Dr Kevin Hayavi, medical director and managing partner at Beverly Hills Physicians, shares his insight into the most regretted cosmetic procedures, from overfilled lips to Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs).
As cosmetic procedures continue to grow in popularity and accessibility, Dr Hayvai breaks down the procedures he sees patients regretting the most – and the reasons behind their dissatisfaction.
Overfilled Lips
Lip filler has continued to be one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. However, it is also frequently overdone, and while many patients are shifting towards more natural ‘tweakments’, many have been subject to the trend of large, voluminous, and often overfilled lips.
“The issue is that many patients come in chasing a look they’ve seen online, rather than thinking about what suits their own facial structure,” says Dr. Hayavi. “Lips that look great on someone else may look completely out of place on you. Subtlety is almost always the better approach,” shares Dr Hayavi.
While lip filler is reversible, repeated overfilling can stretch the tissue over time, making correction more complicated.
Buccal fact removal
Buccal fat removal has taken center stage in Hollywood, with numerous celebrities stepping into the spotlight, showcasing newly sculpted, contoured lower cheeks.
Unlike lip filler, buccal fat removal is a permanent procedure, and whilst sculpted cheeks might be the trend for Hollywood's young stars, faces naturally lose volume with age, and removing buccal fat in your twenties or thirties can leave patients looking gaunt and hollowed out decades later.
Therefore, the problem with this procedure is that timing is key, shares Dr Hayavi, “What looks sharp at 28 can look drawn and aged at 45. It’s a permanent removal, and that’s something patients don’t always fully appreciate when they’re caught up in a trend.”
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
It should come as no surprise that the infamous BBL makes it to this list. The procedure consists of transferring fat from other parts of the body to the buttocks to enhance the size and shape of the buttocks.
BBLs join the list of fleeting body ideals and ever-changing beauty standards. Whilst the dramatically enhanced silhouette feels desirable today, many patients may feel out of place years down the line.
BBL results also vary considerably based on the patient's anatomy, weight fluctuations, and how the body absorbs transferred fat.
“The challenge with butt augmentation is that the results are heavily dependent on factors that can change,” says Dr. Hayavi. “Patients who gain or lose significant weight after surgery often find their results look very different from what they originally wanted,” explains Dr Hayavi.
Aggressive rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a highly sought-after and often transformative procedure for many patients.
But overly aggressive nose reshaping decisions, such as reducing too much, altering the tip dramatically, or chasing an idealized shape rather than one that complements the patient’s natural features, frequently lead to dissatisfaction.
“A nose that looks ‘perfect’ in isolation doesn’t always work in harmony with the rest of the face,” Dr. Hayavi explains. “The goal of a good rhinoplasty is balance. When patients push for something too extreme, they often end up wanting a revision.”
Dr Hayavi explains how revision rhinoplasty is among the most complex procedures in cosmetic surgery, making it all the more important to get it right the first time.
Large breast implants
Oversized breast implants go beyond aesthetic regrets, with patients commonly experiencing chronic back and shoulder pain, skin stretching, and complications that may require additional surgeries.
Many patients who chose large implants in their younger years later opt for a reduction.
“Bigger isn’t always better, and this is one area where patients often wish they’d listened more carefully to their surgeon’s guidance,” says Dr. Hayavi.
Excessive jawline and chin filler
Last on the list, but by no means least, is excessive jawline and chin filler.
Heavy use of jawline and chin filler can dramatically alter the face’s natural proportions, creating a look that appears blocky or unnatural. Much like lip filler, repeated sessions can accumulate over time, often more than patients realise.
“Filler migration is real,” Dr. Hayavi warns. “Patients are sometimes surprised to learn that the product has moved or built up in ways that are difficult to reverse. Moderation is key, and regular check-ins with your provider matter.”
Knowing when to say no – aesthetic practitioners' responsibility
Whilst beauty standards, social media and celebrities influence patient expectations, as Dr Hayavi highlights, patient regret isn’t just about trends or technique – it’s also about decision-making in the consultation room.
As demand for cosmetic treatments continues to rise, so too does the responsibility on practitioners to guide, educate, and, at times, refuse treatment.
A key part of this process is personalisation. No two faces or bodies are the same, and a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach driven by social media trends can lead to unnatural or unsatisfactory outcomes.
Responsible practitioners must assess facial harmony, proportions, lifestyle factors, and how a treatment will age over time, rather than focusing on short-term results.
It is also important to recognise the signs of body dysmorphia or unhealthy motivations.
If a patient is chasing perfection or repeatedly seeking procedures, these are red flags. In those cases, the ethical approach may be to pause treatment and recommend psychological support before treating.
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