Plastic surgery is becoming an ever increasingly popular term in American culture. We’re currently seeing a steady increase in the amount of people who have had or want to have a surgical procedure to alter their appearance. In order to gain an understanding of what plastic surgery is and is not, we must examine and dismiss 3 common plastic surgery myths.
Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery are the Same Thing
A key to understanding plastic surgery is being able to distinguish it from cosmetic surgery. Contrary to what is widely believed, cosmetic and plastic surgery ARE NOT the same thing. Cosmetic surgery is focused on aesthetic appeal and can be performed by a variety of health care professionals. In contrast, plastic surgery focuses on correcting defects to produce a normal, functional appearance. Plastic surgery can only be performed by a plastic surgeon who has undergone intensive medical and surgical training. Some common cosmetic surgeries are breast augmentation, rhinoplasty (nose job), rhytidectomy (face lift), and liposuction. Some common plastic surgeries are breast reconstruction, congenital defect repair, burn repair, and scar revision.
Plastic Surgery is Done Solely for Looks
Three common plastic surgeries that focus on improving functionality include burn, craniofacial, and hand surgeries. Burn surgery aims to increase the sensation and mobility that are often lost after a bad burn. Craniofacial surgery focuses on repairing birth defects of the face, such as cleft lip. It also deals with numerous bony injuries of the face, head, and skull. Hand surgery seeks to improve medical conditions that affect hand strength, function, and flexibility. It is quite common for plastic surgeons to join with orthopedic surgeons to repair badly injured or mangled hands. It’s important to know that plastic surgeons who specialize in the above mentioned surgeries are very busy. The patient load placed on these surgeons is tremendous and shows that plastic surgery isn’t done solely for looks.
People with a Normal Income Can’t Afford Plastic Surgery
The days in which plastic surgery is only made available to the rich and famous are over. Plastic surgery is becoming more and more affordable. Private plastic surgery clinics work in a competitive market where the best price gets the customer. For this reason, financial discounts, low interest payment plans, and medical credit cards are now offered to potential plastic surgery candidates. Additionally, most plastic surgeons recognize the financial burden and stress a costly procedure can place on a patient and work hard to ensure it doesn’t happen. Insurance companies are also expanding their coverage as they become increasingly aware of the difference between plastic and cosmetic surgery. Covering patients who actually need plastic surgery is becoming more common.
By dispelling some of the common myths associated with plastic surgery, we’ve distinguished it from cosmetic surgery and are afforded a better understanding of both. We’ve also gained a greater appreciation for plastic surgery as it applies to functionality and are aware it can actually be affordable. In the end, the decision to undergo plastic surgery is always left up to the patient. Should you be interested, you can now make a well thought out and informed decision.
