Facts/Myths About Plastic Surgery
Considering facial plastic surgery means confronting a lot of myths. Here are the facts.
Myth: Facial plastic surgery involves plastic implants.
Fact: Surgical synthetics are used in a small fraction of facial plastic surgery procedures, but the most common procedures do not involve implants at all. In fact, “plastic” surgery derives from the Greek word “plastikos,” which means “to mold.”
Myth: Plastic surgery will leave me with visible, permanent scars.
Fact: Any cut that penetrates all of the skin’s layers will produce a scar, but facial plastic surgeons are skilled in placing and closing the incision in a way that minimizes scarring. Most scars fade to fine white lines that disappear into natural facial creases.
Myth: Plastic surgery will give me an artificial look.
Fact: Modern surgical techniques have made the “stretched” look a thing of the past. Today’s plastic surgery procedures tighten the deeper layers of facial tissue as well as the skin, yielding a natural appearance that looks like you.
Myth: Facial plastic surgery is just for older women who want to retain the appearance of youth.
Fact: Men and women of all ages have facial plastic surgery — and not just to look younger. Even young people are candidates for some procedures. Nasal surgery, for example, can be done in the middle to late teen years, and surgery to correct misshapen ears may be done even earlier.
Myth: Ordinary people cannot afford facial plastic surgery procedures.
Fact: People from all walks of life are having facial plastic surgery today. Costs vary depending on the extent of the surgery and your geographical location, but many procedures fall in the $1,500 to $6,000 range. Many people consider the cost an investment in their future happiness and well being.
Myth: Facelifts and other facial rejuvenation procedures must be repeated every few years.
Fact: The excess skin that is removed in a facial rejuvenation procedure never returns, so you will always look younger than you would have without surgery. The skin does continue to age, however. When new sagging develops, you may elect to have a minor “tuck-up” procedure to correct it. Your surgeon will help you decide if a “tuck-up” is needed.
Myth: You cannot be seen out in public for weeks after having facial plastic surgery.
Fact: The healing period for many surgery procedures is one to two weeks. Much of the swelling that may occur resolves within this period and any discoloration can be effectively camouflaged with high-coverage cosmetics.
**Myths from “If You’re Considering Facial Plastic Surgery…” brochure from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc.