Show Menu

MONDAY MYTH #3: Cosmetic Surgery is easy to do

July 26th, 2010

Is it true that cosmetic surgery is easy to do?

I believe this is a mistaken belief that stems from two aspects of cosmetic surgery.     The plastic surgery community has largely looked down upon limiting a practice to elective cosmetic surgery, since its inception over 125 years ago.  Plastic surgeons doing cosmetic surgery exclusively used to be referred to as “nose crackers” or “hair dressers” by their reconstructive surgery colleagues.   It was considered a less noble specialty.   In fact, one of my earliest mentors as a medical student said, “Always do some reconstructive surgery, so your peers won’t call you a nose cracker!”

Secondly, the technical aspects of cosmetic surgery procedures are actually simple by design.   Incisions are small, there are few steps and the physiologic stresses to the patient are minor.   This all true.   But the difficult part of cosmetic surgery is the sculpture and all cosmetic surgery is sculpture.  Tissues are removed, implants are added or underlying structures are rearranged.  Poorly done, this sculpture will result in a very unnatural and aesthetically displeasing result.   Done well, the result will be natural and balanced, enhancing the patient’s own beauty and self-esteem.   A good result is often one that no one notices.

Add your comment »

Reader Question: How much does a Breast Lift Cost?

July 21st, 2010

The cost of mastopexy surgery, commonly referred to as a breast lift, can vary considerably and is based on what your goals are.   Repositioning sagging nipples or having breast lift alone costs between $6000 and $8000.  If you also desire fuller breasts, adding a breast enlargement procedure to a lift increases the total range $8000 to $12,000.  Interesting, reducing breast size costs less.  Breast reduction usually costs between $9000 and $11,000.  Patients report high satisfaction with their results after having this type of surgery.

I welcome your questions about cosmetic plastic surgery.

2 Comments »

Content

    Would you like to schedule a consultation with our expert staff? Please complete the form below:

    *Full Name

    *Email

    *Phone Number

    Comments

    I have read and understand the privacy statement.