Plastic and cosmetic surgeries are widely misunderstood, with many believing these specialties are only for women, or all techniques are surgical. In this helpful explainer, we’ll address six common misconceptions about these procedures, and share the hard facts.
Cosmetic Surgery Is Only for Women (FALSE)
Because it’s often talked about in beauty magazines, related sites, and TV shows, many men think plastic surgery is solely for women. The fact is, however, that most plastic and cosmetic procedures can also be performed on men.
In 2018, 1.8 million men underwent these, including 215,000 surgical and 1.1 million cosmetic. The top five surgical procedures for men were rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, liposuction, gynecomastia (breast reduction), and hair transplantation. The most popular minimally invasive include Botox, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and soft tissue fillers.
Other common surgeries among men include chin, cheek, and jaw implants or fillers to create masculine jawlines and facial structures.
Dr. Buglino has performed hundreds of plastic and cosmetic surgeries on both men and women. For more information, contact us today.
Plastic Surgery May Leave Scars (True)
Sometimes, scars are unavoidable. After each surgery, there will be a scar, but its size and visibility depend on your surgeon’s expertise. A certified practitioner will ensure the scar is hidden, if possible.
During a breast augmentation, for example, an incision is made around the areola border or in a fold below the breast, so it’s not visible. For facelifts, small cuts are made behind the ear, along the ear and cheek connection, or at the hairline. Chin, jaw, and cheek implants require incisions to be made inside the mouth/ natural submental crease so they’re not seen externally.
Dr. Buglino specializes in reconstructive surgery, including scar revisions. To minimize visibility, he may recommend surgical procedures, laser skin resurfacing, medispa treatments, or a combination of these.
A Doctor Doesn’t Need to Be Certified to Perform Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery (True)
Most states do not require physicians to be board certified to perform cosmetic and plastic surgery, meaning a dermatologist could perform breast lifts or abdominoplasties. Board certifications enable physicians to obtain further education to perfect their craft and reduce complications.
Board Certification In plastic Surgery ensures the surgeon has fulfilled and completed a comprehensive residency fellowship training. In addition, a board certified plastic surgeon must pass a written and oral exam focusing on all aspects of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. This means the surgeon will have gone through the necessary education to perform all procedures, from a rhinoplasty, breast reconstruction to a thigh lift and blepharoplasty. A safe determination of thorough training is to review hospital affiliation for your surgeon and to make sure they have privileges to perform a particular surgery of interest.
All Plastic Surgery Procedures Are Invasive (False)
Not all plastic and cosmetic techniques involve surgery. Nonsurgical, minimally invasive procedures can also achieve desired results.
Treatments such as radiofrequency microneedling, microneedling, ultherapy, platelet-rich plasma facial treatments, and mesotherapy can tighten skin and reduce wrinkles, stretch marks and scars. Similarly, Botox and other fillers can be utilized to smooth wrinkles and accentuate cheekbones and jawlines. These methods eliminate the need for anesthesia, with similar results.
Buglino Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery provides these procedures, and many more. Dr. Buglino will consult with patients to determine the best treatment plan, whether surgical or nonsurgical.
There Aren’t Age Minimums or Limits for Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery (True)
Although there aren’t age minimums to undergo plastic and cosmetic surgery, those under 18 are required to get parental consent. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports those between the ages of 13 and 19 underwent 226,994 total cosmetic surgeries in 2018. The most common were laser hair removal, rhinoplasty, laser skin resurfacing, laser treatment of leg veins, and breast augmentation.
There are also no age limits on cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures. As you age, your body will begin to change and you may look to surgical and nonsurgical options to achieve a youthful appearance. In 2018, more than 4 million people over 55 did so. The most common include eyelid surgery, facelifts, Botox, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and soft tissue fillers.
Dr. Buglino has treated patients of all ages. Typically, if he sees a child for a laceration, he may later perform Botox for their mother or father, and then perhaps an eyelid lift for their grandparent.
Plastic Surgery Can Be Covered by Insurance (True)
Surgeries necessary for medical reasons may be covered by your insurance. This depends on the type and how the procedure is defined—cosmetic, reconstructive, or essential to function.
A rhinoplasty due to a deviated septum or other medical condition that compromises breathing may be covered. Breast reductions can also be included if your breasts cause back pains, shoulder pain, or other severe symptoms, and you’ve documented all other measures such as chiropractic or supportive bras have failed. Panniculectomies—which remove excess skin and tissue below the pubis bone—may also be covered as well.
Speak with your insurance provider to understand what your plan covers. For more information about financing your procedure, call our office at (516) 864-0700.
