Plastic Surgery Myths Vs. Facts

Plastic surgery is a field of medicine and surgery that includes treatments that restore, reconstruct or refine aspects of people’s appearance. The procedures are done to restore function or to affect appearance to improve people’s lives for personal reasons. Entertainment and the media portray plastic surgery as a surgery for the rich, who live glamourous lives and seek changes based on trends. Although this may be true in some cases, it is not true for many who seek the changes for medical or emotional reasons. The public perception of plastic surgery is clouded by a lot of myths. Here are five things you should know!

Myth: The term plastic surgery comes from the use of implants and other synthetics materials.

False!

The term plastic surgery derives from the Greek word “plastikos,” which means to shape or to mold. General plastic surgery procedures involve manipulating and moving around tissue to suit a specific purpose. The word plastic was first used to describe a specialty of surgery in 1837, but the practice dates back to around 3000 B.C., documented in ancient Egyptian medical texts.

Myth: All plastic surgery procedures are invasive.

False!

Many cosmetic procedures can be noninvasive, including botulinum toxin type a, or Botox; chemical peels, or CoolSculpting. Botox can be used to treat crow’s feet, forehead creases, frown lines, skin bands on the neck, while chemical peels can help improve acne or acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation problems and rough or sun-damaged skin. CoolSculpting is the only FDA-cleared, nonsurgical procedure that safely targets and eliminates diet- and exercise-resistant fat.

Myth: Plastic surgery may be covered by insurance

True!

Reconstructive surgery is usually covered by insurance. This surgery is defined by the restoration, recreation and reforming of aspects of physical appearance and function that have been affected by development, growth, disease or trauma. Reconstructive surgeries include breast reduction and reconstruction related to breast cancer, skin cancer, and trauma, as well as nose surgery for obstructed breathing, hand and peripheral nerve surgery and more.

Myth: There is an age cut-off for having plastic surgery.

False!

Though age is a consideration and should be something that patients look into before undergoing any procedure, the overall health and fitness of an individual is most important. Plastic surgery has been used in a wide variety of ages for either cosmetic or medical reasons.

Myth: The Florida Board of Medicine does not have regulations or rules that specifically govern services that doctors offer.

True!

Any physician licensed in Florida is able to legally treat patients in the state. With that said, UF Health physicians advise patients to know the certifications of their potential doctors. The American Board of Plastic Surgery has been around since 1937 and has issued more than 9,920 certificates to plastic surgeons who “have met high standards in training requirements and successfully passed the examinations covering the breadth of plastic surgery.” Being safe and knowing your options are always key factors in determining the potential for success for your surgery.

All of our physicians are board-certified plastic surgeons with credentials provided by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The UF Health Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics Center offers a multitude of services from aesthetic care to surgical procedures. Our center offers numerous nonsurgical cosmetic treatment such as Botox, CoolSculpting and laser hair removal to name a few. Our physicians also offer surgical procedures consisting of body contouring, facial surgery, breast procedures and more. For more information, visit UFHealth.org/plastics or call 352-265-8402 to schedule a consultation.