Posted in Patient Resources, Plastic Surgery News
Despite its growing popularity (there were over 1.7 million cosmetic surgery procedures and over 15 million minimally invasive cosmetic procedures performed in 2017), common misconceptions about plastic surgery still exist. Many people continue to see plastic surgery as something only for vain celebrities; yet in actuality, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Over the years, cosmetic surgery and minimally invasive procedures have not only improved in technique and quality of results but also in increased popularity. Patients of all ages are finding themselves heading to their cosmetic surgeons for touch-up treatments and fixes of their most bothersome physical troubles. With plastic surgery hitting the mainstream, it’s time to clear up those lingering misconceptions.
1. It’s Only for Women
There is no denying that plastic surgery is more heavily marketed to women than it is to men. Social media and advertising companies often forget or ignore the fact that cosmetic procedures help men regain confidence in their appearance the same as they do for women. In fact, over 100,000 surgical procedures were performed on men last year. Facelift surgery, tummy tuck surgery, blepharoplasty, and liposuction are all common surgical procedures for men that allow them to shape and tone their bodies and revitalize their appearance while improving their level of self-esteem.
2. It’s Only for Vanity
It’s true that cosmetic surgery is designed to enhance physical appearances that are bothersome to patients; every person should be allowed to look and feel their best. That being said, many cosmetic surgery procedures go beyond aesthetics. Many rhinoplasty patients seek plastic surgery to improve breathing, and many blepharoplasty patients desire a lift in their eyelids to open their field of vision to help them see better. Additionally, many patients who have lost a significant amount of weight feel trapped by the excess amount of skin left over, which is not only aesthetically displeasing but also physically discomforting. Many women who have developed naturally large breasts understand the pain and physical limitations of their breast size. While some patients are led to plastic surgery for purely aesthetic reasons, this is a generalization that no longer applies.
3. It’s Only for People Who Are “Lazy”
Procedures like liposuction are often thought to be weight loss procedures for patients who are lazy; however, there is no truth in that statement. For starters, liposuction, along with every other form of cosmetic surgery, is not a weight loss procedure, nor is it a substitute for diet and exercise. Instead, it is a way to eliminate those final troublesome areas that are resistant to diet and exercise. With pregnancies, weight fluctuations, and aging comes stubborn fat pockets that cannot be toned, no matter how much sweat you put into it. Plastic surgery isn’t for people who are lazy; rather, it’s for people who have put in the effort but still need a little help.
4. The Expense Puts It Out of Reach
Cosmetic surgery is a substantial financial investment. It is something that many patients need to save and budget for; however, it isn’t out of reach. In 2017 alone, Americans spent over $8.5 billion on cosmetic procedures, and the majority of those patients were people just like you. No matter your age, gender, or financial situation, cosmetic procedures can be for you if you want them. There are no limitations when it comes to the desire to look and feel your best.
For more information about cosmetic procedures, contact Dr. Schlechter at North Shore Aesthetics today by calling (847) 393-4770.
