Cosmetic surgery has had its fair share of myths. You’ve probably heard a few of them – cosmetic surgery is for vain people, or only for women. This couldn’t be further from the truth! The majority of people who opt for a cosmetic procedure are everyday people, like you and me, who want to feel better about their appearance and boost their self-confidence. We bust the top ten myths about cosmetic surgery.
1.Only women have cosmetic surgery
False! More than ever, men are having surgical procedures to enhance their physical appearance. According to UK Men’s Health Magazine, hair transplants for men have been steadily gaining popularity over years, with a 40% increase between 2020 and 2021 alone. Elon Musk, Elton John and James Nesbitt have all had a hairline restoration, perhaps making the procedure even more popular and acceptable. But it’s not just hair transplants that men are opting for. Liposuction, gynecomastia (male breast reduction), are all gaining popularity with the lads. After all, it’s quite normal to want a ‘body boost’ and improve your appearance.
2.Breast Implants can prevent breastfeeding
Breast implants don’t usually interfere with breastfeeding. Saline or silicone implants can be inserted through the armpit or the areola. For optimal breastfeeding, implants should be positioned under the chest so they don’t interfere with milk supply. One possible risk is that some types of surgery can damage nerves around the areola, especially if the nipple has been relocated. If you’re planning on having a child, you should discuss this with your surgeon to determine if surgery prior to pregnancy and breastfeeding will give you the optimal results you’re looking for.
3.Cosmetic surgery is only for preventing signs of ageing
Surgery doesn’t stop the ageing process. The ageing process can be influenced by your genetics, weight fluctuations, smoking, sun exposure and stress. So why do people have cosmetic surgery? To enhance their appearance and this can often mean wanting to look younger. But the real, and perhaps most surprising, benefits, are psychological. Feeling self-confident about your appearance can alleviate social anxiety and give you a personal well-being boost. So if your procedure could shave off a few years, enhance your look and make you feel great, then why not go for it?
4.Cosmetic surgery is obvious, and everyone will know
Cosmetic surgery should enhance your existing appearance. Often, surgery only looks obvious when too many procedures, or an extreme procedure, has been undertaken. You will have a consult with your surgeon to discuss your desired results and the surgeon should provide advice on how to achieve this. Sometimes they will suggest less work in one area, or a combined procedure to give you the look you’re seeking. For example, liposuction combined with an abdominoplasty. Accomplished surgeons will work to help you look your natural, enhanced, best.
5.Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are the same thing
Cosmetic surgery is elective, and plastic surgery is usually reconstructive and performed in emergency situations. That said, both cosmetic and plastic surgery are for improving your appearance.
- Cosmetic surgery is based on your individual desire to enhance your looks and self-image. Cosmetic surgery can be invasive such as an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck or non-invasive such as anti-wrinkle injections like Botox.
- Plastic surgery can resolve functional, as well as aesthetic, problems, say if you’ve been injured or are suffering from a medical condition. An injury from a car accident, for example, would be undertaken through emergency plastic surgery.
6.Botox and fillers are the same thing
Botox and fillers are not the same thing. Botox is the original brand name of a cosmetic injectable protein to stop the muscles around the top of the face from contracting. This physically stops or prevents wrinkles occurring or deepening. is used specifically on the frown lines between the eyes, creases on the forehead and on crow’s feet around the eyes. While Botox stops wrinkles from further forming and relaxes the muscles and skin, dermal filler has a different purpose. It is also injected into the skin but plumps out areas that have deep wrinkles so they look smoother and fuller.
7.Cosmetic surgery overseas is always risky
Cosmetic surgery overseas can be risky, unless you engage reputable, experienced and highly qualified surgeons. Of course, you’re going to hear or read about negative experiences about surgery overseas, but surgical horror stories happen in first world countries too. Today, even in developing countries, like Turkey, the majority of cosmetic surgeons are qualified in line, and on par, with western standards. Always check your surgeon’s qualifications and ask them what professional associations they are members of. Also ask them for past examples of their work – photos speak a thousand words! Skilled, competent surgeons should be transparent about showing you before and after photos.
8.Breast Augmentation is any breast operation, not just implants.
Breast augmentation is the procedure to get bigger breasts…but not always. Breast augmentation is performed by inserting surgical implants made of saline or silicon behind the chest or pectoral muscles. The other most popular type of breast operations are reductions, which make the breasts smaller and provide more comfort for the back and shoulders.
9.Liposuction removes cellulite and helps you lose weight
While liposuction removes cellulite, it is not a weight loss surgery. Liposuction or vaser liposuction is undertaken to enhance the shape of the thighs, or other body areas, by sculpting and recontouring the ‘bumpy parts’. After surgery you need to maintain a good diet and regular exercise to avoid regaining weight that can reappear as cellulite or solid fat.
10.Recovery from cosmetic surgery is long and painful
Recovery from cosmetic surgery depends on your health, the type of surgery you have and whether you follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions. Reputable surgeons will go through your aftercare plan before and after your surgery so you should have no surprises. You’ll instead know how long any pain will last, and should have medication to relieve any discomfort, and how to manage it. For example, with anti-wrinkle injectables you are instructed not to touch or rub the skin after the procedure and to take paracetamol for any pain you experience.
If you’re ready to get started on your journey to ‘an enhanced you’, book a free, no-obligation discovery call with our friendly team. Life’s too short to not have the body you want – make a change today. Discover the Asthetica difference.