There was a day when plastic surgery was talked about only in hushed tones. “I think Mrs. B had some work done.” Those days are over, as people openly talk about having procedures done.
Still, there are myths surrounding the industry. Even the term “plastic” in plastic surgery is misunderstood. People think plastic is meant to be fake, akin to the material plastic. Actually, however, the word plastic in plastic surgery comes from the Greek work meaning “to mold.”
Dr. Malamet wants to hit seven plastic surgery myths here.
Breast augmentation is a one-time event
If you have augmentation late in life this could be true, but since that’s not usually the case, most people will have at least two augmentation procedures. Why? Breast implants have a limited lifespan, usually around 10 to 15 years. And your skin and muscle will still sag with age. So, you will likely need at least one additional breast implant replacement procedure, and possibly a breast lift along with it.
Plastic surgery doesn’t leave scars
Any time you’re making an incision and cut the skin there will be a scar on the recovered wound. Talented plastics surgeons such as Dr. Malamet minimize the appearance of scars by making incisions in the least conspicuous locations.
Liposuction is a weight loss procedure
Big no no. Liposuction is meant to remove pockets of fat that don’t respond to exercise or diet changes; it is not meant for overall weight loss. Liposuction is for things like love handles. Dr. Malamet wants his liposuction patients to be within 10% of their ideal weight.
Fat cannot reappear in other areas after liposuction
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.
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, plus at least two years focusing on plastic surgery. Other physicians can have some training in plastic surgery to do cosmetic procedures in certain areas. The level of expertise is nowhere near the same.
You can’t go out in the sun after surgery
This isn’t true. It is true that sun exposure can delay your healing to a degree and make your scars redden. But, as long as you wear sunscreen, you don’t have to pretend you’re a vampire.
Cost is the main thing to consider
Almost all cosmetic surgery (not reconstructive surgery) is elective and not covered by insurance. But this isn’t one of those “All A Dollar” kind of decisions. The experience of your surgeon is paramount to a good final result. Also, 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. Malamet wants his clients to be thoroughly knowledgeable about a potential procedure. Interested in a possible procedure, but you’ve heard things? Call us and let’s talk about it, 818-380-3130.Previous Post Next Post