Dr. Steven Dayan talks about common misconceptions in the world of aesthetics
MYTH 1: Cosmetic procedures are only for rich celebrities.
If cosmetic procedures were only for rich celebrities, then most plastic surgeons would be out of a job. The overwhelming majority of people who receive cosmetic procedures are average, everyday people looking to boost their self-confidence and improve their lives. More than 15 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2013 alone, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The most popular procedure was Botulinum toxin injections (such as Botox(r) and Dysport(r)) with 6.3 million injections.
MYTH 2: Men don’t get plastic surgery.
While women have traditionally made up the majority of plastic surgery patients, an increasing number of men are getting into the mix. In fact, the number of cosmetic procedures for men has increased over 106% from 1997, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Just like women, men understand that their appearance is an important part of self-confidence and ultimately their happiness and success in life. The top three cosmetic surgeries for men are Rhinoplasty, Lipoplasty (liposuction), and Blepharoplasty (cosmetic eyelid surgery), according to the ASAPS.
MYTH 3: Plastic surgery is unsafe.
Like any surgical or non-surgical procedure, plastic surgery involves risk. The key to a safe and successful treatment is finding an experienced and certified plastic surgeon. For example, I am board certified by both the American Board of Otolaryngology, and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. My practice saw over 6,500 patients in 2013 alone. Regardless if you choose me as your facial plastic surgeon or you decide to look elsewhere, always do extensive research on the doctor that you are interested in. Make sure to ask plenty of questions and discuss the potential risks. A good doctor means minimal risk and maximum success.
MYTH 4: Only vain people get plastic surgery.
The majority of people who get plastic surgery are not obsessed with their looks. Most people who walk into my office are simply unhappy or self-conscious about a particular part of their appearance. Both surgical and non-surgical procedures, when used correctly, work much like makeup, to diminish areas of concern while accentuating one’s natural beauty. Afterall, the main objective of plastic surgery is to boost self-confidence. This leads to making better first impressions, which ultimately enables people to be at their best.
MYTH 5: Botox looks fake and freezes facial expressions.
There’s a reason that Botulinum toxins like Botox and Dysport are the most popular non-surgical treatment in America, and it’s not because they make you look fake. Injecting too much Botox or Dysport in the face can certainly inhibit muscle use, however when used in microdoses by an expert, the results can be very natural looking. Most patients are very happy with the results, reporting that they appear well-rested and youthful, not fake. And of course, they still have full mobility of their facial muscles.
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