Is it Possible to Undo Plastic Surgery and Return to a More Natural Look?

There’s a particular type of look synonymous with many leading social media personalities; it’s been called the ‘Instagram face’ and is denoted by fillers, enhanced lips, and other surgically exaggerated characteristics. Fortunately, it appears to be falling out of fashion, with many now going au naturel. However, returning to what one was born with might be easier said than done. Dr Andrius Pajeda, a surgeon at Nordesthetics Clinic, explains why.

The popularity of plastic surgery in 2023 rapidly grew, and social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram glorified it by showcasing before-and-after transformations and personal stories. According to an article by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, hashtags like #plasticsurgery have garnered over 16 billion views on TikTok alone.

Lately, however, these trends have been fading away, and there is a shift towards embracing natural beauty. Many people have realised that fillers and other plastic procedures no longer appear attractive as time passes.

Even celebrities seem to now be revising their plastic surgery procedures; examples of this are the Kardashians Kim and Khloe, who have reportedly chosen to have their buttock implants removed. They are joined by Cardi B, who is reportedly stopping buttock injections, and Courteney Cox, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Cameron Diaz, who are said to be scaling back on procedures.

Some Procedures are Irreversible
Dr Pajeda mentions seeing patients keen to undo their facial injections, usually hyaluronic acid fillers or fat injections. However, he says that restoring facial features that have been affected by injections is challenging. “Many believe that facial injections disappear within 12-18 months, but some fillers can last up to 4-6 years. Hyaluronidase is the only substance that can dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers, but it needs to be injected accurately, and it is not always possible,” the surgeon explains.

Also, restoring plastic surgeries can be risky due to potential issues like bleeding, infection, and wound healing problems. With each procedure, the risk of developing uneven surfaces or unsightly scars increases, particularly for people with repeated suctions, fat grafting, or nose surgery.

Unlike facial injections, implants are often simpler to modify and restore to their initial position. The only noticeable mark is the scar, and the skin contracts. Typically, patients return not to remove them but to make corrections. These procedures are called revisions and can be redone after initial plastic procedures.

Most commonly, people come back for calves, breasts, buttocks, chin, and cheek implant revisions. For example, the size of the implants can be changed, or they can be removed completely. “It’s natural that the implant ages naturally, causing the silicone shell to become fragile and possibly tear or wrinkle, so patients return within 5-10 years asking for revisions,” he explains.

In contrast, procedures without implants usually do not involve requests to reverse the effects. “It can be difficult to make your face look older or grow back a missing abdomen”, the surgeon adds.

The Need for Plastic Surgery Remains
Dr. Pajeda states that the desire to look “natural” has been around for many years now, especially among educated and higher-income patients. These patients seek surgery not to show off to others or to brag on social media but to address specific issues that only surgery can fix. This is why plastic surgery’s popularity can not be eliminated, as it’s still something people look for to improve their appearance for medical reasons.

He stresses the importance of selecting the right specialist or clinic. Minimally invasive procedures or non-surgical treatments may not always deliver optimal results, especially when it comes to achieving a facelift with facial fillers.

“With advancements in technology, previously risky procedures are now more accessible. So it is important to choose a specialist or clinic that offers a wide range of procedures to ensure the best procedure for each person’s needs,” the surgeon added.

Nordesthetics is a private plastic surgery clinic in Kaunas, Lithuania, part of Nordclinic. It offers high-quality services and focuses on foreign patients. It is equipped with modern diagnostic and surgical facilities. The medical professionals at the clinic speak fluent English and show personal attention to every patient.