Debunking plastic surgery myths

There are many misconceptions about plastic surgery. Here are some of the common ones we hear:

Plastic and cosmetic surgeons are the same thing

False. If physicians offer cosmetic procedures, they might bill themselves as cosmetic surgeons. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve had any specialized training in plastic surgery. Unfortunately, anyone with a valid medical license can call themselves a surgeon. So look beyond the label and ask about their qualifications, credentials, certifications, and experience. Dr. Iteld is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the Illinois Society of Plastic Surgery.

Plastic surgery has long, painful recoveries

Not with us! Dr. Iteld’s non-narcotic recovery protocol allows patients to have a better and shorter recovery. He believes “You don’t have to worry about pain that doesn’t exist.” And, since you won’t have pain, you’ll be able to get back to your normal life that much faster.

Plastic surgery doesn’t leave scars

We work to minimize them. Any time you create an incision, the result may be a scar. As a talented plastic surgeon, Dr. Iteld minimizes the appearance of scars by placing the incisions in inconspicuous places, such as where a natural crease occurs. Additionally, we offer a variety of minimally invasive treatments you can explore after surgery to further reduce scars.

Liposuction is a weight loss method

Absolutely false! Liposuction is designed to remove isolated areas of stubborn fat that will not go away through traditional forms of diet and exercise. It is not a replacement for a healthy weight loss plan.

It’s not safe to have more than one procedure simultaneously

Totally false. There are a number of procedures that may be performed simultaneously, for qualified patients.

• The most familiar is the Mommy Makeover, which often includes a tummy tuck, lipo and breast procedure.
• A facial plastic surgery procedure may be performed at the same time as body contouring.
• Fat transfer procedures involves lipo to remove the fat where it’s not wanted, and injecting it where it is.

Only women get plastic surgery

Nope. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, between 1997 to 2013, there was a 273% increase in the number of men who underwent cosmetic procedures–including plastic surgery. Even so, in 2013 women made over 90% of cosmetic procedures. By 2020, 13% were men.

Cosmetic procedures — surgical, minimally invasive, and nonsurgical treatments —continue to gain popularity among men and women!

Breast implants need to be swapped every 10 years

That’s an old way of thinking. Most implants are FDA approved for 10-20 years, but that doesn’t mean you have to replace them every 10-20 years. You can safely go beyond these time frames, and most patients only have to have 1-2 replacements in their lifetime. We do recommend having them checked regularly per your plastic surgeon’s recommendation to ensure they are intact, and report if you have any issues.

Cost is all you should consider when thinking about having cosmetic surgery

Wrong approach. Patients who shop price and not quality are often disappointed in the results they get. We recommend having a thorough, confidential consultation where you discuss what you want and what you can expect. Look at Before and After photos to see if the work we’ve done for others is similar to what you’d like to accomplish, though keep in mind that your body’s architecture will dictate your results.

Have other questions?

We are always happy to answer your questions. Please contact our experienced patient coordinators to schedule your confidential consultation. Contact us or send us an email at [email protected]. ________ Lawrence Iteld, MD, is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the Illinois Society of Plastic Surgery. A highly regarded Chicago based plastic surgeon, Dr. Iteld has received awards from Chicago Magazine’s Top Docs, and Castle Connolly Top Doctors®, and is a Key Opinion Leader with Allergan Aesthetics.