Botched surgeries and plenty of misconceptions have steered people away from cosmetic surgery. We’re putting those cosmetic surgery myths to rest with insights from the experts!

What do celebrities such as Courteney Cox, Mickey Rourke, and Meg Ryan have in common?

They all went under the knife and regretted it. But for every Courteney, Mickey, or Meg who came out looking worse than before, there are also stars whose procedures turned out fantastic. We’re talking about celebs like Kate Hudson, Scarlett Johansson, Lady Gaga, and Dianna Agron.

Now whether you’re considering cosmetic surgery or vowing you’ll never mess with all of it, it helps to know and decide based on facts, not myths. Here, we’ll talk about the biggest cosmetic surgery myths so you can say if it’s for you or not.

1. Cosmetic Surgery Is Just Another Name for Plastic Surgery

The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery says that although some people use cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery interchangeably, they’re not the same.

Cosmetic surgery focuses on the enhancement of one’s appearance. Some examples of cosmetic surgery are facial contouring, skin rejuvenation including filler treatments and breast enhancement.

Plastic surgery, on the other hand, addresses dysfunctional areas of the body. The goal is to reconstruct defects such as a cleft palate. Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, as well as burn repair surgery, are classified as plastic surgery procedures.

2. Botox Will Make You Expressionless

Some people think that if they get Botox injections, they wouldn’t be able to move their face.

This only happens if too much Botox is injected. A skillful physician would make sure that the results appear natural. That means your lines and wrinkles will appear smooth and never to the point where your face will look frozen.

3. Breast Implants Can Correct Droopy Breasts

Did you know that even women who’ve never had children can have droopy breasts?

That’s because droopy breasts can happen to anyone. Even if you have small breasts, they can still sag as a natural result of aging. Genetics and lifestyle are contributors as well.

But getting breast implants will not lift sagging breasts. Surgeons recommend implants to women who want to increase their breast size.

Breast lifts, on the other hand, restore the perkiness of the breasts by repositioning the nipples and the areolas. This is what makes this procedure perfect for women who just want a lift and not an increase in breast volume.

4. You Can’t Breastfeed If You Have Breast Implants

Most types of cosmetic procedures on breasts are compatible with breastfeeding. The only complaint some mothers who have silicone or saline implants have is that their nipples are more or less sensitive than normal.

That said, having implants shouldn’t prevent you from breastfeeding. Now, if you’re thinking of getting implants but are still nursing, you should wait until you’ve weaned him or her off.

This is because, during breastfeeding, your breasts go through a lot of changes. Sometimes, one breast may appear larger or hang lower than the other. Breastfeeding may also alter the elasticity of your breasts’ skin, as well as cause them to sag.

5. You Should Get Liposuction If You Want to Slim down Instantly

Liposuction is a contouring procedure. If you’re over 200 or 300 pounds, getting a lipo will not turn you into a slim person overnight.

Cosmetic surgeons recommend this procedure for people who want to make their body look more proportioned. For example, if you have slim thighs but a big tummy, you could get a stomach liposuction.

You should also take note that a reputable cosmetic surgeon will only suggest lipo for areas that are resistant to diet and exercise.

6. A Rhinoplasty Can Help You Achieve Your Dream Celebrity Nose

We’re not saying there’s no such thing as a bad nose job but if you’re considering rhinoplasty, make sure you don’t have unrealistic expectations.

If you’re requesting a nose that would look like that of Jessica Alba or Natalie Portman, your surgeon would most likely tell you that it might not look good or natural on you. The goal of rhinoplasty is to give you a natural and beautiful nose, not necessarily a nose that’s an exact copy of someone you know or admire.

7. Any Cosmetic Surgeon Can Perform a Rhinoplasty

Just as doctors can be cardiologists, nephrologists or pediatricians, cosmetic surgeons also have their specialties.

When searching online, always use search for the type of specialist you need. For example, if you want to find a rhinoplasty surgeon online, be sure to use a search term like “rhinoplasty surgery by Dr. Asaria“.

Rhinoplasty is a complex procedure. If you want the best results, it’s better to choose a surgeon who has performed a large number of rhinoplasties and has a roster of satisfied clients than someone who specializes in tummy tucks or breast augmentation.

8. Cosmetic Surgeries Will Leave You with Terrible Scars

Cosmetic surgery procedures typically involve making incisions in the skin, which of course means some scarring.

The good news is good cosmetic surgeons know exactly where to cut to make the scars less noticeable. And in time, these scars would heal for most people.

We say some because there are patients who are prone to getting keloids. There are also a few patients who encounter scar problems such as delayed healing or infection from not following post-operative wound care.

9. You Will Look Half Your Age

While it’s true that cosmetic surgeries can take years off a person, it’s unlikely you’ll look like a 15-year-old even if you spend tons of money on various procedures.

Also, you have to understand that less is more when it comes to cosmetic surgery. You only want to enhance your features and not look unnatural and fake.

If you encounter a surgeon who makes absurd promises like making you look like a teenager, consider it a red flag. A highly qualified surgeon will know what is or isn’t achievable with a cosmetic surgeon.

10. Only Vain People Get Cosmetic Surgery

Not everyone who gets cosmetic surgery is driven by vanity. Some women who get breast reduction surgery, for example, do it because they’re in pain. Aside from headaches, women with too large breasts often complain of shoulder and neck pain.

Sometimes, it could also be a matter of regaining confidence. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to gain back your pre-pregnancy body. And it’s not vanity to want a tummy tuck if excess skin is hindering you from living a more active life.

Don’t Let Cosmetic Surgery Myths Get to You

Are cosmetic surgery myths stopping you from being the best version of yourself?

Now that you know that cosmetic surgery procedures aren’t that bad as some would have you believe, don’t hesitate to know more about them. The more you know, the more can make an informed decision as to whether you should or shouldn’t go for them.

For more beauty-related posts, don’t forget to check out the rest of our blog.