Sometimes a simple misperception becomes an assumed fact of sorts. Other times a rumor starts as just bad information, but becomes believed. The aesthetic industry has its fair share of misinformation/misperception/rumor… whatever you want to call it.
Even the term “plastic” in plastic surgery is misunderstood. Most people assume the word plastic is meant to connote fake, akin to the material plastic. But in reality, the word plastic in plastic surgery comes from the Greek work meaning “to mold.”
Here are seven other plastic surgery myths that Dr. Fedele would like to clear up.
Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are the same thing
A board-certified plastic surgeon has completed five years in surgical training at an accredited hospital, at least two years focusing on plastic surgery. Other physicians can have some training in plastic surgery to do cosmetic procedures in certain areas. But the level of training is not the same. Dr. Fedele is a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Liposuction is a great weight loss tool
Wrong. Liposuction is meant to remove pockets of fat that don’t respond to exercise or diet changes. Things like love handles. Dr. Fedele wants his liposuction patients to be within 10% of their ideal weight.
Plastic surgery doesn’t leave scars
Puhleeze. Any time you’re making an incision and cut the skin, the result of the incision is a scar. Talented plastics surgeons such as Dr. Fedele, however, minimize the appearance of scars by placing the incisions in inconspicuous places such as where a natural crease occurs.
Breast augmentation is a one-time event
Breast implants have a limited lifespan, usually around 10 to 15 years. Plus, as the person with implants ages, her breasts will still droop with that aging. So, you will likely need another breast implant replacement procedure, and possibly a breast lift.
You can’t go out in the sun after surgery
Not true. You should limit your sun exposure because it can delay your healing to a degree and it can make your scars redden. But, as long as you wear sunscreen, you don’t have to pretend you’re a vampire.
Fat can’t reappear in other areas after liposuction
The fat removed by liposuction is permanently gone from that area. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fat show up in other areas IF you put on a bunch of weight. It’s not as if liposuction is some sort of fat repellent, but you can stay contoured where you’ve had the procedure if you make some lifestyle changes.
Cost is all you should consider when contemplating cosmetic surgery
Almost all cosmetic surgery (not reconstructive surgery) is elective and not covered by insurance, but cost is not the only thing to consider. Your expectations need to be realistic. A procedure isn’t going to make you an entirely new person. You may have a nicer nose or rounder chest, but a procedure doesn’t make your whole life change. Unrealistic expectations make for unsatisfied patients.
If you have questions about a certain procedure, we encourage you to ask us about it. Dr. Fedele likes knowledgeable patients, so call us at 216-464-1616 and ask away.