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Cosmetic Plastic Surgery: 7 Common Myths vs. The Reality
Reality TV and headlines about celebrities can bring up stories about plastic surgery that are surrounded with hype, judgement, and a whole lot of myths. So it's no wonder that for the average person googling “best cosmetic plastic surgery near me,” the line between fact and fiction can be very blurry!
This cloud of falsehoods does a disservice to the millions of people that have been able to safely improve their confidence and self-esteem through plastic surgery. It even deters many others from pursuing a consultation that could potentially change their entire lives for the better.
The first and most important step in your adventure is education. So here is the opportunity to clear the air and dispel seven of the most common myths about cosmetic plastic surgery by comparing the myth versus the facts.
Myth 1: Plastic surgery is only for vain, superficial people.
The Reality: This is one of the most damaging and untrue myths. The choice to undergo surgery is a personal decision and is rarely about "vanity." Most times, it is about restoring a sense of oneself and one's confidence.
A surgeon in plastic surgery generally sees:
- Mothers who merely wish to restore their bodies to what they were before children, often through a "mommy makeover."
- People who have lost a significant amount of weight and deal with excessive, uncomfortable areas of skin.
- Clients who are seeking function, such as rhinoplasty for correcting a deviated septum that affects breathing, or breast reduction to address chronic upper and lower back/neck pain.
- Someone with a characteristic that has caused them a lifetime of self-consciousness.
The goal is not to create a new person, but rather to allow the person to feel more comfortable, more confident, and more "normal" in their skin.
Myth 2: Liposuction and tummy tucks are "quick fix" weight loss methods.
The Reality: This is an important, and often dangerous, misconception. Cosmetic surgery is not a way to manage weight. Procedures like liposuction and tummy tuck are considered body contouring procedures. These procedures are intended for individuals who are at or very near their ideal weight at a stable weight, but have trouble with specific local fat pad or pockets of skin - the fat or skin area that did not respond to diet and exercise and is resistant.
A qualified surgeon will not do these procedures on an individual who does not qualify for procedures; that is, individuals who are looking for weight management solutions for climbing. In fact, the vast majority of surgeons would want you to be close to stable weight for several months before surgery to not only provide the safest option for a good outcome, but to ensure that the final result of surgery is also sustained.
Myth 3: All cosmetic surgery results look "fake" and "overdone."
The Truth: The fact is that you have likely experienced much more successful plastic surgery than you even realize—you simply didn't know it.
The best cosmetic surgery is often "invisible". When consulting with a Top Plastic Surgeon, your goal is not to look "done," but rather, to obtain a natural, balanced, harmonious result that makes you look like a better version of yourself. What you perceive as "fake" (a "wind tunnel" facelift, overfilled lips, etc.) is usually the result of an unskilled professional, client's unrealistic expectations, or a current trend gone too far. An excellent plastic surgeon is skilled in subtlety. They recognize that the best compliment you can receive is not, "Who did your surgery?", but rather, "You look incredible! Have you been on vacation?"
Myth 4: Cosmetic plastic surgery is just for women.
The Reality: This notion is entirely outdated. While women still constitute the majority of patients, over the past several years, there has been an increased interest among male patients regarding cosmetic procedures. Men are equally supported, entitled to feel good about themselves, and open to doing so.
Men have several procedures that are extremely popular:
- Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction) - To correct enlarged breasts.
- Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) - For someone looking to alter his profile or fix a crooked nose.
- Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) - To correct tired, "hooded" eyes.
- Liposuction - For those with stubborn fat, concerned about their "love handles" or abdomen.
Seeking Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Delhi has lost its gendered designation for people. It is now a human consideration.
Myth 5: You will be left with massive, obvious scars.
The Truth: Any surgical plastic surgery that involves incisions will create a scar by definition. No such thing as a "scar free" surgery.
A hallmark of a skilled surgeon is the ability to create scars that are as discreet as possible. They are specialists in anatomy and surgical technique, and make incisions:
- In natural body creases (such as the fold under the breast)
- In hidden places (such as inside the nose or inside the lower eyelid)
- Along natural transitions (such as the border of the areola or along the hairline)
With good surgical technique and post-operative care, scars fade to a fine, pale line that is often very difficult to see.
Myth 6: Any doctor can perform cosmetic surgery. A "cosmetic surgeon" is the same as a "plastic surgeon."
The Truth: This is by far the most harmful misconception on this list. The two phrases are NOT interchangeable.
- A Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon has completed many years of rigorous, and in-depth surgical training specifically to plastic and reconstructive surgery. They are held to the highest standard in the safety, ethical and educational settings.
- The title "cosmetic surgeon" is much less regulated. In some areas, any physician (dermatologist, general practitioner, dentist, etc.) may legally do "cosmetic procedures" after completing a short weekend course to learn the procedure.
Your safety is a priority. When you are searching for cosmetic plastic surgery "near me," the very first filter should always be, "Is this doctor a board-certified plastic surgeon?"
Myth 7: Plastic surgery is only for the rich and famous.
The fact is, although cosmetic surgery has a price tag, it is not only for the rich and famous. Cosmetic surgery patients are teachers, office workers, moms, and retirees (as examples).
Sure, you should "never shop for health or your body" but most clinics realize that this is a major financial decision. Most reputable practices provide patient financing plans that allow you to pay over time for your procedure. This makes this investment in your health an achievable goal for “normal” people.
Your Best Reality: An Informed Decision
Do not allow myths or misinformation to prevent you from investigating your options. The important step to a safe and successful experience is to separate fact from fiction and choose wisely when choosing your surgeon.
If you are considering your options for Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Delhi and are seeking an honest, transparent, and experienced opinion, we invite you to schedule an appointment. Dr. Anup Dhir is a premier plastic surgery surgeon committed to patient education and natural, beautiful outcomes. Call our office today and take the first step toward an informed process.
