Are you thinking of making some improvements in your appearance but you are having second thoughts? The truth is that so much is written about the aesthetic interventions that it's difficult to tell what's true and what isn't. Despite the fact that in recent years the taboos surrounding cosmetic medicine has begun to be broken down, many people have questions and many of them have been misinformed.

Like with anything trending or new, various "myths" will always spread. That's why we'd like to shed some light on some well-established misconceptions about popular cosmetic treatments.

Myth #1: Silicone Implants Can Cause Breast Cancer

Silicone breast implants have been "accused" widely in the past by the media to be related to connective tissue diseases, toxicity or autoimmune diseases. The fact is that in January 1992, the FDA imposed a temporary ban in the USA. This was because there wasn't enough evidence that the silicone implants were completely safe but there was no proof that it was dangerous, neither.

In 1998, the Ministry of Health of UK published the findings of a committee of scientists on the safety of silicone implants, demonstrating that they are not related to any form of disease. Also, after long-term studies in the United States, those with silicone implants seem to have an equal risk of breast cancer.

And, of course, by no means is mammography affected by the silicone, just some extra samples are needed to be taken from the side of the breast. (Read Are Breast Implants Safe? A Breakdown of the Myths and Risks Tied to Breast Augmentation.)

Myth #2: Saline Implants are Safer than Silicone

Saline breast implants became popular in the USA years ago when it was thought that silicone breast implants were responsible for various diseases. When learned that it was just a myth, patients preferred silicone implants because of the more natural sensation they offer.

However, the saline implants have the advantage that they can be used in cases of breast asymmetry, as different volumes should be used. (Read How to Choose the Best Breast Implant Size and Shape for Your Body Type.)

Myth #3: Breast Augmentation Through Fat Transfer is Safer than Silicone

Breast augmentation with breast fat transfer from some other part of the body is definitely an alternative option. Yet, certain criteria must be met. A sufficient amount of fat to be taken by liposuction from another area of the body and the possibility that the process may be repeated (since some of the transferred fat will be absorbed) are some of the issues that the plastic surgeon should make clear to the patient. (Read 8 Things You May Not Know About Breast Augmentation.)

Myth #4: PDO Thread-Lifts Offer Firmer Skin that Lasts Forever

No treatment lasts forever. However, you can prolong the outcomes if you adopt a healthy lifestyle including proper nutrition and abstinence of bad habits. Smoking and alcohol, for example, should be avoided, as they are two of the most common harmful habits that affect the duration and quality of the result.

Myth #5: Non-Surgical Face-Lifts Aren't as Effective as Surgical Face-Lifts

Non-surgical face-lifts are one of the latest and most popular methods of eliminating the signs of aging on our face. They are very effective and offer almost immediate results.

The final outcomes, though, are evident only after a few months, as their action doesn't stop shortly after the treatment but continues for the next few months. However, its effect doesn't have the duration of the traditional face-lift over time.

Myth #6: Liposuction Patients Will Eventually Regain Unhealthy Weight

Liposuction isn't a solution for obesity. Its goal is to treat specific areas where there is a disproportionate accumulation of fat compared to the rest of the body. The result is permanent, provided that the patient watches his or her weight, eats healthy and do some exercise.

The number of fat cells is determined from birth and what changes is their size. So, if they are removed from an area, there is no chance this area to create new ones. Yet, through liposuction, not all adipocytes are removed, meaning that, if you gain a few pounds, even the treated areas will "inflate".

Myth #7: Botox Can Permanently Freeze Your Face

Botulinum toxin (Botox) therapy is a safe intervention since the amount of drug used is practically negligible and of course, completely controlled. Because the process is controlled by the doctor, an experienced plastic surgeon or dermatologist should know how to avoid excesses that lead to a ‘’fake’’ and ‘’frozen’’ effects.

The end result depends on the quality and the amount of the drug to be used, and whether the doctor will choose the right sites for the application.

Myth #8: Lip Augmentation Will Give You Abnormally Swollen Lips

It's perhaps the most misunderstood treatment in plastic surgery.

The truth is that many times we see those with augmented lips that, by no means, look beautiful, natural-looking or symmetrical. Yet, this result is exclusively due to the wrong application. In such cases, lip augmentation is performed by an inexperienced or untrained plastic surgeon or dermatologist, as more and more doctors claim that they are familiar with this technique and do it in uncertified locations without hassle.

The truth is that our lips are a significant facial feature. Others focus on our lips when we talk, and it's a matter of a few inches and ounces that determines the final result, so getting a certified, trusted plastic surgeon to perform your lip augmentation can't be stressed enough.

Myth #9: Labiaplasty is Only For Cosmetic Purposes

Labiaplasty, most of the time, is mainly performed to address functional problems. Women who have loose or enlarged labia face many difficulties in their everyday life such as in walking, exercise or cycling. They also avoid wearing bikini or swimsuits on the beach, which significantly affects their psychology. Therefore, it is primarily a procedure that solves practical issues and, secondly, an intervention for cosmetic improvement.