What causes a "fake" or "plastic" post-cosmetic surgery look? What should I avoid to get the most natural look for the face?

MichelleExcellent question. The best way to achieve a more natural result, whether it be facial fillers or breast augmentation, is a conservative approach. Extremely large breast implants or too much filler or fat placed in the face gives an obvious unnatural, unappealing appearance. Your example of overly inflated lips is a good one. Generally speaking it applies to most cosmetic procedures. Very often, less is more! Be certain to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to explore the best options for you. Good luck.

My goal is to provide what my patients want and also to try to provide the most natural result I can. Reviewing your goals in person is key. Best of luck.

Too much of anything, whether Botox, filler or implants, is a bad thing. For a natural result, you should seek out a board certified plastic surgeon who understands proportionality and moderation.  Best wishes.

Fat can have the same problem as fillers with the potential for it to last longer.  You are correct that too much in the lips and actually anyway can look fake.  Also fat or fillers in a place that they do not normally belong in large amounts (tear trough, eyelids) can look unusual.  With botox, too much can make a face look plastic.  The answer to the above is find an injector who has more natural results and start small and follow up in a few weeks to modulate the look.  Once you are happy you have found the right person and amounts you need.  For surgery, look for experience.  Fake is often a reflection of inexperience.Dr. Zenn 

 Your question is a good one but it is also complex.  I would say the answer is a combination triad of skill, expectations and procedures that either have or have not been perfected. There are certain things like hair loss in men were great improvements have been made.  Obviously some providers have a better aesthetic judgment than others. It's also important to remember that some patients asked for things that may be different than what the provider feels would give a natural results.  For example it's not uncommon for patients to ask for lip fillers in frequency or volumes beyond what I would normally recommend.  I typically share my opinion but I'm willing to perform treatments  in a way the respects what each individual wants.  Some conditions we simply don't have great treatments for it. Women who have flabby thighs are going to have flabby thighs for the rest of their life.  We simply don't have great treatments for this.  In general I have a strong preference of using fillers in the face compared to fat.  Fillers are much more predictable and precise. They can be injected through tiny Needles compared to fat which generally requires something much bigger.  Best, Mats Hagstrom MD