon. You should stick to your doctor’s appointments, maintain your appearance through medication or exercise, and consider touch-up surgery if necessary.
It is all about beauty
When people hear plastic surgery, the first thing that comes to mind is vanity. But as discussed above, many plastic surgery procedures are medically necessary and done for medical reasons. Specifically, reconstructive procedures are done to treat or improve complications resulting from congenital defects, diseases, injuries, or accidents. Some people undergo cosmetic procedures to further improve their personality. Others consider it as an investment or a necessity in their jobs. Altering body features for beauty is not always the underlying goal of plastic or cosmetic surgery.
The desire for plastic surgery is a symptom of mental health disorder
At some point, medical professionals thought that people who undergo cosmetic or plastic surgery have underlying mental issues. However, the modern medical literature has debunked this misconception. While there is a condition known as body dysmorphic disorder, wherein a person can’t stop thinking about perceived flaws or defects in appearance, the desire to improve one’s physical appearance doesn’t mean you suffer from this. As long as your reason to undergo plastic surgery is to feel better or improve yourself, then there’s nothing wrong with you.
Plastic and cosmetic surgery is the same
While the terms “plastic surgery” and “cosmetic surgery” are used interchangeably, they are completely different. Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty that involves alteration, restoration, and reconstruction of body parts. Meanwhile, cosmetic surgery is a sub-specialization of plastic surgery that is focused on enhancing your physical look. Different surgical procedures require special training. For example, if you need cosmetic surgery, you should hire a qualified cosmetic surgeon. To ensure positive outcome and safety, be sure to find a doctor who specializes in the specific field, and holds appropriate training and certifications.
To conclude, plastic surgery is generally safe for everyone. It is crucial to debunk the myths about these procedures so that people who need it won’t get deterred and wouldn’t fear it.
