The stories and lessons taught by Greek mythology are entertaining and timeless. Who doesn’t love the tales such as Sisyphus, who was condemned to push the boulder up the mountain all day, only for it to roll down to the bottom at night, forcing him to do it all over the next day? Such was his punishment for deceiving Death.

But when it comes to plastic surgery, there’s no room for myth. Why? It gives people false expectations or gives them the wrong impression about a certain procedure.

Even the “plastic” in plastic surgery is misunderstood. Most people assume the meaning is tied to the modern meaning of the word plastic, which is an artificial material that doesn’t occur naturally. They assume this relates to fake, artificial results that people seek from plastic surgery. In reality, the word plastic in plastic surgery comes from the Greek work meaning “to mold.” Quite a difference.

Dr. Smith would like to debunk a few other plastic surgery myths. You in?

Plastic surgery doesn’t leave scars

Uh, wrong. Any time you’re making an incision and cut the skin, the result of the incision is a scar. Talented plastics surgeons such as Dr. Smith, however, minimize the appearance of scars by placing the incisions in inconspicuous places such as where a natural crease occurs.

Breast augmentation is a one-time event

Nope. Like anything that is manufactured, breast implants have a limited lifespan, usually around 10 to 15 years. Also, as the person with implants ages, her breasts will still droop with that aging. So, you will likely need another breast implant replacement procedure, and possibly a breast lift with it.

Liposuction is a great weight loss tool

Wrong. Liposuction is meant to remove pockets of fat that don’t respond to exercise or diet changes. Things like love handles. Dr. Smith will not perform liposuction on patients that are over 10% above their ideal weight.

Fat can return after liposuction

Fat removed by liposuction is permanently gone from that area. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fat show up in other areas IF you put on a bunch of weight. Take it easy on the biscuits and gravy and you’ll be fine!

You can’t go out in the sun after surgery

Not true. You should limit your sun exposure because it can delay your healing to a degree and it can make your scars redden. But, as long as you wear sunscreen, you don’t have to pretend you’re Gollum from The Hobbit.

Dr. Smith wants his patients to be as educated as possible about every procedure he offers. If you have questions about any of these issues, or would like to schedule a consultation for a procedure, please call us at (843) 705-8940.