Although plastic surgery has a reputation for catering to celebrities and the wealthy, this medical specialty is less glamorous than it seems. It is much like any other surgical specialty, with highly trained physicians performing various procedures.
Individuals seek out plastic surgery for a variety of reasons. Often, these procedures are life-changing in ways that go beyond cosmetic benefits.
Plastic Surgery is a Sign of Vanity
People who undergo plastic surgery are often perceived as vain and shallow. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth! The goal of cosmetic plastic surgery is to improve your appearance in a way that looks natural and flattering. Whether you want breasts that are more in proportion with your body or your face, or you are interested in a tummy tuck after significant weight loss, a skilled plastic surgeon will ensure the results are aesthetically pleasing.
Also, many people who have undergone plastic surgery have done so for medical reasons beyond vanity. For example, a patient may need to repair their cleft palate or reconstruct their breasts after a mastectomy due to cancer treatment. Additionally, some patients who suffer from severe depression or have low self-esteem often find that a change in their appearance helps them feel more confident and comfortable in their bodies. But it is important to note that cosmetic surgery won’t fix these underlying issues and should not be considered a replacement for counseling.
Plastic Surgery is Only for Women
While the number of women who have cosmetic surgery may be higher, men are also becoming more interested in plastic surgery. Some procedures are more specifically geared toward men, including male breast reduction, and many of these treatments are gaining popularity.
It is important to remember that any surgery comes with some risks. Hence, it’s crucial to research and work with a highly qualified Bellevue plastic surgeon with extensive experience in the procedure you are considering. Also, it’s important to remember that these surgeries are not meant to replace a healthy diet and exercise routine but to help accentuate and improve areas of the body that haven’t responded to your efforts.
In addition, many clinics have embraced a more democratic approach to their services by offering affordable financing options and flexible payment plans that make these procedures more accessible for people of all financial backgrounds. So while some stereotypes still exist, it’s important to remember that most patients try to be happier with their bodies.
Plastic Surgery is Permanent
While plastic surgery is a popular and accessible procedure for the average person, some myths and misconceptions remain. Some of these myths are based on hearsay or misinformation that can lead to inaccurate understandings of plastic surgery.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that all plastic surgeries are unnatural looking. This is likely a result of patients coming into the office with requests like “breasts like that TV star,” “lips like that actress,” or even “pectorals sculpted like that sports player.”
However, most procedures are designed to be as natural-looking as possible. This can be accomplished through a variety of techniques, including, but not limited to, liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), facelifts, and dermal fillers. Additionally, the human body is asymmetrical, and it is normal for one side of the face or body to be slightly different from the other. With the proper technique, this can be accounted for during plastic surgery to produce a more balanced and harmonious appearance.
Plastic Surgery is Only for Rich People
While the glamorous world of plastic surgery has been portrayed as a medical specialty reserved only for celebrities and the wealthy, it is more similar to any other surgical procedure in that it consists of highly-trained physicians offering various services. From breast augmentations and Botox to reconstructive hand surgery, plastic surgery covers everything from correcting congenital disabilities to treating burn scar revisions.
Cosmetic surgery should not be seen as a sign of vanity but rather as a way to improve one’s self-image. Whether looking to boost their confidence, make a specific appearance for a big event, or alleviate back pain caused by breast implants, many individuals undergo liposuction, rhinoplasty, facelift, and otoplasty because they want to feel good about themselves.
With evolving technology, devices are becoming less invasive, and the emergence of financial structures that allow patients to make monthly payments have further democratized plastic surgery. According to a recent poll by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, most plastic surgery patients now fall into middle-class income levels, and the number of men seeking cosmetic enhancement is on the rise.
