5 Cosmetic Procedures That Can Make You Look Worse

By Dr. John Zannis

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 your nose from an old accident that never healed right, or a plump up to lips that you always thought were too small, it’s important to do your research. Here’s a list of five cosmetic procedures that can make you look worse if done wrong.

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. One’s 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. 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 those wanting a “perfect nose”, Ioffer this clarification: There really is no such thing as a universally flattering nose. 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 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 longer lasting result. Where people run into trouble is when they get that puffed up chipmunk look. There is such a thing as too much filler. The key is to go for a natural look that flatters cheekbones and jawline so you look as though you’ve gotten a great facial or came back from a well needed 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 Scarlet Johansson on the red carpet, plus the countless fitness and swimwear models on Instagram, bodacious booty is everywhere. Ladies who try to amp up their rumps with squats and lunges to no avail may start to consider augmenting their bottoms. 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. 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 aging eyes appear hooded and droopy, the procedure can also result in a scary expression where the eyes appear to be opened too 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. 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. 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.

In the end, I remind people to really do their research and understand what is involved and what can go wrong. I advise against discounted procedures and Iencourage people to be absolutely certain the doctor is board certified. This is your body and overall well-being. You want someone who truly knows what they are doing.

Dr. John Zannis is a New Bern, North Carolina board-certified plastic surgeon and best selling author. A graduate of Stanford University and The University of Cincinnati Medical College, he received his formal training in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina under the guidance of world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Louis Argenta. During this time, he performed over 5,000 surgical procedures and covered all aspects of plastic surgery including cosmetic surgery of the face and body, complex reconstructive procedures of face and body, cleft lip and palate surgery, hand surgery, facial and jaw fracture repair, and reconstruction following massive weight loss. He blends his interests and studies of classical art and symmetry to his surgery practices. Connect with him via twitter @JohnZannisMD or his website www.zannisplasticsurgery.com