If you’re thinking of having cosmetic surgery, chances are you will know someone who has tried to put you off, or told you one or more of the following myths. Below some of the most common myths about cosmetic surgery and the truths are explained:

1. Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are the same thing

Cosmetic surgery is a discipline of surgery designed to enhance the look of the area of the head or body it is practiced on. The areas to be treated function properly but there is a request to have them more aesthetically pleasing. This is called “elective” surgery, as the patient chooses to have it done.

Plastic surgery is defined as a reconstructive discipline of surgery, design to correct or repair some part of the patient. Plastic surgery is used to correct dysfunctional areas of the body.

2. Plastic surgery is surgery without scars.

All surgery causes scars, however plastic surgery is practiced to minimize the appearance of scars. The visibility of a scar can depend on a lot of factors. How the incision has been closed, how the area is treated after surgery, and the position of the incision. Typically a plastic surgeon will choose the least visible incision site, where there are natural creases in the skin, however there will be a physical scar somewhere.

3. Liposuction is an easy way to lose weight.

Any surgeon will ask you to lose as much weight as you can before having liposuction. The results will be far better if you are as healthy as possible before your surgery. Liposuction is not supposed to be a weight loss surgery. It is supposed to ensure you lose stubborn areas of fat.

4. Liposuction removes cellulite.

Because bands of fibrous tissue cause cellulite, taking out the layer of fat which lives just under the skin might actually make the cellulite more noticeable. Any surgeon should be able to discuss with you the expected results and whether the treatment you want is right for you. Liposuction only targets specific areas, remember, and can usually only help where the shape of the body area is required to be changed.

5. Fat comes back after liposuction.

Fat cannot return after you have liposuction. When you are born, the body stops producing fat cells, However, they do get bigger or smaller depending on your weight. Liposuction reduces the amount of fat cells in specific targeted areas. Once the fat cells are removed they are removed forever.

6. It's unsafe to breast feed if you have breast implants.

Under the advice of the Mayo Clinic, breast-feeding with implants is perfectly safe. Your breast milk could absorb some of the silicone from breast implants but the amount is not considered at all harmful to your baby. Breast milk is considered the best thing you can feed your baby and the Institute of Medicine encourages all women, including those with breast implants to breast-feed if they're able.

7. Breast implants increase your risk of getting breast cancer.

The Institute of Medicine has found no evidence that breast implants can cause breast cancer or the recurrence of breast cancer. Please remember though, it is still imperative to attend routine screening tests for breast cancer and you must still self examine your breasts.— just as you would if you didn't have implants.

8. Breast augmentation is a one time procedure

Breast Augmentation, reduction and breast lifts are the three standard procedures carried out on the breasts. Breast Augmentation and Breast lift surgery may be carried out at the same time, however, the results are not permanent.

Like most procedures, time and genetics will take its toll on the body, and the breasts will more than likely need to be operated on again. Another factor to consider is that all artificial implants have a shelf life of about 10-15 years, despite the fact that this is not an expiration date, and some may last longer than this.  It is important to have regular follow-ups and check to determine when this is necessary.

9. You cant go out in the sun after surgery

Your surgeon will provide you any post-surgical information for your specific surgery but this does not necessarily include avoiding the sun. However, the best thing to do is limit sun exposure after surgery and make sure you use a high factor sunscreen. This will aid healing and ensure your scars do not redden in the sun.

10. Cost is the only barrier to cosmetic surgery.

Whilst cosmetic surgery is often elective, there is a cost, which your health insurance will not cover. There may be a high cost to consider but other factors also affect the decision to have a cosmetic procedure done. Pre-surgery counseling is a necessity before someone alters their appearance. Surgeons should take the time to discuss with the patient a reasonable expectation for results so that they are not disappointed with the results. This counseling also needs to take into account the emotional well being of the person, and whether it is truly their choice to change their body.

11. Plastic Surgery abroad is not safe

As we all are aware, there have been stories in the newspapers detailing patients travelling abroad for surgery and coming back scarred for life. These stories are usually sensationalised and then retold by people who have no knowledge of cosmetic surgery. A lower cost surgery abroad does not necessarily mean a bad treatment. The cost of cosmetic treatment abroad is less due to many factors, including the economy of the country chosen, the interest rate and low overheads. Just ensure that the surgeon and clinic is highly researched, and check your surgeon out, just as you would if they were working in your country.

12. Botox® can cause droopy eyelids.

If Botox® is administered properly, there is a less than 2% risk of suffering with droopy eyelids is lower than 2%. Also, the eyelid droop is usually temporary and resolves relatively quickly.

13. Botox® will leave you expressionless by freezing your facial muscles.

Again, if it is administered correctly, in small doses into specific muscles in the face, then unwanted lines and wrinkles can be softened without compromising any facial expression. Again research of your physician should be an important factor. The advice would be to check your physicians demonstrated practice history.

So there you have it. 13 of the biggest myths of cosmetic surgery, tackled, head on.