For the millions of people who contemplate getting cosmetic surgery, it is perfectly normal to flip flop over whether to go for it or not. Whether it’s a bump in their nose from an old accident that never healed right, or a plump up to lips that they always thought were too small, it’s important to educate clients so they have realistic expectations. John Zannis, M.D., a board certified plastic surgeon from New Bern, NC, who blends his study of classical art and symmetry to his surgery practices, shares a quick list of five cosmetic procedures that can make clients look worse if done wrong or for the wrong reasons.
1. Nose Job
Most people don’t like the nose they were born with. They feel it’s either too wide, long, hooked or not in proportion to the rest of the face. According to Zannis, ethnicity, family resemblance, and facial integrity is often found in the shape of the nose. “We have all seen plenty of celebrities who have dramatically changed their look with rhinoplasty,” he says. “It’s a very intricate surgery that can lead to a significant change to one’s appearance if things like facial symmetry and bone structure aren’t factored in.” For clients wanting a “perfect nose” Zannis offers this clarification. “There really is no such thing as a universally flattering nose,” he says. “It truly depends the individual’s facial features. The best nose jobs are the ones where people can’t tell anything was done. It’s the same nose just smoothed out and reshaped without radically altering overall appearance.”
2. Dermal Fillers
There seems to be an epidemic of very round puffy faces due to excessive use of fillers. Dermal fillers are used to smooth out facial lines and restore volume to aging faces for a more youthful look. There are several different kinds to choose from each offering a different benefit. For example the popular Juvederm, an FDA approved hyaluronic acid filler, boats fast results that last for up to a year. Fat transfers offer an even more long-lasting result. “Where people run into trouble is when they get that puffed up chipmunk look,” says Zannis. “There is such a thing as too much filler. The key is to go for a natural look that flatters cheekbones and jawline so clients look like they’ve gotten a great facial or came back from a vacation. You don’t want the facial shape itself to change.”
3. Butt Augmentation
A full, rounded derriere is a very desired look these days. From Serena Williams on the tennis court to Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, and many more on the red carpet, plus the countless fitness and swimwear models on Instagram, a bodacious booty is everywhere. Ladies who try to amp up their rump with squats and lunges to no avail may start to consider augmenting their bottom. According to Zannis, height, weight, legs, and waist alignment all play a role when deciding if your body can achieve a certain look that appears natural. “Proportion is everything when it comes to breast and butt augmentation,” says Zannis. “People tend to think bigger is better and this is not always the case.”
4. Brow Lift
A brow lift gone wrong can lead to a permanently surprised look or brows that seem stuck or too tight, unable to relax. While a brow lift can instantly take 10 years off of someone’s face, especially when their aging eyes appear hooded and droopy; the procedure can also result in a scary expression where the eyes appear to be opened to wide. “The key to a brow lift is to look at photos of where the person’s eyebrows were 10 to 15 years before as a realistic guide,” says Zannis. “Then an assessment of the muscle and scalp area, which will anchor the lift, is also necessary to achieve a natural well-rested look that factors in the eye shape when several expressions are made.”
5. Lip Augmentation
It seems like lip injections have gotten out of control. People look at pillow lipped celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, Angelina Jolie, Priyanka Chopra, Kerry Washington and Adriana Lima and want to plump their pouts more and more. “You want to maintain a good lip shape that looks youthful and not fake,” says Zannis. “Again, facial symmetry is key when augmenting lips. I look at the chin, the distance between the upper lip and nose and other facial features. You really need to seek out a doctor who appreciates a subtle, undetected look. It’s one of those procedures where one can get used to their new look and want to go bigger and bigger.”