Not true. This is the most common myth.

Liposuction loosens the skin.

Not true. The opposite is true. Liposuction properly performed will tighten the overlaying skin. However if liposuction is not done carefully it can loosen the skin due to the surgeon removing too much fat from under it. Liposuction is both science and art. Determining the exact amount of fat to be removed is what determines for the beautiful outcome.

Newer liposuction methods such as laser liposuction, Ultrasound liposuction, and Radiofrequency liposuction are better than more traditional methods.

Not True. Beware of marketing sells. These claims have not been scientifically proven and most expert plastic surgeons do not find them accurate. There is nothing up this day that   can replace the time tested traditional methods of liposuction completely. These newer modalities may serve as adjuncts but not replacements.

Breast implants cause cancer.

The information we have up to date does not support such claim.  The year 2012 is the 50Th anniversary since the first breast augmentation. If breast implants caused cancer we would know by now. There has been a recent report that a type of lymphoma was found on the capsule surrounding breast implants in some women with prior breast augmentation. This does not mean that in those people the lymphoma was associated with the presence of the breast implants. More investigation is being undertaken to investigate this issue.   Apart for this very recent report there has never been up to date any proof associating silicone gel or saline-filled breast implants with any cancer in the body. There is simply no cause and effect relationship between breast implants and cancer.  A typical cause and effect relationship is that which exists between smoking and lung cancer.

You cannot breast feed after you have a breast augmentation.

Not true. You can. If the surgical incision and approach is under the breast in the inframammary fold and the implant is placed sub muscularly then there typically may not be any problem with future breast-feeding and nipple sensation.

I lose breast   sensation if I get a breast augmentation

Not true. If the breast augmentation is done via an inframmamary approach (a small incision about an inch and a quarter underneath the breast fold) then on the contrary women’s breast and nipple sensitivity is heightened. Most enjoy that as an added bonus of the surgery.

Plastic surgery needs general anesthesia

Not true. Almost all plastic surgery operations can be done without general anesthesia. They can be done with local anesthesia and sedation (twilight sleep) or even simple local anesthesia alone. Oftentimes patients fear general anesthesia more than the actual surgical procedure.

You need an implant to lift the breasts for a breast lift.

No. The breast lift operation (mastopexy, mastoplasty) has the ability to reshape and mold the breasts giving them a youthful perky look. The whole skill is in the surgical technique of molding. A well-trained plastic surgeon can do that without the need to rely on an implant. Some people do not want implants in their bodies and we must respect that.

You cannot get pregnant after a tummy tuck

Not true. You can. A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty operation does preclude a future pregnancy.

Darker skinned people are prone to darker, thicker and more visible scars

False. Black, Latin, Indian and southern European patients often believe this to be true. It is not. The color of the skin does not affect the wound healing process and thus does not affect the eventual look of an incision.

John M. Anastasatos, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic and reconstructive Surgeon
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Medical Examiner for The California Medical Board
Former assistant professor of plastic surgery at the University of Alabama in Birmingham