Video summary

5 Facial Procedures That Can Ruin Your Face & Your Life! | Dr. Shereene Idriss

Main summary

Key takeaways

Wellness and Self-Improvement

Key wellness / self-care & decision-making takeaways from the video

The dermatologist (Dr. Shereene Idriss) argues that several popular cosmetic procedures carry disproportionate risk. She suggests that better self-care begins with asking more questions, choosing qualified providers, and thinking long-term rather than acting on fear or social hype.

1) Avoid liquid rhinoplasty (filler “nose jobs”)

  • Risk: vascular occlusion — injecting filler into blood vessels in the nose’s midline can block arteries.
  • Potential outcomes: skin necrosis and permanent disfigurement (rare, but serious).
  • Vision risk: arterial connections between the nose and retina mean case reports of permanent vision loss.
  • Extra caution if you’ve had prior nose surgery: altered anatomy + scar tissue can increase risk. Only revisit the original surgeon for residual issues (by their discretion).
  • Aesthetic/biologic concern: filler can “linger,” potentially making the nose look wider over time, especially with repeated treatments.

Safer direction suggested

  • If you want a nose change, see a board-certified surgeon (not an injector at a med spa for a discount deal).

2) Be skeptical of “preventative” / early facelifts (starting in the 30s)

She says social media often pushes fear-based messaging and can pressure people with normal early aging.

Small subset exceptions only, such as:

  • certain genetic or structural conditions (e.g., very loose skin, unusual muscle laxity, significant weight loss, etc.)

General recommendation

  • She does not believe in facelifts in your 30s for most people.

Long-term cost to consider

  • Repeated facelifts over decades; a facelift often removes fat and tightens/reshapes.
  • Early intervention may make later aging changes harder and more frequent.

Self-care framework

  • Find an “aging coach” (cosmetic-focused dermatologist/plastic surgeon/injector) who helps you plan changes gradually, and is willing to:
    • try non-surgical options first, and only escalate if truly necessary.

3) Don’t do buckle fat removal (irreversible)

She frames it as “buying a new problem”:

  • Irreversible and hard to correct later (filler won’t integrate well).
  • Age-think principle: some facial “cushion” helps the face look better as you get older.
    • If removed too early, you may look gaunt/older faster.
  • She notes that if a surgeon later does a facelift, having the fat pads can allow more natural repositioning and better dimensional control.

4) Be careful with masseter (jaw) Botox

She supports Botox for TMJ but emphasizes nuance.

  • Avoid masseter Botox if you have:
    • a narrow bone structure, and
    • teeth grinding / enlarged masseters.
  • Risk: jowling, because the face lacks bony support once the muscle is reduced.

If you have TMJ/grinding

  • A night guard is “must-have,” not optional.
  • She describes major symptom relief from using a night guard.

If you have a strong/wide jaw structure

  • She says you’re generally more tolerant of masseter Botox with lower jowling risk.

5) Under-eye and lip filler: be conservative and anatomically selective

Lip filler

  • She injects lips, but not “one-size-fits-all.”
  • Muscle-driven lip movement may mean Botox rather than filler:
    • If the lip shape changes mainly with expression (rolling in/out), Botox may be more appropriate than building volume with filler.
  • Volume pacing: she strongly discourages dumping large volumes at once.
    • She prefers very small amounts over multiple visits, about every 8 weeks, over time.
    • She considers 2–3 mL in one sitting excessive.
  • She also references alternatives:
    • She did PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) on her own lips to improve tissue density instead of relying on filler.

Under-eye filler

  • Depends heavily on orbital rim anatomy.
    • If the orbital rim is too low, under-eye filler may create a bubble and later sinking issues.
  • Her general rule: “less is more.”
    • Don’t force an injector to use the full syringe if they’re choosing a smaller amount for safety/fit.

Provider-selection “self-care/productivity” mindset emphasized

  • Choose board-certified, properly licensed providers.
  • Avoid “discount deals” where you don’t know who is treating you.
  • Ask about:
    • credentials,
    • risks,
    • emergency support if complications arise.
  • Treat cosmetic care as an ongoing plan, not a one-time impulse decision.

Presenters / sources

  • Presenter: Dr. Shereene Idriss (board-certified dermatologist, cosmetics focus)

Original video