As a top cosmetic surgeon, I've seen it all. But there are certain procedures that, despite their popularity, I would never recommend to my patients. In this article, I'll reveal the five procedures I would never have (and the alternative tweakments to get instead).
Thread Lifts
What is it? Thread lifts involve placing fine plastic threads under the skin of the face and pulling them back towards the ears, tightening loose tissue and lifting downturned brows. While this procedure may seem appealing, the results are short-lived compared to the recovery time required, and the risks involved, including uneven results, visible threads, and infection.
Instead, I recommend Hyaluronic acid fillers. With expert placement, the same lifting effect can be achieved, and they are far more predictable. For example, subtle cheek and chin filler can help smooth a sagging jowl.
At-Home Microneedling
What is it? At-home microneedling involves creating microinjuries to the skin via pinpricks from small needles, which stimulate collagen and elastin production to help minimize wrinkles, pigmentation, scarring, and stretch marks. However, doing this at home means reusing the same needles repeatedly, which opens the door to infection, scarring, and long-term texture changes.
Instead, I recommend in-clinic, professional microneedling, which uses sterile single-use devices at precisely controlled depths to get the desired results safely.
Fat-Dissolving Injections
What is it? Unregulated non-medical 'fat-dissolving' injections are supposed to target stubborn pockets of fat in the face or body, breaking down fat cells before the body flushes them out. However, these injections are unregulated and can lead to serious complications, including necrosis, nerve injury, severe infections, and chronic nodules.
Instead, I recommend a more precise treatment for controlled tightening and fat reduction. Endolift laser treatment is a non-invasive procedure that uses a hair-thin optical fibre inserted under the skin to heat the tissue and break down fat, retracting and thickening the skin to lift and firm.
IPL Laser Hair Removal for Olive and Darker Skins
What is it? IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses broad-spectrum light on facial and body hair follicles, heating them up and inhibiting their growth over time. However, home IPL systems are weaker than ones used in clinics and are not suitable for darker skin tones, which puts them at risk of burns and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Instead, I recommend a medical-grade Nd:YAG laser, which is an invisible near-infrared light that is far safer and more effective for darker skin tones.
Plasma Pens on Eyelids
What is it? Plasma pens deliver a supercharged stream of heat to the surface of the skin, creating microinjuries that cause the skin to contract and stimulate production of collagen and elastin. This is claimed to tighten the skin on the eyelid and reduce any excess folding or creasing. However, the skin on the eyelid is at its thinnest, and the risk of complications, including scarring, hyperpigmentation, and prolonged downtime, is too great.
Instead, I recommend medically validated treatments such as radiofrequency microneedling or fractional laser for delicate periorbital rejuvenation.
Brushing Up
Suri toothbrushes are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional toothbrushes, with a magnetized wall holder that keeps the brush base off the sink. The Suri 2.0 model has clever updates to the body and motor, ensuring no risk of water damage, and a handy UV travel case that kills 99% of bacteria on bristles for better mouth hygiene.
Under a tenner, a quick spritz of this product before smoothing down flyaways can leave you with a Hailey Bieber-sleek ponytail.
