{"id":406193,"date":"2026-01-11T12:26:10","date_gmt":"2026-01-11T12:26:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/406193\/"},"modified":"2026-01-11T12:26:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-11T12:26:10","slug":"im-a-top-cosmetic-surgeon-these-are-the-five-procedures-i-would-never-have-and-the-alternative-tweakments-to-get-instead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/406193\/","title":{"rendered":"I’m a top cosmetic surgeon – these are the five procedures I would never have (and the alternative tweakments to get instead)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The popularity of facelifts<\/a> may be growing \u2013 in no small part thanks to new techniques for a more natural effect \u2013 but non-invasive treatments still dominate the aesthetic-procedure market. Botox<\/a> and dermal fillers<\/a> top the list. The global market was valued at more than \u00a311billion in 2025 and is predicted to hit almost \u00a319billion by 2030.<\/p>\n

And yet not all tweakments are created equal. Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme<\/a>, a winner of the Aesthetic Medical Awards\u2019 Best Aesthetic Practitioner accolade and whose work is considered the industry gold standard, reveals the procedures she would never have \u2013 and the alternative tweakments that she recommends.<\/p>\n

\"Dr <\/p>\n

Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme’s\u00a0work is considered the industry gold standard<\/p>\n

\"Now <\/p>\n

Now that’s what I call a facelift… Katherine Helmond and Jim Broadbent in 1985 fantasy Brazil<\/p>\n

Thread lifts<\/p>\n

What is it? Fine plastic threads, often spiked, are placed under the skin of the face via a tube called a canula and pulled back towards the ears, tightening loose tissue and lifting downturned brows.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the problem? According to Dr Ejikeme, the results are short-lived compared to the recovery time required (it is a few weeks before you\u2019re back to your usual routine) and the risks involved, which include complications such as uneven results, visible threads and infection.<\/p>\n

Instead try Hyaluronic acid fillers. \u2018In many cases, with expert placement, the same lifting effect can be achieved, plus they are far more predictable,\u2019 says Dr Ejikeme. For example, subtle cheek and chin filler can help smooth a sagging jowl.<\/p>\n

Expect to pay From around \u00a3450 per syringe.<\/p>\n

At-home microneedling<\/p>\n

What is it? This involves creating microinjuries to the skin via pinpricks from small needles, which stimulate collagen and elastin production to help minimise wrinkles, pigmentation, scarring and stretch marks.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the problem? While microneedling as a treatment does work, Dr Ejikeme says that doing this at home means re-using the same needles repeatedly, which \u2018opens the door to infection, scarring and long-term texture changes\u2019.<\/p>\n

Instead try In-clinic, professional microneedling, which uses sterile single-use devices at precisely controlled depths to get the desired results safely.<\/p>\n

Expect to pay From around \u00a3350 per session.<\/p>\n

Fat-dissolving injections<\/p>\n

What is it? Unregulated non-medical \u2018fat-dissolving\u2019 injections (by Lemon Bottle, for example) are supposed to target stubborn pockets of fat in the face or body, breaking down fat cells before the body flushes them out.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the problem? \u2018I would never have these injections, particularly for areas as delicate as the chin,\u2019 says Dr Ejikeme. \u2018Counterfeit and unlicensed lipolytic (fat-dissolving) products are common and can lead to necrosis, nerve injury, severe infections and chronic nodules. Even evidence-based agents such as deoxycholic acid must be administered by trained medical professionals who have a deep knowledge of anatomy to manage the complications.\u2019<\/p>\n

Instead try A more precise treatment for controlled tightening and fat reduction. Endolift laser treatment is where a hair-thin optical fibre is inserted under the skin without any need for incisions, before it heats the tissue to break down fat, retracting and thickening the skin to lift and firm. It\u2019s done under local anaesthetic so you should feel minimal discomfort.<\/p>\n

Expect to pay From \u00a33,500 for full lower face.<\/p>\n

IPL laser hair removal for olive and darker skins<\/p>\n

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. Home IPL systems are weaker than ones used in clinics and are not suitable for darker skin.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the problem? The risk of burns (and therefore scarring) and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones. While IPL laser hair removal is safe for Caucasian skins, having seen some absolute horror cases, Dr Ejikeme recommends that nobody with olive or darker skin tries it.<\/p>\n

Instead try A medical-grade Nd:YAG laser, which is an invisible near-infrared light that is far safer and far more effective for darker skin tones.<\/p>\n

Expect to pay From \u00a3250 a session.<\/p>\n

Plasma pens on eyelids<\/p>\n

What is it? A supercharged stream of heat is delivered 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.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the problem? The skin on the eyelid is where it\u2019s at its thinnest, and because plasma devices work by creating thermal injury, Dr Ejikeme says the risk of \u2018complications including scarring, hyperpigmentation and prolonged downtime\u2019 is just too great. And like IPL, it\u2019s only suitable for Caucasian skin types.<\/p>\n

Instead try Medically validated treatments such as radiofrequency microneedling or fractional laser for delicate periorbital rejuvenation.<\/p>\n

Expect to pay From \u00a3600 a session.<\/p>\n

Brushing up<\/p>\n

Suri toothbrushes first launched in 2022 and I loved both the eco-friendly materials and lack of gunky toothbrush-base rings around my sink thanks to its magnetised wall holder. Suri 2.0 is a newer version with clever updates to the body and motor meaning that there’s no risk of water damage, plus the handy UV travel case kills 99% of bacteria on bristles for better mouth hygiene.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/a> Under a tenner<\/p>\n

A brilliant discovery to fend off frizz: a quick spritz of this before smoothing down flyaways leaves you with a Hailey Bieber-sleek ponytail.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/a>