At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, Jacksonville-area patients have lots of questions about various procedures – how they work, what results they achieve and how long those results will last. That’s a good thing in light of the many myths circulating about facial plastic surgery. Here are a few that we hear most often:

Confused about facial plastic surgery? Jacksonville's Garcia Institute dispells the myths.

Myth #1: Only celebrities and wealthy socialites have or can afford facial plastic surgery.

Jacksonville-area cosmetic surgery patients’ demographics mirror those in other areas of the nation. Studies show that a full 86 percent of plastic surgery patients are working women. And in a 2004 study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 60 percent of the respondents reported a household income of between $30,000 and $90,000, and 30 percent reported making less than $30,000. In fact, many people struggling in today’s tight economy are springing for plastic surgery procedures that will help improve their looks and boost their confidence. Why? Because studies by trusted institutions including the Harvard University and the Journal of Economic Psychology reveal that people who feel they are attractive also tend to have higher opinions of their worth and capabilities. That confidence means higher chances of landing competitive jobs and an average 12 percent higher income than their less attractive peers.

Myth #2: All plastic surgeons are created equal.

Save for the occasional rogue busted for performing cosmetic procedures without a license, all legally compliant facial plastic surgeons have the same core training and licensing. However, not all are board-certified in specialties within facial plastic surgery. Jacksonville’s Drs. Phillip Garcia and Roberto Garcia both are certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Phillip Garcia also is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and Dr. Roberto Garcia by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Even with the same certifications, plastic surgeons across Jacksonville and elsewhere have their own personal styles. Remember that much of cosmetic surgery is an art, so it’s critical that you ask to see many photos of a cosmetic surgeon’s work before choosing one.

Myth #3: Plastic surgery leaves no scars.

All surgical procedures heal with scars, but advances in minimally invasive and endoscopic procedures are making those scars all but invisible. At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, our Jacksonville surgeons make tissue incisions in strategic positions and directions to hide or minimize their visibility.

Myth #4: Plastic surgery results do not last.

This is the one myth that has an ounce of truth – but it’s entirely up to the patient. Cosmetic surgery procedures are designed to give patients lasting results, though aging and weight will factor into the long-term efficacy of any procedure. By doing your part with a nutritious diet, ample sleep, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle, you add years to your cosmetic surgery’s results.