Everyone knows the aesthetic industry is exploding. That’s why Time Magazine did a cover story on the industry this past summer. And that’s why statistics released by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery this summer showed that over 20 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2014 — that’s more than the population of Australia!
But myths abound. Some myths, like whether Donald Trump’s hair is a nesting possum, have validity. Others not so much.
There are misperceptions and myths out there about cosmetic surgery. Even the term plastic surgery is misunderstood. Many people assume the word “plastic” in plastic surgery connotes something artificial, since plastic itself is non-natural. The reality is that plastic in this context comes from the Greek word meaning “to mold.”
At Elite Plastic Surgery, we want our patients to be educated about cosmetic procedures. So, let’s take a few of those misperceptions and address them.
Breast augmentation won’t need to be repeated
Like most things, breast implants have a lifespan, usually around 10 to 15 years. Plus, despite having augmentation, the aging process continues, meaning that a woman’s breasts will still droop with age. So, if a woman has a breast augmentation in her late 30s or early 40s, she will likely need to have at least one implant replacement down the road, and that procedure could be combined with a breast lift.
Plastic surgery doesn’t leave scars
Come on, this isn’t magic! Any time you’re making an incision into the skin, the result of the incision is a scar. But talented plastics surgeons such as the Elite team are able to minimize and hide the scars to make them as inconspicuous as possible.
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 become a shut-in cat lady!
Fat won’t reappear in other areas after liposuction
Not true. It is true that fat removed by liposuction is permanently gone from that area. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have fat show up in other areas IF you put on a bunch of weight.
Liposuction can be thought of as a weight loss procedure
People believe this, but it is a dangerous misperception thinking that you can simply suction away excess fat to lose weight. Liposuction should only be performed when the patient is within 10% of his or her ideal weight. Liposuction is meant to remove pockets of fat that don’t respond to exercise or diet changes. Things like love handles. It is not a weight loss procedure.
If you have questions about a certain procedure, we encourage you to ask us about it. Contact us here, or call us at (616) 459-1907 and let’s talk!
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