Surgical procedures are common. However, non-surgical cosmetic procedures are great alternatives for mild to moderate enhancements. These non-surgical options are often less expensive, present fewer risks, and require less downtime.

Instagram photos can be inspiring, but managing expectations based on unbiased and individualized information will help your level of satisfaction.1 The reality is, cosmetic treatments can’t be guaranteed to make you look like anyone else; however, they can help with enhancing or hanging on to the beauty you were born with.

For example, dermal fillers are used in to fill in areas of the face that may have lost (or never had) fullness. One common area where the filler is used is the lips.

Admiration of celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and the Kardashians has increased demand for lip filler. However, patients need to consider that their features and underlying anatomy differ from these celebrities, and it’s likely their appearances can’t be matched

Patients with very thin lips may want a dramatic increase in plumpness, but what they may not know, is that dermal filler is to be injected in small amounts. It’s vital to understand that several treatments over time may be needed to get close to the expectation, and there will be upkeep required.

A consultation with a cosmetic professional and healthcare practitioner should always be the starting point.

A thorough and professional consultation also allows for the articulation of expectations and the opportunity to learn so that informed decisions can be made.

A scale such as an ASPECT scale employed by practitioners to assess expectations may be used to determine whether a more-in depth consultation is needed before undergoing cosmetic procedures.2

The consultation provides an assessment of whether or not the result is achievable and if the treatment is suitable. The consultation also provides details of the treatment and what to expect before, during, and after the treatment.

Researching treatment options is great for understanding cosmetic procedure outcomes. The research will also help with asking the right questions during the consultation.

When exploring options, rely on credible sources and not social media. In helping to decide what’s best for you, consider that a suitable treatment will often appear natural, and not everyone will necessarily notice.

If you are looking for something dramatic that others will surely notice, that’s okay too, just be sure to understand that non-surgical cosmetic procedure are meant to enhance what you have.

Sometimes even after researching several treatments, practitioners will advise that the desired treatment is not suitable. There are many reasons a requested treatment might not be right for you despite what’s in the media or what a friend may have had. Trust the professionals.

Remember, influencers and celebrities will promote treatments and encourage viewers because they receive payment to promote and sell the treatments. Not all cosmetic modalities are fitting for everyone.

Always consult with a qualified professional and medical practitioner for your questions before doing any treatment.

1. Gherghina A, Aristizabal M, Bay Aguilera S, Skopit S. Perspectives in cosmetic dermatology: What is in front of the mirror? Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2018;17:672-674.
2. Pikoos TD, Roswell SL, Tzimas N, Buzwell S. Assessing unrealistic expectations in clients undertaking minor cosmetic procedures: The development of the aesthetic procedure expectations scale. Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. 2021;23;263.