How to Separate Cosmetic Surgery's Facts From Fiction

HOW-TO GUIDE · ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE · Fall 2006

Just like money isn't the key to happiness, neither is cosmetic surgery. Many patients who have cosmetic surgery do find that they feel better about themselves - their self-esteem increases and, with it, their enjoyment of life. Cosmetic surgery is about physical changes to enjoy, but you'll have to find your own path to happiness.

According to Marie Olesen and R. Merrel Olesen, M.D., authors of Cosmetic Surgery For Dummies and founders of La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery, it is important to know the facts about cosmetic surgery beforehand. Here are some tips to get you started on becoming a savvy cosmetic surgery consumer:

You can have a scar-free cosmetic surgery.

False. You can't eat a banana without peeling it first. It's the same with cosmetic surgery. If you want your surgeon to deal with problems beneath the surface of your skin, he has to get past your skin's protective layer. The good news is that one of the key skills that plastic surgeons employ on your behalf is minimizing the appearance of scars.

You can address big issues with small operations.

False. The idea that large problems can be solved with either non-surgical treatments or small-surgical techniques is one of the greatest myths that plastic surgeons face. Frequently, other medical specialists who aren't trained to perform the procedure you really need are the ones suggesting seemingly simpler alternatives. The more significant the changes you want, the more surgery you can expect to need. Likewise, if you have small procedures, your results will have a smaller impact and, frequently, not last as long.

The newest procedure is the best.

False. Medicine - sound medicine - is based on broad experience, which takes time. Many times you're far better off with the tried-and-true surgical techniques. Choose your surgeon carefully and look at his or her results. You don't want to jump on the bandwagon until the surgeon can show you longer term results, ideally a year or more. And you don't want to go to the only surgeon performing this procedure. Acceptance of a procedure into mainstream medicine is a good sign, and you're much better off if you wait.

Silicone isn't safe.

False. Despite the hullabaloo about silicone implants in the early '90s, silicone has been found to be well tolerated within the body. It is used in the manufacture of many medical implants, and the outer shells of all breast implants are made of silicone. Silicone-gel implants have not been found to cause the connective tissue disorders that were the root of the lawsuits that made such a splash.

Cosmetic surgery lasts forever.

False. If you could stop the effects of aging and gravity, perhaps cosmetic surgery would last forever - or at least as long as you live. But the effects of these forces can't be controlled, so you just have to be content to enjoy the benefits while you can. For more information, refer to Cosmetic Surgery For Dummies by Wiley Publishing.

Tips