If you’re thinking about plastic surgery, you are probably also thinking about a big chunk of information associated with it that you have learned at some point in your life, but surprisingly happens to be false. Yes, seemingly countless myths fill up the world of plastic surgery but lucky for you, we will be debunking the most common ones out there in this article. 

• Plastic surgery is done only for cosmetic and vanity purposes: 

One of the most popular misconceptions about plastic surgery is that it is focused solely on beauty and aesthetics. But plastic surgery encompasses a wide variety of medical procedures, which are done for various reasons. This can include anything from post-cancer breast reconstruction and fixing birth defects to simple rhinoplasties and  chin and lip reconstructions. Most people often get confused between plastic and cosmetic surgeries and typically use both interchangeably. However, the latter is just one portion of the first. By definition, plastic surgery entails any medical procedure which alters the human body, but the reasons for doing so are quite many. Yes, some are purely for cosmetic purposes - hence the name. This includes facelifts, nose jobs, and so much more. On the other hand, some surgeries are intended to restore the function and/or form of a body part that has been damaged in one way or another. In some cases, for example, after a traumatic accident, doctors themselves actually recommend patients to undergo these procedures. Also, keep in mind that plastic surgeons are not necessarily cosmetic surgeons, and vice versa; each has its own specific training and experience. Therefore, carefully choose whichever to see according to your needs. 

• Only women get plastic surgery:

Let’s get it out of the way once and for all. Plastic surgery has, is, and will be for everyone - regardless of their gender. As a matter of fact, gender is completely irrelevant to the fact that people wish to feel and look their best. Plus, some of the reasons why people get these surgeries are definitely not only limited to women. And it turns out the number of men interested in getting some kind of plastic surgery is growing by the day. In fact, according to a recent study by the American Academy of Plastic Surgery, more than 12% of men plan to have plastic surgery in the future and a whopping 83% believes that their personal appearance plays a big role in succeeding in the workplace. It is unclear whether the two have a cause-and-effect relation although there seems to be one. Fun fact - the most sought-after procedures by men are hair transplants, liposuctions, and laser hair removals. 

• Breast implants increase your chances of getting breast cancer:

A study conducted by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) suggests that getting breast implants will not cause a recurrence of cancer or increase the possibility of getting it. That being said, it goes without saying that women should do their routine checkups, exams, and screenings for breast cancer - just as they would if they didn’t have the implants. Again, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved numerous brands of saline/silicone implants and has declared them to be completely safe. 

• Plastic surgery is only targeted toward rich and materialistic people:

It is safe to say that the industry for plastic surgery is incredibly large and so it does not make any sense to claim that its clientele is exclusively the 1% of the population. It is a growing market with an estimated worth of over forty billion dollars in 2020. The truth of the matter is that fortunately, most of these procedures are affordable. They can even be covered by some health insurance packages. For instance, breast reduction is covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Similarly, most surgeries that are performed following injuries or accidents are also usually covered. Moreover, it is also worth noting that the more technology advances, the more accessible these treatments become. For example, a session for laser hair removal in the early 2000s would cost you over 350 dollars on average, whereas nowadays it can be as low as just 80 dollars. 

• Plastic surgery is not safe:

To some extent, any and all medical procedures do have their related risks, but plastic surgery happens to be one of the safest ones out there, especially with the current developments in the field and the advancements in technology. As time goes on, it becomes less costly, less invasive, and less exclusive. Needless to say, you should always do your research beforehand and then make your decision wisely. After all, the degree of risk depends on different things such as the doctor’s level of expertise, the affected area, and the general health and well-being of the patient. 

In conclusion, plastic surgery is more common than you might think. It covers more procedures than you might have imagined. People from all over the world undergo procedures irrespective of their gender or social classes. So, if you’re planning to get one anytime soon, we hope we got you rid of some of your worries. Most importantly, it is recommended to always consult your physician and discuss with him/her what you are looking for and what is the best way to proceed forward, according to your needs.