Every day we’re seeing incredible new advancements in the world of plastic surgery, but even as revolutionary new treatments continue to change people’s lives for the better, patients continue to deal with the stigma that comes with having cosmetic work done. Although it’s changing, there seems to still be the stigma of plastic surgery – well at least here in Australia!

Dr Scott Turner

NSW plastic surgeon Dr Scott Turner has spent his career fighting against the stigma of plastic surgery, and has set himself the philosophy of “changing a person’s quality of life through self-improvement”.

Today, with Dr Turner’s help, we’re looking at five of the biggest myths surrounding cosmetic surgery, and examining why they just aren’t true.

1. Cosmetic Surgery is about Vanity

The most common issue people take with cosmetic surgery is that it’s vain. Some folks seem to think that if a person is willing to seek out a medical professional to help them look the way they want to look, then they must be in love with themselves.

The truth, of course, is a lot more complex. Many people who seek out cosmetic surgery are looking for a way to deal with birth defects or disfigurement as a result of medical conditions, such as tuberous breast anomaly or Poland’s Syndrome which lead to severe breast asymmetry.

Dr Turner believes that, above all, cosmetic surgery should “suit each individual’s characteristics and enhance one’s self-confidence”.

2. Cosmetic Surgery is Expensive

There was a time when cosmetic surgery was an expensive luxury only available to the rich and famous. While this reputation still lingers, the truth is that cosmetic surgery is now more accessible than ever before. With technology constantly moving forward, practitioners have found ways to offer revolutionary services at much lower prices than in previous decades meaning cosmetic work, with the health and confidence boosts it can bring, are financially viable for almost anyone.

3. Cosmetic Surgery is Unnatural

One of the most cited criticisms of cosmetic surgery is that it leaves patients with results that look unnatural. While this has been true in some cases in the past, plastic surgeons today work hard to steer their patients toward procedures that highlight and accentuate their existing beauty. Dr Turner says “from the day I became a plastic surgeon, my goal has always been to provide my patients with natural, beautiful results”.

4. Cosmetic Surgery is Unsafe

One of the biggest reasons people are hesitant to consider cosmetic surgery is due to the perceived risk involved. Everyone has heard the horror stories, and bad news sells better than good news. Unfortunately, the truth is that shonky practices do exist, and people consider having work done without doing proper research are asking for trouble.

The worst offender today is the surgery tourism industry. People fly to countries with less than strict medical laws, drawn by the allure of cosmetic surgery at a fraction of the cost. People also fall into this trap with dental work, and even critical medical procedures. Unfortunately, the results are seldom as described, leading to painful side effects and additional costly surgery.

Some things are simply not worth cutting costs on, and it’s reassuring to know that your money is going toward providing safe, quality results. Dr Turner could not agree more, “we are incessantly improving surgical techniques and equipment to deliver safer and more predictable surgeries”.

5. All plastic surgeons are the same

It is not a well-known fact, but there is a significant difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon. Currently in Australia, it is legal for any doctor to perform surgery and call themselves a ‘cosmetic surgeon’. For any cosmetic procedure, it is essential to check that your practitioner is a specialist in the procedure you are wanting to have done.

In addition to being a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), Dr Turner holds both a Bachelor of Medical Science in Anatomy and a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery with Honours, as well as a Masters in Plastic Surgery from the University of Sydney. He has also been awarded the prestigious John Brookes Moore Scholarship for Surgery and the John Lownethal Medal for Surgery. Phew – what a mouthful!

Bonus:

6. Cosmetic Surgery is for Women

Although women have been the traditional customers of plastic surgery, men are turning to plastic surgery in increasing numbers.

Less invasive procedures such as Anti-Wrinkle Injections, laser treatments and dermal fillers can give men a rejuvenated and naturally youthful appearance without any downtime and at relatively low costs. These, along with liposuction, are the most popular cosmetic surgery treatments for men, with many men reporting a need for a competitive edge in the workforce as the reason they have pursued cosmetic treatments.

If you’d like more information on Dr Scott Turner click here or read this blog, or if you’d like to find a qualified practitioner near you click here. To read more about the dangerous side to overseas plastic surgery check out these blogs.

Trouble in Paradise – A Real Story to remind you of the issues with being lured overseas for plastic surgery
My Nightmare in Thailand

Trish

Trish is a plastic surgery blogger. She is passionate about wellbeing, health and beauty, and doesn't mind a little bit of 'help' from the amazing cosmetic and beauty procedures that are available today. Trish spends her days talking to women and men who are looking for suggestions and advice on procedures that are available to them. Cutting through the sales pitch and hype, a down-to-earth response on general information is what you will get.