Lifestyle

Risk vs. reward: Why this surgeon won’t perform these four procedures on family

The four surgeries this doctor would never perform on his family / Photo: Reuters, Nir Elias, photo editor: Adelina Mamedova

An interesting discussion recently appeared on Threads, where a plastic surgeon shared which cosmetic procedures he would never choose for himself or recommend to his loved ones.

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The author of the post, Igor Kozulin, said he has worked in plastic surgery for more than 20 years. He highlighted several procedures that he believes carry significant risks or long-term downsides.

Rib removal for an ultra-thin waist

Kozulin said rib removal surgery, sometimes performed to create a dramatically narrow «wasp waist,» is now considered outdated and highly traumatic.

According to the surgeon, removing ribs can compromise the natural protection of internal organs, potentially leading to chronic pain, digestive problems and a lengthy recovery process.

Buccal fat removal

The surgeon also criticized buccal fat removal — sometimes referred to as Bichat fat pad removal — a procedure often used to create more defined cheekbones.

Kozulin warned that, over time, the surgery can accelerate visible facial aging, causing sagging skin, deeper nasolabial folds and an overly hollow or «skeletal» appearance later in life.

Penile lipofilling

Another procedure on the list was penile lipofilling, which involves enlarging the penis using fat transferred from other parts of the patient’s body, typically the abdomen or thighs.

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genitals, penis, phallus, penises
Saimantas the Phallic Rock, Bayanaul National Park, Kazakhstan / Photo: Wildticketasia.com, photo editor: Adelina Mamedova

Although the operation is often marketed as relatively simple, Kozulin said it can lead to complications including asymmetry, fat reabsorption, infections, reduced sensitivity and cyst formation.

Extremely long surgeries

Kozulin also advised against undergoing highly complex surgeries lasting more than seven to eight hours.

According to the surgeon, prolonged operations place significant stress on the body and increase the risk of complications affecting vital organs.