Brazil is among the countries leading the ranking of cosmetic surgeries, according to the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP). Despite the popularity of certain procedures, many are surrounded by myths that have been debunked by science, yet continue to resonate.
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Next, plastic surgeon Leandro Faustino clarifies seven common myths in this field.
Age Limit
There is no age limit to undergo plastic surgery; one’s health condition is the only limiting factor. “A person may have chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, but if they are under control, they can undergo surgery regardless of age,” Faustino clarifies.
Lose Weight Before Plastic Surgery
Losing weight is not mandatory, except for individuals outside their ideal weight, calculated through the Body Mass Index (BMI). Obesity can pose risks to the procedure, such as thrombosis, embolism, infections, or respiratory issues.
In addition to being prone to these complications, the results might not be as satisfactory due to the risk of excess skin and/or residual fat in the area.
Replace Silicone Implants Every 10 Years
The 10-year validity of silicone implants is one of the most popular and controversial myths. The expert explains, “Currently, we know that complications related to the implant usually start occurring after 10 years, such as capsular contracture (loss of implant elasticity) and irregularities in its shape.
These are natural wears, body reactions, that typically lead to a replacement. Therefore, some entities and specialists recommend the switch. However, it’s not mandatory and should be evaluated case by case.”
Liposuction Carries Higher Risk of Complications
Liposuction is surrounded by myths, with the greatest being that it carries the highest risk of complications in plastic surgery. According to the expert, this information is not true.
“The plastic surgeries with the most complications are the extensive ones, related to body contouring — generally associated with bariatric patients and significant weight loss — such as lower body lifting or extensive abdominoplasty. This incorrect perception might come from the fact that liposuction is the most performed procedure and any severe complication becomes news. However, occurrences like perforations or deaths are extremely rare,” Faustino explains.
Permanent Fat Reduction in Liposuction Areas
Liposuction is the quickest technique to eliminate accumulated fats, but the result isn’t permanent and requires maintenance with diet and physical exercise.
According to the plastic surgeon, even though liposuctioned areas tend to accumulate less fat than other parts of the body, the volume can return to its previous state if the patient gains excessive weight.
Hidrolipo Offers Fewer Risks Than Usual Liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure done under general anesthesia, which worries those considering surgery. Today, hidrolipo is an alternative that removes fat without sedation, using only local anesthesia. However, this technique is not less risky.
Leandro clarifies that the risk level is determined by the number of areas undergoing the procedure, not the type of anesthetic — since both options (general or local) carry risks.
Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that the doctor is accredited by the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery and that the clinic or procedure venue complies with Anvisa regulations, equipped with all professionals and resources to manage possible incidents.
Every Scar Turns Into Keloid
“By no means does every scar turn into a keloid, which is the accumulation of scar tissue that may appear at the cut site, looking raised or rough. This occurs in a tiny fraction of scars, around 1% if considering the general population.
Not every unsightly scar is a keloid; there are other issues, like widened, depressed, and pigmented scars, but keloids are the rarest of all,” he assures.
Regardless of the procedure, it’s essential to seek a plastic surgeon who is a member of the SBCP to clarify any doubts.
The professional is always the best source, for beyond their training and experience, they can individually analyze each case to guide according to the patient’s needs.
