Journal: Cosmetic Plastic Surgery: Fact Vs. Fiction

Cosmetic plastic surgery for a more youthful-looking appearance has never before been so popular. Women and men by the thousands are visiting plastic surgeons in a quest to look and feel better. With this surge in the popularity of cosmetic surgery has come a positive change in the way society accepts it.
You may be ready to pursue a new look for yourself. Before you pursue a new look for yourself, however, you should sort fact from fiction about the procedure itself and about what to expect as a result.

Fiction: Plastic materials are used in plastic surgery.
Fact: The word plastic comes from the Greek word plastikos, meaning "to mold." It doesn't refer to the use of plastic materials. Techniques used in plastic surgery are based on refining tissue and bony structures to improve facial features.
Fiction: People who seek plastic surgery are overly concerned about their appearance.
Fact: Concern about one's looks is an indication of self-esteem. Most people who have plastic surgery are hoping to refine unattractive features or eliminate signs of aging to feel better about themselves.
Fiction: Anyone can benefit from plastic surgery.
Fact: Not everyone is a good candidate for plastic surgery. The person must be healthy, mature, have realistic expectations about the surgery, be willing to follow the surgeon's instructions about pre- and postoperative care, and be able to accept the swelling, minor discomforts, and risks associated with the surgery.
Fiction: Plastic surgery will improve a person's life overall.
Fact: Cosmetic plastic surgery is meant to improve appearance, thus, self-esteem-not to solve personal and social problems. These things should be worked out as completely as possible before cosmetic plastic surgery is considered

See also:
Extreme Makeover: Why do some people go under the knife?
Extreme Makeover: History Of Rhinoplasty
Extreme Makeover: The Decision To Undergo Cosmetic Surgery