Top Ten Myths and Misconceptions about Plastic Surgery
Tuck ‘N’ Stitch
YourNewBodyBlog.com welcomes back Dr. Stuart Linder and Dr. Robert Kotler – two renowned Beverly Hills plastic surgeons.
Here, in this column, we know Dr. Kotler as the “FaceDocBlogger” because his practice is devoted to cosmetic plastic surgery of the face and neck. Meanwhile, we refer to Dr. Linder as the “BodyDocBlogger” because his practice is limited to only plastic surgery of the lower body.
Exclusive to YourNewBodyBlog.com, Doctors Linder and Kotler regularly appear as ultimate plastic surgery insiders with unique takes on the news, trends and practices in cosmetic plastic surgery.
This Week: Top Ten Myths & Misconceptions about Plastic Surgery
Largely due to overly imaginative and inventive television programs, popular urban myths and word-of-mouth lingering from several decades ago, many misconceptions and myths exist about the practice of plastic surgery. The BodyDocBlogger and the FaceDocBlogger clear up a few of the most often heard.
(Kanstantsin Shcharbinski photo)
BodyDocBlogger: I would say the top myth in my field — surgical rejuvenation of the body — is that silicone breast implants remain unproven. But after 16 years of testing, they have been proven safe. Moreover, more women than ever are now asking for silicone instead of saline. Even though silicone is more expensive, patients like the softer feel which seems more natural.
FaceDocBlogger: Nice observation, doctor. Another myth I often come across is that plastic surgery procedures are terribly painful. By the way, another good reason for going to a super-specialist: that surgeon will disturb much less tissue, thanks to being so efficient. So actually, most patients experience minimal pain. Less than five percent of plastic surgery patients complain about pain.
BodyDocBlogger: One misconception that works against patients’ best interest is the idea that any board certification is a good thing. Actually, there are only 31 approved boards, all of which are listed at website for the American Board of Medical Specialties. Many so-called boards, like the Board of Laser Surgery, are of no value. The two boards that test and certify cosmetic surgeons to the highest possible standards are the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology which is surgery of the head and neck.
FaceDocBlogger: A myth that works hand-in-hand with that misconception is that only a plastic surgeon can legally perform plastic surgery. Actually, any doctor with a valid M.D. degree can practice in any field of medicine. That’s why we keep reminding patients to check on a doctor’s training and certification. After all, a qualified cosmetic plastic surgeon has just as much special training as a brain surgeon! It’s also not the best situation if a board certified gynecologist or allergist starts performing cosmetic plastic surgery.
BodyDocBlogger: Here’s another myth we sometimes hear: no scar is involved in plastic surgery. Actually, whenever a surgeon cuts through the skin, the body creates a scar. It’s just that cosmetic plastic surgeons have special training in placing the scars in wrinkles, folds, and other unseen or hard-to-see places. A tummy tuck, for instance, requires a hip-to-hip incision, but I make sure the resulting scar is hidden by underwear or swim suits.
FaceDocBlogger: Some people still have the idea a face lift can make you look like a completely different person your own mother would not recognize or a famous person. But that’s not true. Our highest goal is to create the best possible version of you. I mean you now, not 25 years ago. That line of reasoning is what we surgeons mean when we ask that patients have “realistic expectations.”
BodyDocBlogger: Some patients are intimidated and think it is disrespectful to ask a surgeon probing questions about his or her background. In fact, we encourage such questions because it shows you are an informed patient. However, if you are reluctant to ask in person, bring up the surgeon’s website on your computer or call the surgeon’s office and ask them to send you a copy of the surgeon’s resume or vita.
FaceDocBlogger: Another common myth is that plastic surgery costs the same everywhere. Actually, costs vary widely. In very expensive places like Miami, Manhattan or Beverly Hills, where the cost of labor, office rent and other overhead are high, costs for plastic surgery are also high. But the same procedure by an equally qualified surgeon in a small town only 50 miles away from Beverly Hills could wind up costing 40 to 50 percent less. (Read more about costs of plastic surgery.)
BodyDocBlogger: Doctor, what about the advertising that claims to produce wonderful, long-lasting results from a shorter or quicker face lift?
FaceDocBlogger: I always chuckle when I see ads that say a “mini,” “quick,” or “lunchtime” facelift provides the same results — much quicker — as a full surgical facelift. The truth is: minimal efforts equal minimal results. A mid-face lift may be appropriate for some patients, but it can’t do as much for a lot of drooping skin as a full facelift.
BodyDocBlogger: Many people have the idea that plastic surgeons only make people look better through rejuvenation surgery. But we all remember med school and know that’s not true, right Doctor?
FaceDocBlogger: That’s for sure! Cosmetic plastic surgeons are also qualified to perform reconstructive surgery on abnormal structures of the body, caused by birth defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma or injury, infection, tumors, or disease. Reconstructive surgery is generally performed to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance.
Have a question for FaceDocBlogger or BodyDocBlogger? Please leave your comments below!
*The opinions shared by FaceDocBlogger and/or BodyDocBlogger are their own personal professional viewpoints and in no way should be taken in place of an actual consultation with a licensed medical physician. The opinions of Tuck ‘n’ Stitch are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the opinions/feelings of YourNewBodyBlog.com.
Leave a Reply