No longer is plastic surgery a "miracle" available only to the rich and famous or a secret told only to a few of one's closest friends. Today, most people know at least one friend, relative, or co-worker who has had plastic surgery and who is very pleased with others' responses to the new look.

You may be ready to pursue a new look for yourself. Before you pursue a new look for yourself, however, you should sort fact from fiction about the procedure itself and about what to expect as a result.

Fiction: Plastic materials are used in plastic surgery.

Fact: The word plastic comes from the Greek word plastikos, meaning "to mold." It doesn't refer to the use of plastic materials. Techniques used in plastic surgery are based on refining tissue and bony structures to improve facial features.

Fiction: Facial plastic surgery creates "a whole new face."

Fact: Facial plastic surgery does not totally change a person's features. Instead, it helps reduce signs of aging and corrects deformities.

Fiction: People who seek plastic surgery are overly concerned about their appearance.

Fact: Concern about one's looks is an indication of self-esteem. Most people who have plastic surgery are hoping to refine unattractive features or eliminate signs of aging to feel better about themselves.

Fiction: Anyone can benefit from plastic surgery.

Fact: Not everyone is a good candidate for plastic surgery. The person must be healthy, mature, have realistic expectations about the surgery, be willing to follow the surgeon's instructions about pre- and postoperative care, and be able to accept the swelling, minor discomforts, and risks associated with the surgery.

Fiction: A person has to be rich to have cosmetic plastic surgery.

Fact: In recent years, cosmetic plastic surgery has become increasingly popular among people from all walks of life. For many, deciding to have cosmetic plastic surgery is comparable to deciding to take a trip or buy a home entertainment system. It is a valuable purchase for which the individual is willing to take financial responsibility. The choice should be based on one’s values and priorities.

Fiction: Plastic surgery will improve a person's life overall.

Fact: Cosmetic plastic surgery is meant to improve appearance, thus, self-esteem-not to solve personal and social problems. These things should be worked out as completely as possible before cosmetic plastic surgery is considered

Fiction: Any surgeon can do a good job of plastic surgery.

Fact: The best surgeons for the job are those who are specialized in plastic and reconstructive surgery. They should be specially trained, highly skilled, experienced, and able to produce consistent results.The basic requirements in a plastic surgeon’s formal training consist of a two- to three-year residency program in cosmetic plastic surgery after completion of a separate residency of at least three years in general surgery, or a complete residency in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) or orthopaedic surgery. Most surgeons who specialize in plastic and reconstructive surgery are certified by the American Board of cosmetic plastic surgery.

If you decide to consider cosmetic plastic surgery, choose your surgeon carefully. Where do you start? First, ask around. Have any of your friends had cosmetic plastic surgery? The majority of referrals to plastic surgeons are found by word of mouth.