Plastic surgery: Myths and mistakes to avoid

Dr Rahul Gorka
Everybody is intrigued by the term “plastic surgery.” People allow their “thought-train” to run on tracks put down by various life experiences and information, particularly movies and television. As a byproduct, there is a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding about this excellent surgical super-specialty. It is necessary to distinguish fact from fantasy in order to alleviate worry and instil confidence in both plastic surgery patients and the public.
Myth: Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery are the same.
Wrong. There is a significant difference. Plastic surgery encompasses both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Hair transplant, Rhinoplasty, Liposuction, Breast enhancement/reduction, otoplasty, oculoplasty, abdominoplasty, and other procedures (surgical and non-surgical) to enhance the aesthetic look of an otherwise normal human being. Reconstructive Surgery includes all procedures done to repair/reconstruct the damaged tissues as in burns, trauma, cancer reconstruction , hand surgery etc.
Mistake: Choosing a wrong unqualified person who claims to be cosmetic surgeon/ facial plastic surgeon/ beauty specialist without the necessary degrees- M.Ch or DrNB in Plastic Surgery.
How can you trust an unqualified person to treat your “body” if you hire an authorised mechanic to service your car? Always take your time and look into the qualifications of the Plastic Surgeon you are considering. To be named a qualified Plastic Surgeon, one must complete a three-year M.Ch/DNB course in Plastic Surgery after earning the MBBS and MS (Surgery) degrees.
Mistake: Liposuction is only for weight loss
A plastic surgeon will usually advise a patient to lose weight before getting liposuction. This is to increase your muscle tone and thus your chances of a successful surgery. Liposuction is only used to shape the body. It is ineffective in the treatment of cellulite and abdominal obesity.
Myths: Plastic Surgery is for luxury only
This is incorrect. Plastic surgeons enable people live better, more joyful, and productive lives by making them comfortable with themselves and their bodies. Both your emotional and physical health benefit when your exterior look represents who you truly are.
Mistake: Thinking you can’t afford plastic surgery
Plastic surgery is not a privilege limited to the elite few, as evidenced by the significant number of people who undertake it every year. Nowadays, the array of alternatives available may accommodate individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Furthermore, undergoing plastic surgery in one’s homeland (Jammu & Kashmir) can save money on travel and other expenses while receiving the same standard of safe and effective treatment.
Myth: Plastic Surgery is only for women
Men are catching up swiftly. Botox, facelifts, fillers, rhinoplasty, Gynecomastia liposuction, and hair transplantation are all popular procedures.
Mistake: Expecting perfection
You and your plastic surgeon should agree ahead of time that your reasons for seeking plastic surgery are healthy and that your expectations are reasonable. After surgery, there may be some scarring, but there are advanced techniques to reduce or eliminate it. Expect a “subtle but effective transformation” that will offer you a healthier, more confident view on life.
It’s critical to understand what plastic surgery is and is not. Only then can you decide what your plastic surgery goals are and which plastic surgeon will assist you in achieving them.