Plastic surgery has become a popular form of cosmetic enhancement in the modern world. From facelifts to tummy tucks, there are a variety of plastic surgeries that promise to change a person's physical appearance in significant ways. However, as a plastic surgeon, there are certain surgeries and trends that I do not think are ideal for most patients.  

In this article, I outline 5 surgeries that I would not recommend, and discuss the potential risks associated with each one. It is my hope that readers will be better informed and able to make more informed choices about their own cosmetic enhancement choices. 

#1 Brazilian Butt Lifts 

As popular as Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL) have become, they continually have one of the highest fatality rates among cosmetic surgeries. Here is why: 

A BBL involves removing fat from other areas of the body and injecting it into the buttocks to create a more rounded and shapely appearance. While the idea of a fuller and more curvy backside may be appealing to many, it is important to understand that the fat can accidentally be injected into the veins, leading to serious complications like fat embolism which can cause death.  

Additionally, as we all age, our bodies change shape due to changing hormones, childbirth, weight gain/loss, etc. When patients gain weight after a fat redistribution procedure like a BBL, the weight can show up in unnatural ways. Often this means that the extra pounds gained don’t spread evenly around the body, but instead concentrates in the buttocks/hips! This can lead to strange body shapes that look unnatural.   

For these reasons, I recommend patients to embrace their backside and hit the gym to build their buttocks naturally.  

#2 Any Implants Other Than Breast Implants 

In regard to implants, any implants other than breast implants are a no go for me (this does not count reconstruction but that is a totally different discussion).  

Some of these implants include: 

• Butt implants 
• Calf implants 
• Facial Implants (lip, chin, cheek, etc.) 

This is because the ratio of risk to reward is too great when it comes to infection, implant migration, implant rejection, quality of life post-surgery and how well these types of implants age. Another reason I would not recommend these types of implants is that these types of implants are usually very firm and placed in areas of muscles, which can feel very unnatural. 

Facial implants can make other aesthetic services like injectables more complicated. Buttock and calf implants have an extremely elevated risk of complications like implant malposition, migration, and infection.  

Buttock implants specifically are at incredibly substantial risk for complications, as they are required to resist the stress of being sat on every day.  

#3 Buccal Fat Removal 

We know that buccal fat removal has become trendy, however this is another surgery that I do not think will age well. This surgery involves removing the fat from the cheeks to give the face a slimmer and more contoured appearance. In some patients, this can lead to a very thin appearing face with very prominent cheek and jawbone contours. 

The risk is that removing too much fat from the face can result in a gaunt and aged appearance. Once the fat is gone, it is gone forever and is exceedingly difficult to replace in the same location. For younger patients with a fuller, rounder face, removing too much fat can cause them to appear prematurely aged.  

#4 Aggressive Liposuction 

I love liposuction as a tool to help reshape and contour my patients. The results in the right patient are phenomenal and patient satisfaction is high. However, having aggressive liposuction can result in negative results like: 

• Unevenness, dents, or divots on the skin
• Body appears disproportionate
• Risk of damaging surrounding tissues like nerves and blood vessels 

As patients who have had aggressive liposuction age, their skin relaxes over the scars from liposuction.  Without a enough fat layer under the skin, this relaxed skin and scarring often leads to irregularities and a bumpy appearance. This is most noticeable when aggressive liposuction is done in the neck and abdomen. 

It’s important to take the patient’s anatomy into consideration to deliver the best possible results for the long term. To me, this means leaving a small layer of fat in place to help prevent these long-term complications.  

#5 Eyelid Surgery With Fat Removal 

For eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, some surgeons remove fat along with excess skin for more dramatic results. The eye is such a delicate area of our face that if too much fat is removed it can create a noticeable indentation or hollow appearance in the eye, which makes the patient look tired, sad, or older. It can also lead to sunken, deep-set eyes, which is the opposite of a youthful look. 

As a plastic surgeon, I would never recommend removing fat from the face unless it was medically necessary. Plus, once the fat is removed it is hard to replace. The healthy fat in our faces is truly a sign of youth.  

Conclusion 

Remember, before deciding on surgery, always conduct research and consult with a Board Certified and experienced plastic surgeon. By doing so, you will be more likely to achieve the results you desire while prioritizing your health and safety in the process. 

If you are looking to schedule a consultation reach out to us at 713.275.9908 or schedule online here.