Top 5 Myths about Plastic surgery

There are plenty of myths and misconceptions surrounding the field of Plastic surgery. But plastic surgery is very much like any other field of medicine with highly trained and specialised surgeons performing all kinds of reconstructive and cosmetic work. In this article I would try my best to clear some of the myths about Plastic surgery.

Myth #5-  Plastic surgery is all about glamour and beauty

Not necessarily. Though there are number of cosmetic procedures like breast augmentation, botox, rhinoplasty, liposuction to name a few, the field actually encompasses everything from correcting birth defects like cleft lip and palate to complex reconstruction following accidents to breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Plastic surgeons are trained to focus on restoring the function and form , and not just aesthetics.

Most often cosmetic surgery is resorted to if the correction is near impossible with nonsurgical methods.

Myth# 4- Plastic surgery is a scarless surgery and lasts for ever.

Very often patients ask me  if the scars are totally invisible after plastic surgery.  Yes best plastic surgeons are trained to deliver scars that are minimal /small and refined, but it does leave a scar after any type of plastic surgery. The scar formation is a long run process that can continue for an year. We can recommend scar treatments in the form of creams, nonsurgical methods and precautions to be taken after surgery.

Many of the cosmetic procedures lasts long if taken proper care after surgery. Plastic surgeons do decelerate the hands of clock, but the clock keeps ticking. Hence procedures like facelift, liposuction, tummy tuck can give you years with good skin care, surgical touch ups and nonsurgical interventions.

Myth #3 – All cosmetic surgeons are Plastic surgeons.

Unfortunately it is not so. Any person with a medical degree and license can practice cosmetic surgery in India. There are many clinics without a certified Plastic surgeon treating patients with liposuction, hair transplantation  and what not. So it has become a ‘buyer beware’ speciality.

Patients choosing a plastic surgeon should inquire about the training and certification , whether surgeries are done in accredited centers with safe anesthesia practice .

Myth #2 - Plastic surgery is only for women

It is not so now. A good number of  men are now opting for procedures to enhance their looks and  self esteem. While there a procedures like botox and fillers for a rejuvenated youthful face there are also more invasive surgeries like liposuction for gynecomastia ; rhinoplasty and facelift for a chiseled facial profile  or a abdominal etching for toned abdominal wall. Other common cosmetic surgeries that men opt to are chin implant for a firm jawline, liposuction for a double chin and body contouring after massive weight loss.

Myth #1- Plastic surgery is only for the rich and famous.

This is #1 myth about Plastic surgery. Most of the aesthetic patients are normal patients who want to look as good as they feel. This can restore confidence, overrall appearance and  improve their lives. Cosmetic surgeries opted for correction of deformities not amenable to nonsurgical methods is not going to burn a hole in your pockets. It is tremendously going to improve your self esteem -to name a few, correction of gynecomastia in a young man who is extremely embarrassed to wear any T-shirts, or a mommy makeover for a otherwise healthy lady with lax breasts and abdomen, or a breast implant in a young girl who is depressed about her body image.  Any of these above mentioned procedure is going to cost an affordable amount .

Yes it shouldn’t become an obsession to look good  and undergo repeated surgeries when it is called body dysmorphism.

Dr.Sandhya Balasubramanyan M.S, M.Ch

Columbia Asia hospital,Whitefield
Varthur Kodi, Varthur Hobli,
Ramagundanahalli Village, Bangalore East - 560057

  (+91) 7259605940/ 080-6165666

Email: drsandhyabala@gmail.com
Web: www.drsandhyabala.com