The micro-bang trend. Your Ed Hardy phase. That tattoo you got on spring break. Some things we can just laugh off.
But when it comes to your face. That is a different story.
Let’s shine a light on something not talked about enough: aesthetic regret.
Not the, “I wish I started sooner” kind. The “I don’t recognize myself anymore” kind.
If you’ve found yourself doom scrolling TikTok filler dissolving videos or lurking on Reddit threads titles “Help- I went too far,” this is for you. The rise in facial filler reversals ins’t just a trend- it is a response. A response to work that felt rushed, social media driven, or just off.
As a board certified physician who specializes in anatomy driven aesthetics, I’ve seen firsthand both the transformation that subtle, skilled work can create- and the emotional toll when new client’s come in whose previous work missed the mark.
So, let’s talk honestly about aesthetic regret, why it happens, and how you can avoid it.
Why Aesthetic Regret Happens
Let’s be real: it is usually not from finding some at home injector using off label products or from chasing a Groupon deal (though…please don’t). Aesthetic regret often creeps in from much more common, well lit spaces. A place you thought you could trust. But leave with:
Overdone Results
Think: puffiness, distortion, or the dreaded “pillow face”
One Size Fits All Treatments
What worked for her face might not work for yours
Lack of Education
If you don’t fully understand what a treatment does or how it evolves, you can’t truly consent to the outcome.
Following Social Media, Not Anatomy
The “Instagram Face” had its moment. That moment has passed.
Feeling Pressured or Rushed
No one makes great decisions when they feel on the spot.
Aesthetic regret is real. And while some outcomes can be reversed…not all can. That’s why thoughtful, expert driven care matters more than ever.
How To Avoid Aesthetic Regret: What to Look for in an Injector
The best results don’t start with a syringe. They start with the right questions and the right provider. Here’s what to look for if you want confidence, not correction, on the other side of your treatment.
They Treat Faces, Not Wallets
Just because you can afford three syringes doesn’t mean you should do it. A good injector won’t push product or upsell you into more than your face actually needs. They’ll focus on what’s safe, conservative, and appropriate for you– even if that means saying, “not yet.”
They Talk Anatomy, Not Trends
An injector worth their salt will talk about things like bone structure, muscle movement, and skin integrity. If your consult sounds more like an influencer reel, that’s a red flag. Real results come from understanding what’s beneath the skin, not just mimicking what’s popular.
They Believe in “Less, But Better”
Subtle work takes more skill, not less. Choose someone who favors small, strategic changes and is willing to build over time. Anyone rushing into full correction in one visit is skipping the nuance that keeps you looking like you.
They Make Space for Real Questions
You should feel safe asking anything- from downtime, to risks, to “what if I hate it?” A solid injector will answer openly, show examples, and give you space to make a decision without pressure. If the consult feels more like a timeshare presentation, walk away.
If You’re Nervous…That’s Normal
You’re not high maintenance. You’re not being dramatic. You’re being smart.
So many people delay treatments because they’re afraid of looking overdone or unnatural. That hesitation? It is healthy.
Use it to choose a provider who listens. Who educates. Who tells you the truth. Even when it’s not what you expect to hear.
Already feeling regret from past work? There are options- like hyaluronidase to dissolve poorly placed or migrated filler or corrective strategies to restore balance.
Final Thoughts: Empowerment Over Regret
The best work doesn’t erase who you are- it enhances it.
So no, the right treatment for you isn’t based on online pics. It is the one that respects your face, your goals, and your story.
Whether you’re brand new to injectables or navigating a reset, you deserve to feel informed, empowered, and completely confident in your next step.
When you’re ready, we’ll be here- no pressure, just partnership.
