Millions of people undergo plastic surgery every year. While the practice has garnered a bit of a bad reputation when it comes to people who overdo plastic surgeries, there’s no doubt that plastic surgery has made millions of people happier with their appearance. However, there are several common misconceptions about plastic surgery that can lead to bad decisions regarding the surgeries. We talked to Tampa plastic surgeon, Dr. Gayoso, to find out what were the most common misconceptions about plastic surgery.
Liposuction is the Best Way to Lose a Lot of Weight Quickly
Being overweight or obese is a common problem that many people struggle with on a daily basis. Losing weight is one of the most difficult challenges to tackle, especially if the person is very obese. As an alternative to dieting and exercise programs, it’s a common belief that liposuction can instantly take off all of that excess fat. However, this is a fallacy.
Liposuction does indeed get rid of excess fat, but not as much as you’d think. In fact, liposuction procedures don’t go any further than removing about ten pounds of fat during one surgery. In addition, the procedures are meant to target areas that are difficult to lose weight on such as the back or arms. It’s not meant to be a full-body procedure as attempting such as thing would be greatly dangerous if not lethal. Liposuction procedures are also meant to be used in conjunction with a good diet and exercise to keep the weight from returning. It’s not meant to be a final solution to weight loss.
Plastic Surgery Does Not Involve Scarring
When people get plastic surgery, it’s usually meant to fix some physical flaw on the body. If this is true, plastic surgery should be without scarring as that is also a skin flaw. However, no surgery is without scarring. Surgeries require the use of scalpels and plastic surgery is no exception. Every cut made by a scalpel will result in some degree of scarring. Scars fade, makeup can be applied and surgeons do everything possible to avoid severe scarring, but there will be scarring left behind in every situation.
Breast Implants are a One-Time Surgery
Breast implants may seem like the easiest of the plastic surgeries, but they actually require quite a bit of maintenance in the future. Hormones, aging and other bodily changes will inevitably start to react poorly with the implants. Implants also have expiration dates. The expiration date varies depending on the patient, but no implant will last forever. Future skin surgeries and eventual replacement or removal of the implants will be needed as the person ages.
Any Surgeon can Perform Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is within a specialized field of surgery that requires additional study and a focus in that field. While any surgeon should have basic information on plastic surgery, not all surgeons are plastic surgeons. It’s best to find a certified and professional plastic surgeon to do any plastic surgery procedure.
No Sun Exposure After Surgery
The reason for this misconception is due to the fact that sun exposure and heat make scars and imperfections in the skin redder and more noticeable. Skin that is still healing from surgery will look especially red and pigmented while in the sun. While everyone should limit their sun exposure for the sake of overall skin health, you can go out in the sun after surgery with no problems. It’s best to use some good sunscreen while out in the sun, and it’s best to moderate your exposure to avoid skin irritation, but it’s perfectly safe to go out in the sunlight after surgery.
About the author:
Dr. Gayoso is a certified plastic surgeon from Tampa, FL. His practice offers breast reconstruction, breast augmentation, body contouring, liposuction and other skin and beauty procedures. Get social, check out their Facebook.