The Truth About Plastic Surgery: Fact or Myth? (Part I)

By Dr. Chris Nichols, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Tacoma, WA

Aging is strictly genetic.
Truth: Genes and heredity are partly responsible for the way you will age,age; however, aging is directly related to our lifestyle, diet, exercise regimen, smoking habits, the environment and location in which we live. Excessive sun exposure, smoking and obesity are major causes of premature aging. Following a healthy diet, exercising regularly and wearing sunscreen every day will help delay the aging process.

Anti-aging creams will prevent you from aging.
Fact: Tretinoin, aka Retin-A in prescription strength, works by forcing skin cells to renew more quickly. With long-term use, it can improve fine lines and wrinkles, acne, smooth the skin and remove age spots. Sunscreen containing both UVA and UVB protection is vital in anti-aging. If used in conjunction with Retin-A, you can best minimize the visible signs of aging, however the aging process can never be completely stopped.

Silicone breast implants are dangerous to your health.
Myth: International long term studies have consistently shown and proven that both saline and silicone implants are safe and do not cause cancer or rheumatoid diseases. All breast implants have been rigorously evaluated by the FDA and are FDA approved. Both saline and silicone implants, contain a shell that is made of silicone. Both have a tested lifetime of 10-15 years. Silicone gel implants require a commitment of having a mammogram at 3 years after implantation and every 2 years thereafter for detection of leaks which may not be clinically evident in comparison to a saline deflation.

Breast implants will soon be replaced with fat injections.
Myth: At this point in time, fat injections for breast enlargement are truly experimental and have inconsistent results. Fat injections, aka fat grafting, will definitely not replace saline or silicone gel implants any time in the near future, but can be useful in making small modifications to breast size and contour. Fat injection into the breast tissue may cause changes that could confuse mammogram interpretation and are currently being evaluated in ongoing clinical research. Fat grafting can be extremely useful after breast cancer reconstruction to correct small amounts of asymmetry or rippling.

SmartLipo (laser liposuction) is different from traditional liposuction.
Fact: SmartLipoSM is a minimally invasive procedure that permanently destroys fat cells, improving overall body shape by permanently removing unwanted fat and tightening skin. Laser technology liquefies the fat cells while smoothing and tightening the skin that often remains a bit loose after traditional liposuction. SmartLipoSM is meant for areas that do not respond to diet or exercise. Different from traditional liposuction, SmartLipoSM uses a laser fiber to direct energy to fat cells, causing them to rupture and drain away as liquid. Simultaneously, tissue around the area coagulates, resulting in overall tighter skin tissue. SmartLipo is performed in our office, does not require general anesthesia and has minimal downtime compared to traditional liposuction. The most important thing to remember when considering liposuction is to choose a surgeon who has had specialized training in liposuction, as there are many unqualified physicians out there who are not trained in the anatomy or technique and are promise results and recovery that seem too good to be true.

Check back for Part II!