Top 5 Misconceptions About Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is complex, and misconceptions persist about how it is performed, its impact and more. Misconceptions about cosmetic surgery often make it difficult for people to understand the benefits of this type of surgery. Worst of all, these misconceptions sometimes prevent people from using cosmetic surgery to achieve a balanced, natural-looking facial appearance.
There is no need for cosmetic surgery misconceptions to linger. At the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery, we want to help men and women make informed decisions about cosmetic surgery. To accomplish our goal, let's look at the top five misconceptions about cosmetic surgery:
1. Cosmetic surgery is only for the wealthy.
Cosmetic surgery costs vary, but options are generally available to all patients, regardless of budget. The cost of plastic surgery varies based on the type of procedure, the surgeon conducting the procedure, the surgical center where the procedure is performed and other factors. If cosmetic surgery is deemed medically necessary, it may be covered by an insurance provider, too.
As an expert facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Babak Azizzadeh tries to make cosmetic surgery accessible to all patients in need of treatment. Thus, the Center works with carecredit.com to help patients cover their cosmetic surgery costs. Our surgical coordinator can discuss these financing options with patients and work with them to ensure that they can achieve their cosmetic rejuvenation treatment goals without breaking their budgets.
2. Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are identical.
Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery may seem similar, but there are notable differences between the two. Cosmetic surgery involves enhancing a person's appearance via surgical and medical techniques, and it can be performed on the head, neck and body. Comparatively, plastic surgery is used to treat facial and body issues that occur due to birth disorders, burns, disease and other trauma. Plastic surgery is also a form of reconstructive surgery.
For people who are considering cosmetic or plastic surgery, it is important to understand the differences between cosmetic and plastic surgeons. By choosing a surgeon who knows how to perform a desired cosmetic or plastic surgery, an individual can put himself or herself in position to achieve the best treatment results.
3. The cosmetic surgery recovery process is long and arduous.
The cosmetic surgery recovery process varies depending on the type of procedure, surgical technique, anesthesia and other factors. With certain cosmetic surgeries, patients can achieve their desired results within days of treatment. Or, with other cosmetic surgeries, the full results become visible up to one year after treatment.
As a Harvard-trained and dual board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Azizzadeh understands the ins and outs of cosmetic surgery. Dr. Azizzadeh also prioritizes patient education, and he teaches his patients about all aspects of cosmetic surgery. In doing so, Dr. Azizzadeh helps his patients establish realistic expectations for the recovery process.
4. A person should not undergo cosmetic surgery until later in life.
There is no "ideal age" for cosmetic surgery. Every cosmetic surgery patient is different, and the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery depends on one’s individual journey. Therefore, in some instances, patients may undergo cosmetic surgery in their 20s or 30s. In other cases, patients may choose cosmetic surgery after the age of 40.
Dr. Azizzadeh performs an extensive patient evaluation to determine if a person is a good candidate for cosmetic surgery. He reviews a patient's medical history, finds out why an individual is considering cosmetic surgery and analyzes the risks and benefits of treatment. If the risks of a cosmetic procedure outweigh its benefits, Dr. Azizzadeh offers alternative treatment options. On the other hand, if Dr. Azizzadeh believes an individual is a good candidate for cosmetic surgery, he develops a personalized treatment plan for him or her.
5. Cosmetic surgery is only intended for people who are concerned with how they look.
Research indicates that cosmetic surgery can help improve a person's appearance, as well as boost his or her self-esteem. It may also help a person enjoy a positive outlook in his or her daily life, which may lead to new professional and personal growth opportunities.
Dr. Azizzadeh takes a holistic approach to cosmetic surgery. He works closely with each of his patients to develop a custom treatment plan that delivers exceptional results. That way, Dr. Azizzadeh's cosmetic surgery patients can benefit from a rejuvenated facial appearance.
The Bottom Line on the Misconceptions About Cosmetic Surgery
Misconceptions about cosmetic surgery are prevalent, but Dr. Azizzadeh is happy to address them. Dr. Azizzadeh is a world-renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with many years of experience, and he has performed a wide range of cosmetic surgery procedures to help patients enhance the face. Additionally, Dr. Azizzadeh offers cosmetic surgeries that are tailored to his patients.
Dr. Azizzadeh is available to respond to any concerns or questions about cosmetic surgery. To schedule a cosmetic surgery consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please call us today at 310-657-2203.
Should a Teenager Get a Nose Job? The Pros and Cons of Teen Rhinoplasty
Teenage rhinoplasty is a nose surgery designed exclusively for teen girls and boys. The procedure is used to reshape a teen's nose, and it is generally available to teen girls as early as 15 or 16 years old and teen boys as early as 16 or 17 years old.
The decision to undergo a teen rhinoplasty procedure is rarely straightforward. Instead, teens and their parents must weigh the pros and cons of rhinoplasty surgery carefully. This ensures teens and their parents understand the short- and long-term effects of nose surgery, along with potential treatment complications.
There are many pros and cons for teens and their parents to evaluate prior to nose surgery. Now, let's examine the pros and cons of teen rhinoplasty, as well as factors to consider to help a teen and his or her parents make the best-possible treatment decision.
What Are the Pros of Teen Rhinoplasty?
Teenage rhinoplasty enables a teen to enhance his or her facial appearance. In fact, teen rhinoplasty is commonly used to address one or more of the following nasal issues:
- Large nasal hump
- Deformed nasal bridge
- Wide nostrils
- Drooping nasal tip
Teen rhinoplasty helps a teen improve his or her facial symmetry, too. The nose is the face's focal point, but it sometimes fails to complement the cheeks, chin, lips and other parts of the face. With rhinoplasty surgery, a teen can reshape his or her nose, resulting in a balanced, natural-looking facial appearance.
A teen rhinoplasty procedure may help a teenager boost his or her self-esteem as well. Research indicates there is often a direct correlation between low self-esteem and violence, teen pregnancy and low academic performance. By undergoing a rhinoplasty procedure, a teen may start to feel more confident in his or her facial appearance. The end result: increased self-esteem that helps a teen be the person he or she wants to be every day.
Additionally, teen rhinoplasty surgery is typically considered safe and effective. The surgery is performed by a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who works diligently to help his or her patient achieve the best-possible results. Plus, following a teen rhinoplasty, a surgeon tracks his or her patient's progress to minimize the risk of potential post-surgery complications.
What Are the Cons of Teen Rhinoplasty?
Like any surgery, teen rhinoplasty offers no guarantees. In certain instances, a teen may undergo rhinoplasty surgery but fail to achieve his or her desired results.
Also, various risks are associated with teen rhinoplasty surgery. These risks include:
- Nosebleeds
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Scarring
- Nerve damage
When it comes to teen rhinoplasty surgery, it helps to work with an expert facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. By choosing a surgeon who specializes in teen rhinoplasty surgery, a teenage boy or girl can limit risk.
Is a Teen Rhinoplasty Surgery Right for You?
The decision to undergo a teen rhinoplasty procedure should not be taken lightly. Since teen nose job results last for an extended period of time, it is crucial for teens and their parents to evaluate the treatment's pros and cons. Teens and their parents should also consider the following factors as they evaluate teen rhinoplasty surgery:
- Age: A teen must be anatomically ready before he or she is eligible to undergo rhinoplasty surgery. Therefore, it is crucial to meet with a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who can evaluate a teen and determine if he or she is a good candidate for a rhinoplasty procedure.
- Communication: A teen must understand the ramifications of rhinoplasty surgery. Meanwhile, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon can explain how teen rhinoplasty surgery is performed, what the recovery process is like and other aspects of treatment. This ensures a teen and his or her parents know exactly what to expect throughout all treatment phases.
- Time Frame: A teen must consider how long it will take to rebound from rhinoplasty surgery. Oftentimes, teens schedule rhinoplasty surgery during summer; this enables teens to heal from rhinoplasty surgery during summer vacation.
Dr. Babak Azizzadeh of the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery is a teen rhinoplasty expert. He is Harvard-trained and globally recognized for his facial plastic and reconstructive surgery expertise and takes the guesswork out of teen nose surgery.
Before a teen rhinoplasty is performed, Dr. Azizzadeh requests a consultation with a teen and his or her parents. The consultation enables Dr. Azizzadeh to learn about a teen and why he or she wants rhinoplasty surgery. It also allows Dr. Azizzadeh to address rhinoplasty concerns and questions from a teen and his or her parents.
If Dr. Azizzadeh believes a teen can benefit from rhinoplasty surgery, he develops a custom treatment plan. Dr. Azizzadeh explains the teen rhinoplasty treatment plan to a teen and his or her parents. If all parties agree teen rhinoplasty is the best treatment option, Dr. Azizzadeh then executes this strategy.
For a teen who is considering rhinoplasty surgery, meeting with Dr. Azizzadeh provides a great learning experience. To schedule a teen rhinoplasty consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please call us today at 310-657-2203.
Differences Between Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty: What You Need to Know
Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are both nasal procedures, but there are notable differences between them. To better understand rhinoplasty and septoplasty procedures, let's take a look at each type of surgery, how it is performed and each treatment's benefits.
What Is a Rhinoplasty?
A rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose job, is a popular cosmetic surgery. It enables a patient to improve facial harmony and treat functional issues of the nose.
For some individuals, the nose appears out of proportion relative to other facial features. In these instances, the nose detracts from a person's overall facial appearance. But with a rhinoplasty procedure, an individual can bolster facial symmetry and improve the shape of the nose, resulting in an enhanced facial appearance. Nose surgery also allows an individual to treat a bulbous nasal tip, bump on the bridge of the nose and other nasal issues.
Nose surgery may be performed on individuals dealing with functional problems, too. For example, rhinoplasty surgery sometimes helps correct breathing issues associated with the nose.
Men and women may qualify for nose surgery, but the procedure is not right for everyone. The ideal candidates for rhinoplasty surgery usually display one or more of the following characteristics:
- Nose that is too wide or too narrow
- Wide or flaring nostrils
- Nasal bridge that is too high or too low
- Hanging columella (bridge of tissue that separates the nostrils at the nasal base)
- Upturned, droopy, crooked or long nose
- Asymmetrical nose
- Disproportionate nostrils
Additionally, several types of rhinoplasty procedures are available. The different types of rhinoplasty surgery include:
- Teenage Rhinoplasty: Addresses cosmetic or structural issues of the nose and is available to teenage patients. Teen rhinoplasty surgery may be completed on boys as early as 16 or 17 years old and on girls as early as 15 or 16 years old.
- Male Rhinoplasty: Reshapes the nose and corrects structural defects of the nose. Male rhinoplasty is tailored exclusively to men and ensures a man's nose naturally complements his other facial features.
- Ethnic Rhinoplasty: Accounts for the unique facial characteristics of patients from different ethnic backgrounds. An ethnic rhinoplasty surgery enables a patient to treat nasal issues and improve his or her facial appearance; at the same time, the procedure won't require a patient to sacrifice his or her distinct ethnic facial features.
Rhinoplasty is among the most-complex cosmetic surgeries, and it must be performed by an expert facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Common risks associated with nose surgery include:
- Chronic nosebleeds
- Numbness
- Scarring
- Difficulty breathing
- Perforated septum
An expert facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon first meets with a patient to determine if he or she is a good candidate for rhinoplasty surgery. Next, the surgeon crafts a custom rhinoplasty treatment plan for this individual. The surgeon then explains his or her rhinoplasty treatment plan to a patient. He or she also encourages a patient to ask rhinoplasty surgery questions and learn about all aspects of treatment.
What Is a Septoplasty?
A septoplasty is a nasal reconstruction procedure used to straighten or remove a portion of a deviated septum. If the nasal septum is damaged, an individual may suffer a nasal blockage. In this instance, an individual may experience headaches, sleep apnea, difficulty breathing and other health problems. Thanks to a septoplasty, this individual can correct his or her deviated septum and address these health issues.
Septoplasty and rhinoplasty surgeries are not interchangeable. To determine which procedure is the best option, an individual must consult with a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. During a consultation, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon evaluates a patient and his or her treatment goals. The surgeon also reviews a patient's medical history to identify any potential septoplasty or rhinoplasty surgery risks.
Following a consultation, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon offers an informed treatment recommendation. He or she may recommend a rhinoplasty or septoplasty. In some cases, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon may recommend both procedures be performed at the same time.
Together, septoplasty and rhinoplasty surgeries are sometimes used to treat a deviated septum and enhance the appearance of the nose. The procedures enable a patient to simultaneously address breathing issues associated with a deviated septum, as well as revitalize his or her facial appearance.
How Does Dr. Azizzadeh Approach Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty Surgeries?
Dr. Babak Azizzadeh is a Harvard-trained and globally recognized facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He takes a holistic approach to rhinoplasty and septoplasty surgeries, and in doing so, helps his patients achieve the best-possible results.
Each rhinoplasty and septoplasty patient is different, and Dr. Azizzadeh works closely with his patients to craft their treatment plans accordingly. Dr. Azizzadeh learns about a patient and finds out why this individual is considering a rhinoplasty or septoplasty procedure. He sometimes recommends rhinoplasty or septoplasty surgery – or both – and teaches his patients about the treatment process. Plus, Dr. Azizzadeh prioritizes long-term results, and he collaborates with his patients to help them accomplish their desired rhinoplasty or septoplasty treatment goals.
Dr. Azizzadeh is happy to meet with a patient and provide insights into rhinoplasty and septoplasty surgeries and other facial plastic and reconstructive procedures. To schedule a treatment consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please contact us today at 310-657-2203.


