Why do celebrities look so scary after plastic surgery?

Not a day goes by that I don't discuss this exact question with one of my patients. This is truly a paradox as LA celebrities have plenty of money, time and proximity to a huge number of plastic surgeons. It is difficult to explain why some have achieved such unnatural and "scary" looking results. I think that this speaks to the need to seek highly experienced facial plastic surgeons who consistently create natural looking results. Rather than seeking out the local "plastic surgeon to the stars" results should be the key. If your surgeon is not known for a SoCal "scary" aesthetic, they are not likely to create that result for you. There are many highly trained and skilled plastic surgeons in any mid-size to large city. The key is to seek out a surgeon who you trust and that creates natural results.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for the great question, which is probably one of the most commonly asked by prospective patients.  Although the topic has been well covered so far, the root cause is partially the responsibility of the Surgeon(s) involved, and partially that of the celebrity patient.  The Surgeon: The "natural appearance" as a goal  was not as highly valued in the past as it is today.  Many end results were more stylistic and less realistic. Lastly,  "celebrity surgeon" should be viewed more as a  status related to marketing and connections than ability.  This is not to say that some celebrity surgeons aren't very talented.  The Celebrity: A certain percentage of plastic surgery patients have a condition known as body dysmorphic disorder and celebrities live in a world where appearance and image are overwhelming.  If this altered self perception is acted upon, results such as the ones you have shown are inevitable.  If individuals have enough power, influence, and money, they are very likely to get what they think they want, regardless of the merits of that desire.  Most well performed facial plastic surgery shares one common element:  it doesn't look like plastic surgery.  It's best to see a well qualified surgeon in your area, view the before and afters, discuss your expectations, and raise your concerns.

A well executed facelift gives a predictably good result. You have seen many walking around who remain anonymous because they chose a good surgeon. Bad plastic surgery advertises itself.

Often celebrities will have multiple procedures on the same body area, thus producing an unnatural result. Repeat surgeries or combinations of surgeries can lead to strange appearances. The key to good results is everything in moderation, as with everything in life.

I think the answer to this question is that some celebrities wont accept no as an answer. They are used to getting exactly what they wish, even if that means going to another surgeon. Most scary surgery is the result of multiple cumulative procedures by different surgeons, all who have met 'the face' at various stages. Whilst the change with each surgery may be small, the cumulative effect can be devastating. This is why I like to follow up my patients for a long time not only to ensure they remain happy but also as the surgeon who recorded their 'baseline', I know when incremental changes are a step too far from the original face.

Money does not equal brains and the fact that celebrities have a lot of money doesn't mean they choose the best plastic surgeon or that their idea of beauty and what they ask for is the best.  Don't let Hollywood horror stories scare you.  Do your research and find a surgeon who's before and after pictures you like.