Everyone already knows that fake news gains much greater sharing proportions than true news. But when they reach the Health area, these harms can be even more dangerous.

Below I tell you what is true and what is false in the specialty:

• Plastic surgery is indicated for anyone.

False! It is necessary to analyze the physical and psychological health condition of the patient. Chronic comorbidities, when not controlled, can be an impediment.

• It is possible to perform plastic surgery along with bariatric surgery.

Fake News! For people who have undergone bariatric surgery, the recommendation is for abdominoplasty to be performed when weight is stable for a period of six months, normally, which happens two years after bariatric surgery.

Indicated when there is excess skin and fat in this region, abdominoplasty is much more than just tightening the abdomen; the surgery can be performed concomitantly with corrections of abdominal wall hernias and the treatment of the rectus abdominis muscles (diastasis).

• Those undergoing plastic surgery can smoke.

Fake News! Smokers should quit smoking at least four weeks before the procedure, as it interferes with blood circulation, increasing the risk of complications.

• A compression garment is mandatory for all plastic surgery performed on the abdomen.

Fake News! The compression garment is not mandatory, but it is part of the recommendation of almost all plastic surgeons.

• In addition to fat, liposuction also eliminates cellulite.

False. If there is sagging skin and cellulite, as in cases of bariatric surgery, the condition may even worsen.

• Stretch marks can disappear with abdominoplasty.

True.  Stretch marks located in the skin area to be removed will go away with the surgery, but it does not prevent the appearance of new stretch marks.

• Women who have breast implants cannot breastfeed.

NORMALLY it does not interfere. This is because the implant is located below the gland or even under the pectoral muscle. During placement, there is almost no trauma to the mammary gland.

*Dr. Fernando Amato is a plastic surgeon, a full member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).