Though its name dates back only to 1837, ancient Egyptian medical texts refer to plastic surgery about 5,000 years ago.
Perhaps public awareness of the cosmetic aspects of the specialty developed out of the golden age of American cinema, as its stars sought out beautification procedures to recapture their waning youth. On the street, plastic surgery became synonymous with vanity.
Of course, that’s perhaps the biggest myth surrounding plastic and reconstructive surgery. The core of the field focuses on restoring both function and appearance when these are affected by trauma, disease, or genetics.
Lakeshore Ear, Nose & Throat Center specializes in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, and with locations throughout metropolitan Detroit, they’re conveniently located to help you with your plastic surgery concerns.
Their doctors have the skills and experience you need for a successful procedure. As well as the beauty myth, here are the facts behind other plastic surgery misconceptions.
Myth: Plastic and cosmetic surgery are the same
These terms are often used synonymously, because there is a great deal of overlap. For example, rhinoplasty — commonly known as a “nose job” — is thought by many to exist only for the purpose of adjusting the shape and proportions of the nose.
However, it also addresses breathing function, widening airways through the nose to assure that you have adequate airflow. Both function and appearance can be addressed through a single procedure. It’s only cosmetic surgery when there’s no functional issue to correct.
Myth: Plastic surgery isn’t covered by insurance
This myth is an extension of the previous one. If you choose rhinoplasty solely for improvements in appearance, then no, as a cosmetic procedure, it’s not likely covered by health insurance.
However, if you have rhinoplasty to widen airways or septoplasty to straighten the tissue that divides the nostrils, you may well be eligible for coverage under medical insurance.
Myth: Plastic surgery is scar-free and permanent
Any incision has the potential to create a scar. If plastic surgeons have a reputation for scar-free procedures, it’s likely due to their experience with cosmetics and reconstruction. They may have better success at blending and hiding scars.
The permanence of a plastic surgery procedure depends on several factors, the biggest of which is likely time. Your body is still subject to the aging process. Some procedures hold up better than others, but none are immune to aging.
Myth: Reconstructive surgery fixes the issue
The goal of reconstructive surgery is, indeed, to restore the patient to normal function levels. The plastic surgery portions of treatment can only do so much, however.
Reconstruction typically has a rehabilitation cycle of exercise and physical therapy after surgery that’s equally important to the overall success of the procedure.
With facial surgery, wound care is often crucial, to speed healing and minimize scars. The surgical portion is certainly important, and so is the follow-up.
Contact Lakeshore Ear, Nose & Throat Center by calling the nearest office, or by requesting an appointment online, using the convenient links on this page.
Plastic or reconstructive surgery to the face requires experience and expertise. With Lakeshore Ear, Nose & Throat Center, you’ve come to the right place.
