Mythbusting
Don't believe everything out there. Here are 10 common myths and misconceptions about plastic surgery.
1. Plastic surgery is unsafe. This is a myth. While any surgery has associated risks, the field of plastic surgery has been proven to be safe, and with advances in technology, has become less invasive.
2. Breast implants will increase your risk of breast cancer. This is a myth. A study by the Institute of Medicine demonstrated that breast implants do not increase a woman’s chances of breast cancer. This does not eliminate the necessity of breast exams, but does not increase the risk of breast cancer.
3. Men shouldn’t and don’t undergo cosmetic procedures. This is a myth. Men commonly seek out cosmetic procedures, such as Botox and surgical procedures, such as liposuction. A Consumer Survey conducted by the American Academy of Plastic surgery revealed that 12% of men plan to have Plastic surgery in the future.
4. Breast augmentation will fix saggy breasts. This is a myth, but in some cases, partially true. The best way to address severely sagging breasts is to undergo a breast lift. A breast lift can be combined with a breast augmentation, if the patient wishes to both lift and augment the breasts. However, if your breasts are mildly sagging, then implants might be the only thing you need. The key is to choose the right type of implants. Implants that offer a bit of lift tend to be higher profile. The narrower base width of higher profile implants gives the breasts more projection, which makes them look perkier.
5. Plastic surgery is only for the rich and famous. This is a myth. Many cosmetic procedures are affordable for patients, and some may even be covered by health insurance. One of the most common procedures covered by OHIP is breast reduction. Plastic reconstructive surgeries or surgeries following accidents and illness are also typically covered by insurance.
6. Fat returns after liposuction. This is a myth. Fat does not come back after liposuction because liposuction removes the fat cells from the area and they are gone forever. However, the patient must maintain their weight to prevent the remaining fat cells from growing in the targeted area.
7. Plastic surgery is only about vanity. This is a myth. There are many reasons that people undergo plastic surgery. In some cases, it is a required medical procedure and in others, it’s due to accident or disease. In many cases, procedures are undertaken in order to address self-esteem and confidence issues that affect quality of life.
8. Botox will leave you expressionless. This is a myth. Botox, when administered properly, will maintain a balance between the muscles of the face. The procedure will soften wrinkles and lines without causing the facial muscles to be incapable of expression.
9. Liposuction will remove cellulite. This is a myth. Liposuction is a procedure to remove fat cells. It will not remove cellulite. Cellulite is a skin condition that is caused by fat, trapped toxins and poor skin elasticity.
10. Plastic surgery will leave unsightly scars. This is a myth. A skilled plastic surgeon, like Dr. Kara, is able to strategically make incisions to make the scars less visible. Of course, there will be some scarring but the scars are typically hidden. Additionally, scars fade in time if you take care of them. Talk to us about scar treatments if you're undergoing surgical procedures.