Top 5 Cosmetic Surgery Misconceptions

There's no denying that plastic surgery is a divisive issue. There are those who find the concept repellant while others are willing to undergo dozens of procedures in order to reach their ideal of beauty. But most of us fall somewhere in the middle, realizing that cosmetic surgery is just one more way to enhance one's appearance and boost self-esteem. Even if we're not necessarily inclined to try it ourselves, we don't begrudge others the opportunity to look and feel their best. However, there are an awful lot of myths about plastic surgery that could lead consumers to the wrong conclusion. Here are just a few major misconceptions debunked.

1. It's too expensive. Cosmetic surgery is by no means cheap - and you'd better beware anyone who tells you differently. But you don't have to pay the outrageous prices charged by celebrity surgeons in order to get top-of-the-line treatments. Like any other medical profession there are bound to be instances where you "pay for the brand name", so to speak. So ask family, friends, and colleagues for referrals. If you don't know anyone who's had work done (yeah, right), you surely have acquaintances who will cop to being a "friend of a friend" to someone who has had an incredible eye lift or tummy tuck at a decent price. You just have to find a doctor you're comfortable with that offers rates you can live with. You don't need to go overboard with the cost, but neither do you want to cheap out.
   
2. It's too dangerous. Again, this is a case where spending too little can be an issue. Like any type of surgery, cosmetic procedures come with risks. But with a qualified professional on hand these risks can be mitigated. It's only when you opt for back-alley operations on the cheap that you are likely to get into real trouble. Such facilities could not only threaten your appearance and your health, but also your life.
   
3. It's not real surgery. Wrong, wrong, and wrong! Cosmetic surgery consists of real medical procedures! Even seemingly simple practices like Botox and other injections can pose a risk when they're not performed by professionals operating in a professional setting. And that goes double for any treatments that require you to be put under.
   
4. It's a vanity. Okay, this one is actually sort of true, but that doesn't necessarily mean it has to carry a negative connotation. Getting braces, adding highlights, and wearing makeup could also be considered vanity, but people practice these upgrades every day. What makes people shy away from plastic surgery is that is has the potential to affect far more radical changes in appearance. However, there's nothing wrong with getting an eye lift, a nose job, liposuction, or a little nip and tuck if it makes you feel great about the way you look. However, you can get into trouble is if you pursue it to an unhealthy degree, letting yourself fall into a spiral of body dysmorphia that means no amount of cosmetic surgery will ever be enough. This is a horrible self-fulfilling prophecy that stems from psychological issues rather than physical ones.
   
5. You can look exactly how you want. Sorry, wrong again. The plastic surgeons who work on you are somewhat limited by the raw materials (in other words: YOU). While they can shape and enhance what you've already got, and even use fillers and implants to take it to the next level, they're not going to transform you into your favorite supermodel if you don't already have her body type and bone structure to begin with. A rhinoplasty or breast enhancement procedure can do a lot to correct a glaring issue or bring you closer to your ideal of beauty, but eventually you're going to have to find a way to love yourself in the skin you've got.
   

(Guest Post by Carol)