1. Buccal Fat Removal Without Proper Indication
Buccal fat removal surged in popularity as celebrities and influencers embraced sharper cheekbones and hollowed contours. But Dr. Barrett cautions that this procedure isn’t universally appropriate.
When done without the right indication, buccal fat removal can lead to permanent hollowing, making the face look gaunt and prematurely aged over time. Facial fat naturally decreases as we age, so removing it too early or unnecessarily can accelerate that process rather than enhance long-term beauty.
2. Overdone Lip Lifts
Lip lifts can deliver beautiful, balanced results when performed carefully and for the right patient. However, Dr. Barrett notes that poor planning or overcorrection is where problems arise.
“When lip lifts are overdone, scarring becomes a real issue,” he explains. An overly aggressive lift can distort proportions, draw attention to scars, and create an unnatural look that’s difficult to reverse. In 2026, conservative technique and proper patient selection matter more than ever.
3. Liquid Rhinoplasty Overuse
Liquid rhinoplasty has been marketed as a quick, non-surgical nose fix—but Dr. Barrett urges caution.
While filler can be useful in very select cases, too much filler in the nose can be "dangerous" due to the area’s complex blood supply. Overfilling increases the risk of vascular complications and can also create a bulky or unnatural appearance. Many patients are now reconsidering this “easy fix” in favor of safer, long-term solutions.
4. Facial Overfilling
One positive shift Dr. Barrett has noticed is that patients are stepping away from excessive facial filler.
Overfilling can blur natural contours, stretch skin, and ultimately make the face look puffy or aged rather than refreshed. In 2026, the trend is moving toward strategic, minimal use of filler, or avoiding it altogether when it’s not the right tool.
5. Certain Energy-Based Skin Tightening Devices
Energy-based skin tightening treatments were once seen as a miracle alternative to surgery—but Dr. Barrett says the conversation is changing.
Some of these devices have shown unintended fat loss, which can thin the face and compromise long-term results. As a result, many patients are shifting toward surgical facial tightening or more targeted approaches, such as precise injectables and peptide-based treatments, that offer better control and predictability.
The Bottom Line
According to Dr. Barrett, the future of aesthetics isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about making smart, individualized decisions that respect facial anatomy and age gracefully. “The goal is not to chase trends,” he emphasizes. “It is to choose treatments that respect anatomy, age well, and make sense long term.” As we head into 2026, the best beauty investment may simply be slowing down, asking the right questions, and choosing procedures with longevity in mind.