The 5 Biggest Plastic Surgery Myths Busted!

Everything you see on television is the “norm.”

According to Grand Rapids, MI, plastic surgeon Bradley Bengtson, MD, one of the biggest myths in plastic surgery is that what you see on television or reality shows is considered the “norm” and is actually real. “All of the plastic surgery I perform is restorative, natural, proportional and not overdone, obvious or artificial. I tell patients that the best plastic surgery is when you can’t tell you’ve had it!” On many television and reality shows, any evidence of plastic surgery points to a fake and obviously augmented appearance.

You’re vain if you get plastic surgery.

Just because you want to get a procedure, done doesn’t mean that you are vain, shallow or egotistical—there’s absolutely nothing wrong about correcting something about yourself that bothers you. “Many of my patients who undergo blepharoplasty have normal and healthy concerns about their appearance and they just want to look well-rested and happy. After surgery, patients often feel an overall improvement in not just their appearance, but also their quality of life,” says Clifton, NJ, oculoplastic surgeon Baljeet K. Purewal, MD. 

No matter which procedure you get done, the results will last forever.

According to Laguna Woods, CA, facial plastic surgeon Cory Yeh, MD, this is one myth that too many patients believe. “There are many nonsurgical procedures, which can make beautiful changes. But, they have a predictable longevity and are not designed to be permanent. While many surgical procedures can have more long lasting effects, the most obvious challenge is the fact that we can’t physically stop the aging process.” With or without surgery, you will continue to age so the results may need maintenance over the years. 

If you get a nose job your nose needs to be broken.

“Your nose deosn’t need to necessarily be broken just because you’re having nasal surgery,” says Dr. Yeh. “While many patients have a history of nasal trauma, there are many other reasons why people to decide to proceed with nasal surgery. Patient motivation includes an interest in improving nasal breathing or a desire to aesthetically change features of their nose that are out of proportion.”

You have to be rich to get plastic surgery.

So not true! “In this day and age there are a variety of treatments available to patients who are interested in aesthetic changes. For facial rejuvenation, we employ a wide spectrum of treatments ranging from optimization of skin care, laser treatments, facial injectables, and minimally invasive surgery,” explains Dr. Yeh. “After a thorough consultation for facial analysis, most patients can enjoy a multitude of options that comfortably fit their personal financial budget.” There are also finance options available that allow you to pay off aesthetic procedures over time as opposed to paying out of pocket for a procedure all at once.