Plastic surgery is more popular than ever. According to data released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 17.5 million surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2017, up 2 percent from the year before.
With newly constructed faces and bodies all over the magazine covers and reality TV shows, it’s no surprise how attractive plastic surgery is today. But just because there are thousands of people going under the knife, that doesn’t mean there aren’t common misconceptions keeping others from undergoing treatment.
Here are a few common myths about plastic surgery, debunked:
1. Plastic surgery is only for women
While females are more likely to receive a procedure of some sort, that doesn’t mean men can’t do the same. According to the 2017 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report by the ASPS, over 50,000 men had nose reshaping surgery, 32,000 had eyelid surgery, 28,000 had liposuction and 26,000 had a breast reduction.
Men have also become more interested in minimally invasive procedures like Botox, laser treatments and fillers that help them rejuvenate their face and enjoy a more youthful appearance.
2. You only get plastic surgery for beauty enhancement
On the surface, many people think of plastic surgery as a way to enhance their features and make themselves more attractive. However, there are a variety of procedures that do more than that. Plastic surgery can also correct birth defects that make someone feel self-conscious, getting them corrected not for the looks but for the confidence boost. It’s not always about aesthetics – board-certified surgeons are trained to help patients look and feel their best, no matter the reasoning behind the procedure.
Plastic surgery isn’t necessarily for beauty enhancement.3. You can’t go out in the sun after the operation
While it’s usually recommended that you stay out of the sun based on your procedure, it’s not necessarily going to hurt you. Reducing sun exposure can lessen your risk of developing scars and protecting against cancer, but that goes for anyone. You don’t have to undergo plastic surgery to know that too much sun isn’t good for your skin.
“You always should limit sun exposure,” Dr. Rod Rohrich, professor and chairman of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas told Live Science. “The bottom line is that the sun is not your friend. You always want to use sunscreen to prevent sun damage and skin cancers.”
4. Plastic and cosmetic surgery are one in the same
These are terms are not interchangeable. Cosmetic surgery focuses more on the aesthetics of beauty, while plastic surgery is reconstructing or repairing parts of the body after injury, birth defect or for cosmetic reasons – making it somewhat of an umbrella term. They’re also different in terms of certification – a physician with a board certification in plastic surgery from the American Board of Plastic Surgeons has completed five years of training at hospital with a minimum of two years dedicated solely to plastic surgery.
5. Myth: Liposuction is the most effective way to lose weight
Liposuction isn’t the quick fix for dropping 100 pounds. In fact, this procedure only removes 10 to 12 pounds per session. Liposuction is most helpful for someone in good health who is simply looking to remove excess weight from trouble areas, according to Dr. Alan Matarasso, a plastic surgeon practicing in Manhattan and spokesperson for the ASPS.
“Liposuction isn’t the quick fix for dropping 100 pounds.”
“You can’t go to the gym and say I want to get rid of my love handles,” Matarasso told Live Science. “When you lose weight, you lose it overall. Weight loss through liposuction is site-specific.”
Don’t let these common myths keep you from getting the procedure you’ve always wanted. Board-certified plastic surgeons at Maryland Plastic Surgeons are ready to help you fulfill the look of your dreams and help you discover your best self. From breast augmentation and Brazilian buttocks lift to facelifts and chin implants, we offer a variety of plastic surgery treatments to enhance your body and boost your confidence.
For more information contact us directly and schedule your consultation today.
