Let’s Address Seven Plastic Surgery Myths

Mythology was a part of everyday life for the Greeks. Today people pass around urban legends, which are akin to modern legends of sorts. The aesthetic industry has its share of myths and urban legends.

Even the term “plastic” in plastic surgery is misunderstood. People think plastic is meant to be 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.

Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are the same thing

Dr. Hetzler is a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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.

Liposuction is a great weight loss tool

plastic surgeryThis is a biggie. Liposuction is far from a weight loss procedure. In fact, removing too much fat from a patient can be dangerous. Liposuction is meant to remove pockets of fat that don’t respond to exercise or diet changes. Things like love handles. Dr. Hetzler doesn’t perform liposuction on patients that are more than 10% above their ideal weight.

Plastic surgery doesn’t leave scars

Come on. 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. Hetzler, 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

Like any manufactured item, 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 can go outside, but you simply need to be smart. 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

Not so. 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.

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. The quality of your provider is paramount. Plus, 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. Hetzler and his team want all of our clients to be thoroughly knowledgeable about a potential procedure. Call us with any questions at 732-219-0447.

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