Myths & Misconceptions About Plastic Surgery

By Your Health Magazine

Your Health Magazine

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Myths & Misconceptions About Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery continues to grow in popularity, but so do the myths surrounding it. Many people believe that cosmetic procedures leave no scars, are only meant for women, or produce permanent results. These misconceptions distort expectations and lead to confusion about what plastic surgery truly involves. Understanding the realities behind these myths helps patients make safer, more informed decisions and recognize the importance of qualified, board-certified surgeons.

Does Plastic Surgery Leave No Scars?

Every plastic surgery leaves scars. This is a basic fact that cannot be avoided. Any time a surgeon cuts through skin, a scar will form during healing.

The myth that plastic surgery leaves no scars is completely false. However, skilled surgeons work hard to make scars as small and hidden as possible.

How Surgeons Minimize Scars:

• Place cuts in natural skin folds and creases
• Hide incisions where clothes will cover them
• Use careful layering techniques during closure
• Match skin edges perfectly when closing wounds

For eyelid surgery, surgeons hide cuts in the natural creases of your eyelids. Breast reconstruction after mastectomy may leave longer scars, but surgeons place them strategically.

Different procedures create different scar patterns. Some surgeries like reconstructive surgery may have more visible scars due to the complexity of the work needed.

You can help scars heal better by following your surgeon’s care instructions. Many doctors recommend silicone sheets to help flatten and fade scars over time.

Injectables and dermal fillers cause much less scarring since they only use tiny needle marks. These fade quickly and are barely visible.

Your scars will fade and improve over several months to years. Most patients find their scars much less noticeable than they expected once fully healed.

Can Any Doctor Perform Plastic Surgery?

No, any doctor cannot perform plastic surgery. This is a dangerous myth that puts patients at risk.

Only plastic surgery trained surgeons have the proper training to perform plastic surgery procedures safely. These doctors complete years of specialized education and training.

Requirements for plastic surgeons include:

• Medical school (4 years)
• General surgery residency (5 years)
• Plastic surgery residency (2-3 years)
• OR some that undergo the highly competitive integrated plastic surgery program (6 years of full plastic surgery)
• Ongoing education requirements

Some doctors from other fields may offer cosmetic procedures. However, they lack the extensive surgical training that plastic surgeons receive.

Choosing the right provider is essential. Clinics like Ocean Plastic Surgery specialize in plastic surgery performed by truly trained plastic surgery experts, ensuring both safety and optimal outcomes tailored to each patient’s needs and anatomy.

Dr. Raman Mehrzad was trained at the highly competitive and integrated plastic surgery program at the Warren Buffett School of Brown University, in Ivy League school with the highest quality plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery training.

Is Plastic Surgery Only for Women?

This is one of the biggest myths about plastic surgery. Men make up a growing number of plastic surgery patients today.

Male cosmetic surgery numbers are rising fast. Men now account for about 15-20% of all cosmetic procedures. This number keeps growing each year.

Common procedures for men include:

• Rhinoplasty (nose jobs)
• Liposuction for stubborn fat
• Botox for wrinkles
• Gynecomastia surgery to reduce male breast tissue
• Facelift procedures
• Body contouring after weight loss

Gynecomastia surgery is especially popular with men. This procedure fixes enlarged male breast tissue that diet and exercise cannot change.

Men often choose rhinoplasty to fix breathing problems or change nose shape. Botox helps men reduce forehead lines and crow’s feet.

Liposuction helps men get rid of belly fat or love handles. Many men also get facelifts to look younger in their careers.

Male patients want natural results that don’t look obvious. They prefer subtle changes that enhance their features.

Body contouring helps men who lost lots of weight remove extra skin. This gives them the body shape they worked hard to achieve.

The stigma around men getting cosmetic surgery is fading. More men feel comfortable talking about these procedures with friends and doctors.

Are the Results of Plastic Surgery Permanent?

Many people think plastic surgery results last forever. This is not always true. The permanence depends on the specific procedure you choose.

Some surgeries offer long-lasting changes. Breast reduction removes tissue that will not grow back. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat permanently. Breast implants can last 10-20 years before needing replacement.

Other procedures require maintenance over time. Facial rejuvenation treatments like facelifts slow aging but cannot stop it completely. Your skin will continue to age naturally after surgery.

Key factors affecting how long results last:

• Type of procedure performed
• Your age at the time of surgery
• Genetics and natural aging process
• Weight changes after surgery
• Sun exposure and skincare habits

Your lifestyle choices play a major role. A healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise helps maintain your plastic surgery results. Weight gain can change the shape of areas like your abdomen or breasts.

The results are not instant either. Most procedures take weeks or months to show final results. Swelling and healing affect how you look immediately after surgery.

Understanding realistic expectations helps you make better decisions about which procedures fit your goals.

Is Plastic Surgery Always Risky or Dangerous?

Plastic surgery is not always risky or dangerous. Like any medical procedure, it carries some risks, but modern surgical methods have made it much safer than before.

Safety depends on several key factors:

• Board-certified surgeon credentials
• Proper facility accreditation
• Your overall health status
• Type of procedure chosen

Patient safety has improved greatly due to better technology and training. Most complications are minor and treatable when they occur.

Non-surgical treatments like laser treatments often have fewer risks than traditional surgery. These options can address many concerns without major procedures.

Your surgeon will discuss specific risks during consultation. Common risks include bleeding, infection, and reaction to anesthesia. Serious complications are rare when proper protocols are followed.