The Cosmetic Procedures I Strongly Advise Against

When Beauty Turns Risky

In today’s image-obsessed world, where social media and celebrity culture fuel constantly evolving beauty trends, it’s easy to get swept up in the pursuit of the “perfect” face or body. But as a plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon, I feel a responsibility to speak candidly: not all trending procedures are created equal. Some come with significant long-term risks that can leave patients deeply regretful.

In a recent interview with The Sun, I shared my professional views on three cosmetic treatments that I would never recommend. These opinions are grounded in decades of surgical experience and a commitment to natural, regenerative and ethical aesthetics. My mission has always been to help patients age beautifully and healthily, not chase trends that may cause irreversible harm.

1. Why I Will Never Perform Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal, a procedure that removes fat from the lower cheeks to create a more contoured face, has seen a surge in popularity – particularly on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where it’s often flaunted by celebrities and influencers.

But here’s the truth: I will never perform this procedure.

The buccal fat pads are vital for maintaining facial structure and youthful volume. They sit between the cheekbones and the jaw and provide a soft, natural contour that supports healthy ageing. Removing them might result in a temporarily slimmer face, but the long-term consequences are severe.

Fat in the mid-face is essential not only for aesthetics but for the biology of ageing. Once removed, this fat cannot be replaced. Over time, patients often experience premature hollowing, sagging and a gaunt, drawn appearance- signs of ageing that arrive too early and are extremely difficult to reverse.

I’ve seen patients return years later, looking far older than their chronological age and filled with regret. This is why I simply refuse to perform it, it never ends well.

2. The Surgical Fox Eye Procedure: A Risky Trend I Strongly Oppose

The "fox eye" trend, which surgically lifts the outer corners of the eyes for a more elongated, model-like slant, is another procedure I find deeply concerning. While it might give a temporary edge or high-fashion look, the risks far outweigh the rewards.

This procedure involves cutting, removing skin and repositioning tissue- often in the delicate eye area. Once that tissue is altered, there’s no going back. If the result appears unnatural, asymmetrical or doesn’t suit the patient’s features, it cannot be undone.

What’s more, revision surgery in this area is extremely complex and rarely perfect. I’ve seen complications that include:

• Visible scarring
• Unnatural tightness or pulling around the eyes
• Impaired blinking or eyelid function
• Altered facial expression

What starts as a cosmetic enhancement can ultimately compromise your facial functionality, confidence and expression. It’s a high price to pay for a short-lived trend and I urge anyone considering it, to reconsider.

3. Why I Strongly Condemn Liquid Silicone Injections

Injectable fillers have become a mainstay of non-surgical aesthetics (and it’s no secret that I am not a fan) but not all fillers are created equally– and some are incredibly dangerous. Liquid silicone injections fall into this dangerous category.

While medical-grade silicone is safely used in enclosed implants (such as breast implants), injecting silicone directly into tissues is a completely different story. In fact, it’s banned for cosmetic use in many countries, including the UK and the United States.

I’ve treated patients suffering from the consequences of these injections – often administered by unregulated practitioners using industrial-grade silicone. Initially, they may see volume enhancement in areas like the lips, cheeks or buttocks, but the complications are devastating.

The body recognises silicone as a foreign material. It can migrate from the original injection site, causing:

• Chronic inflammation
• Tissue necrosis (tissue death)
• Nerve damage
• Severe and permanent disfigurement

Worse still, silicone cannot be safely dissolved or removed. Once it’s in your body, it’s there for life – and it can wreak havoc years after the procedure. I strongly urge everyone to steer clear of liquid silicone in any injectable form.

My Message: Choose Trust, Not Trends

Throughout my career, I’ve remained focused on one principle: long-term wellbeing over short-term results. At my practice in both London and Istanbul, I work with patients who want to look refreshed, natural and elegant- not artificial or overdone.

Too often, I see individuals driven by social media hype or celebrity influence making decisions that lead to regret. My advice? Choose your surgeon the way you would choose your doctor- with care, research and trust. Look for integrity, experience and qualifications, not Instagram followers.

What You Should Consider Before Any Procedure

Here are five things I always encourage patients to consider before deciding on a cosmetic treatment:

1. Do your research Look into your surgeon’s qualifications, experience and memberships in recognised bodies like BAAPS or ISAPS.
2. Prioritise safety over trends A procedure trending online may not be suitable, or safe, for you.
3. Ask about reversibility Know whether the results are permanent and what your options are in the event of complications.
4. Opt for subtle, natural changes Enhancements that refine rather than transform tend to age far better.
5. Avoid unregulated clinics and practitioners If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Cheap treatments often come at a high human cost.

The landscape of cosmetic surgery is evolving quickly, but not all progress is positive. As patients, we must resist the pull of passing beauty standards and instead invest in decisions that protect our health, confidence and future.

Procedures like buccal fat removal, fox eye lifts and silicone injections may promise dramatic transformation, but they come with serious risks- some of which can be life-changing and irreversible.

As a surgeon, my goal is not to chase trends, but to support each patient’s unique beauty, vitality and expression. If you’re considering any aesthetic procedure, make sure your surgeon is committed to the same.

To read the full article in The Sun.