A major misconception is that plastic surgery involves a lot of pain. According to the doctors, facial surgeries are generally painless, although procedures like liposuction and abdominoplasty may cause more discomfort. However, advancements in anaesthetic drugs and pain management techniques have made these surgeries much less painful than perceived.
Dr. Maneesh Singhal, professor and head of the plastic, reconstructive, and burns surgery department, told The Times of India that AIIMS Delhi sees a significant number of cosmetic surgeries, performing around 25-30 procedures every month. “These surgeries encompass a wide range of treatments, including scar correction, liposuction, gynecomastia, platelet-rich plasma therapy, and rhinoplasty. Most people opting for cosmetic surgery at AIIMS are in the 25-35 age bracket,” he said.
Dr. Shivangi Saha from the PRS department explained to ToI another misconception: plastic surgery is not just for the young. She explained that while younger individuals often seek procedures like liposuction, body contouring, and hair transplantation, older patients opt for facial rejuvenation surgeries like facelifts and eyelid surgeries. Dr. Saha stated, “These surgeries aim to address the signs of aging, such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and drooping eyelids, helping patients achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance.”
Dr. Saha also noted the increasing number of men undergoing plastic surgery. “Over the past quarter-century, the number of men opting for plastic surgery has skyrocketed by an astonishing 250 times. This surge encompasses a wide array of treatments, from hair restoration techniques that combat baldness to facial rejuvenation procedures designed to turn back the clock,” she said.
Professor KK Verma, dean (academics) at AIIMS and head of the dermatology and venereology department, told ToI that the belief that plastic surgery is scarless is not entirely accurate. He mentioned, “Even though skilled surgeons can use fine stitches to minimize the appearance of scars, it is impossible to perform any surgical procedure without leaving some form of scar tissue.”
Doctors also addressed misconceptions surrounding hair transplantation, often thought to be the sole solution for hair fall. Various factors such as hormonal changes, stress, lack of sleep, certain illnesses, thyroid disorders, and polycystic ovary syndrome can contribute to hair loss. These can be effectively managed through appropriate treatments and lifestyle changes.
Dr. Singhal highlighted a popular treatment at AIIMS: platelet-rich plasma therapy, which has gained significant attention, particularly among those experiencing hair-related concerns.
Cosmetic surgery also plays a crucial role in helping patients with acid burns, facilitating the restoration of their appearance and boosting self-esteem. Another growing field is gender affirmation surgeries, allowing transgender persons to align their physical appearance with their gender identity.