But mythology can also get in the way of the truth. Take current politics, which is laced with myths that people have come to believe as truth. The same is true of the aesthetic industry. There are many myths out there.
Since Dr. Saltz likes his patients to be as knowledgeable as possible, let’s debunk seven of these myths.
Plastic surgery doesn’t leave scars
Any time you’re making an incision and cut the skin, the result of the incision is a scar. Talented plastics surgeons such as Dr. Saltz, however, minimize the appearance of scars by placing the incisions in inconspicuous places such as where a natural crease occurs. But there will be scarring.
Liposuction is a great weight loss tool
This is a bad idea. Removing too much fat is dangerous. Liposuction is meant to remove pockets of fat that don’t respond to exercise or diet changes. Things like love handles. It is not meant to be a procedure for people that are over 10% above their ideal weight.
Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are the same things
A board-certified plastic surgeon has completed five years in surgical training at an accredited hospital, at least two years focusing on plastic surgery. Other physicians can have some training in plastic surgery to do cosmetic procedures in certain areas. But the level of training is not the same. Dr. Saltz is a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Breast augmentation is a one-time event
Breast implants have a limited lifespan, usually around 10 to 15 years. Plus, as the person with implants ages, her breasts will still droop with that aging. So, you will likely need another breast implant replacement procedure, and possibly a breast lifts to go with it.
You can’t go out in the sun after surgery
Not true. You should limit your sun exposure because it can delay your healing to a degree and it can make your scars redden. But, as long as you wear sunscreen, you don’t have to pretend you’re a night stalker.
Fat can reappear in other areas after liposuction
Fat removed by liposuction is permanently gone from that area, and it tends not to form there again unless you put on a lot of new weight. Odds are, the fat will accumulate in other areas.
Cost is all you should consider when contemplating cosmetic surgery
Almost all cosmetic surgery (not reconstructive surgery) is elective and not covered by insurance, but the cost is not the only thing to consider. Your expectations need to be realistic. A procedure isn’t going to make you an entirely new person. You may have a nicer nose or rounder chest, but a procedure doesn’t make your whole life change. Unrealistic expectations make for unsatisfied patients.
Do you have some perceptions about cosmetic surgery that you would like cleared up? Call us at either our Salt Lake City or Park City offices and ask away!
