Myths About Cosmetic Surgery

I’m Dr. Jacques Zhang, one of the few dual-certified plastic surgeons in the Lower Mainland, holding both FRCSC (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada) and FACS (Fellow of the American College of Surgeons) designations. My practice focuses on reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery, where precision meets artistry to help patients look, feel, and function at their best.

"Myths About Cosmetic Surgery: What You Should Really Know

Many people considering cosmetic surgery are held back (or mis-informed) by long-standing myths. This article interviews the facts behind some of the most common beliefs - so you can make a confident, informed decision.

Myth 1: Cosmetic surgery is just for vanity.

The myth: People believe cosmetic surgery is done only for superficial or ego-driven reasons.

The fact: Many patients choose surgery for deeply personal reasons: restoring confidence after childbirth, correcting asymmetries or deformities, or improving function (e.g., rhinoplasty to help breathing). 

Take-away: The motivation behind cosmetic surgery is diverse. As your clinic, you can emphasise that your role is to help patients feel like the best version of them, not recreate someone else.

Myth 2: Cosmetic surgery is only for the wealthy or elite.

The myth: Only the rich have access to plastic/cosmetic surgery because of cost.

The fact: While costs vary, many clinics offer financing options, non-invasive alternatives, and treatments are available to middle-income patients too. 

Take-away: Be transparent about cost, payment/financing options, and realistic budgeting. This helps refute the “luxury only” perception.

Myth 3: Cosmetic surgery is only for women.

The myth: Cosmetic procedures are predominantly for female clients.

The fact: A growing number of men are undergoing cosmetic and aesthetic procedures (facelifts, liposuction, male breast reduction, injectables). 

Take-away: Your clinic can highlight that men are welcome and procedures are tailored for male anatomy, boosting inclusivity and reaching a broader audience.

Myth 4: Recovery is always long, painful and debilitating.

The myth: Cosmetic surgery means weeks/months of painful recovery and major downtime.

The fact: Advances in surgical technique, anesthesia, pain management and minimally-invasive approaches have significantly reduced recovery time for many procedures. 

Take-away: In your content, you can outline typical recovery time‐frames, what patients can expect, and emphasize safety and support during recovery - while still being honest about what it will involve.

Myth 5: Results are permanent and unchanged over time.

The myth: Once you have a cosmetic procedure, the result lasts forever with no further changes.

The fact: While many procedures provide long-lasting results, they cannot ‘freeze’ ageing or stop life events from changing your appearance (gravity, weight change, sun-damage, etc.). 

Take-away: It’s valuable to set realistic expectations: explain how lifestyle, ageing, and other factors affect long-term outcomes so patients understand maintenance or future touch-ups may be required.

Myth 6: All surgeons/facilities are the same.

The myth: It doesn’t matter much whom you choose; all providers deliver similar results.

The fact: Not all providers have the same specialist training, accreditation or experience. Some procedures require very specific expertise. 

Take-away: Emphasise your credentials, facility accreditation, board-certified status and specialisation. Provide a checklist for patients on how to verify qualifications.

Myth 7: Cosmetic surgery will leave no scars.

The myth: Modern cosmetic surgery can be done with zero visible scarring.

The fact: Any time skin is incised there is a scar; what matters is how it’s placed, how healing is managed, and how visible/minded the scar is. 

Take-take: Be open about potential scarring, show examples of minimal visible scars your patients have had (with consent), and explain how you handle scar minimisation and after-care.

Myth 8: Liposuction means “fat will never come back”.

The myth: Once fat is removed by liposuction, it’s gone forever and your body will never store fat in treated areas again.

The fact: While liposuction removes fat cells in targeted regions, remaining fat cells elsewhere may still enlarge with weight gain; fat can redistribute and the body can adapt. 

Take-away: Use this myth to educate patients on the importance of maintaining weight and lifestyle after treatment, and set accurate expectations for long-term contouring.

Myth 9: Facelift is only for the very old or very extreme.

The myth: Facelifts are for older people or lead to overly obvious results.

The fact: Facelifts can be appropriate for younger patients depending on genetics, anatomy and ageing patterns; and when done well the results are natural and subtle - not “face-lifted” in the negative sense. 

Take-away: Use patient stories (with permission) showing younger-middle aged patients or subtle results to illustrate the nuance and natural outcome achievable.

Myth 10: Cosmetic surgery is without risk.

The myth: Doing something “purely cosmetic” means it’s safe or trivial compared to medical surgery.

The fact: All surgery carries risks (bleeding, infection, anaesthesia issues, healing complications). The rate is low in expert hands, but patients need to be fully informed. 

Take-away: Use this section to emphasise informed consent, pre-operative assessment, safe facility, follow-up care, and what your clinic does to reduce risk.

Final Thoughts

Separating myth from fact helps prospective patients feel empowered instead of intimidated. When a clinic presents truthfully, transparently and with realistic expectations, the outcome is not just a better surgery - it’s a better experience and better partnership.

If you’re considering reconstructive or aesthetic elective surgery, I invite you to book a consultation to discuss your goals, explore your options, and develop a personalized plan tailored to you. Together, we’ll ensure your journey is safe, supported, and designed to achieve natural, lasting results - with confidence in every step and attention to every detail."