July 2020 Q&A: Myth Buster
Posted June 24, 2020
Dr. Antimarino addresses common myths and misconceptions regarding plastic surgery.
Myth: Everyone who performs cosmetic surgery is a plastic surgeon.
Truth: Buyer beware! Do your research! Many surgeons claim to be a “cosmetic surgeon” but that does not mean they are a board-certified plastic surgeon. Ask your surgeon what they are “board-certified” in. Credentials are very important and should be discussed with the surgeon if you are considering plastic surgery or a surgical procedure. There is no substitute for training and experience.
Myth: Your genes are responsible for how you age.
Truth: This is partially true, but it is also strongly related to our lifestyle. Diet, exercise, excessive sun exposure, tanning beds, excessive eating, and smoking can all contribute heavily to the aging process.
Myth: Exercise after pregnancy or weight loss can help tighten skin.
Truth: Exercise can build muscle which can improve body contours. Exercise can also burn calories which can lead to weight loss. There is no activity that will shrink or tighten excess skin. There are also no creams or lotions that can tighten surface areas on the skin for long-lasting results. The only solution for excess skin is surgical removal. Some of the new advances in laser technology or microneedling can address skin laxity but the patient will need to have adequate amounts of collagen to regenerate and tighten the areas being addressed.
Myth: Fat removed with liposuction goes to other areas of the body.
Truth: Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the areas addressed with surgery. The fat is disposed of and does not come back to other areas of the body. The main area on the body that previously carried the patient’s fat deposits is corrected and future weight gain is more universally dispersed around the body. Some areas of the body may carry more fat cells and with universal weight gain may appear to have extra weight shifted to that area.
Myth: Facial exercises keep facial muscles tight.
Truth: Facial exercises do nothing to prevent the aging of the face. Aging of the face is due to the softening of the attachments of the soft tissue and loss of elasticity in the skin. It has nothing to do with the muscles of the face.
Myth: Breast implants need to be replaced after 10 years.
Truth: Today, silicone breast implants have a life expectancy of 25-30 years and saline implants, on average, 15 years. If the implants are soft and in good position, they do not need to be replaced in 10 years. It is recommended that implants be checked by a board-certified plastic surgeon every year or every other year following the 10-year anniversary of the surgery to make sure there is no sign of capsular contracture, irregularities of the implant or breast tissue, or malposition of the implant.
