For many, plastic surgery is a way to enhance natural beauty and restore youthful features. According to top experts like Board-Certified South Denver Plastic Surgeon Dr. Manish Shah, the goal is to look refreshed and like the best version of yourself. But what happens when enhancements go too far? Ironically, the very procedures meant to turn back the clock can sometimes make people look older than they actually are.
Overdone fillers, frozen expressions, and exaggerated features can lead to that dreaded puffy, unnatural look. So how do you avoid these missteps and instead age gracefully with the help of cosmetic treatments? Below, Dr. Shah breaks down the most common causes of the “overdone” result — and how to achieve elegant, age-appropriate results.
The Most Common Culprit: Too Much Filler
According to Dr. Shah, one of the most frequent causes of an aged appearance after cosmetic procedures is overfilling the face with dermal fillers. The key to successful rejuvenation is understanding how facial features change over time, which he accomplishes by reviewing photos from a patient’s younger years.
“You want to look at the facial structure to identify areas of volume loss or drooping,” says Dr. Shah. “When too much filler is added, especially without regard for symmetry, the face can look bloated or distorted.” This imbalance can make the patient appear older rather than refreshed.
Younger patients in their 20s are also starting to use fillers and Botox in excess, hoping to look like their filtered social media photos. Ironically, the result can backfire — leading to a look that appears 10 years older than their actual age. “The lips and cheeks are often the first areas to be overdone in younger patients,” says Dr. Shah.
Aesthetic Breakdown: What Can Make You Look Older
Here’s a breakdown of how specific features can unintentionally age the face when improperly treated:
Cheeks
Too much volume — whether from fillers or fat transfer — can result in stiff or puffy cheeks. On the flip side, excessive liposuction in the cheek area can lead to premature hollowness. Dr. Shah notes that “over-suctioning can make you look older, not younger.”
Brows
Both an unnaturally high arch and brows that lack any arch at all can age the face. “Achieving natural brow positioning is one of the most technically challenging areas when using Botox,” explains Dr. Shah. Choosing a provider with experience in brow-specific Botox placement is essential. Additionally well-performed browlift surgery will leave the patient looking pleasant and not surprised.
Chin
A chin implant that’s too large can distort facial harmony. “It throws off balance and can create a boxier, more masculine appearance,” says Dr. Shah. “You lose the soft, heart-shaped structure that tends to look more youthful.”
Neck
Over-removal of fat in the neck can create a harsh, deep angle that looks unnatural and emphasizes the aging process rather than softening it.
Midface (Facelift Timing)
Getting a facelift too early or when it’s not needed can cause excessive fullness in the cheeks. “The Real Housewives phenomenon is real,” says Dr. Shah. “If the procedure isn’t necessary or is poorly executed, it creates volume in the wrong places, making the face look aged rather than youthful.”
Eyes
Removing too much fat from under the eyes can lead to a hollow, tired appearance instead of the desired refreshed look. Less is often more when treating the lower eyelid area.
The Frozen Look: When Injectables Go Too Far
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are incredibly effective when used conservatively. These injectable neurotoxins temporarily relax facial muscles to smooth lines and wrinkles. But when overused, the face can appear expressionless, stiff, or unnatural — especially on the forehead and brow.
“It’s jarring to see someone over 50 with less brow movement than a teenager,” says Dr. Shah. He emphasizes a conservative approach: “Let the product wear off before retreating and always start small. You can always add more later.”
Too-Large Breast Implants: When Size Overshadows Proportion
Overly large implants — especially when they don’t fit a woman’s natural frame — can disrupt overall harmony. While youth is often associated with fullness, age-appropriate enhancement is key.
“As women age, exaggerated proportions can look increasingly out of place,” says Dr. Shah. “Jane Fonda is a great example of someone in her 80s with implants that fit her body beautifully.”
Don’t Forget the Hands and Décolleté
Many patients spend time and money enhancing their face, abdomen, and body — only to neglect the hands and chest. These areas often reveal a person’s true age faster than the rest of the body.
Laser treatments, skin tightening, and proper skincare can help rejuvenate the hands and décolleté, making your enhancements appear cohesive and balanced.
Celebrities Who Got It Right: Graceful, Age-Appropriate Enhancements
Not every celebrity opts for an extreme makeover. According to Dr. Shah, the following women embody the ideal of aging well — whether they’ve had work done or not:
- Jennifer Aniston
- Halle Berry
- Jane Fonda
- Angela Bassett
- Padma Lakshmi
- Jennifer Lopez
- Michelle Pfeiffer
- Raquel Welch
- Naomi Campbell
- Sharon Stone
- Katie Couric
- Kathie Lee Gifford
- Kris Jenner
- Jayne Seymour
- Ellen DeGeneres
These women serve as proof that with the right techniques and experienced providers, subtle enhancement is more powerful — and timeless — than chasing trends.
Plastic Surgery Should Enhance, Not Distort
So, can cosmetic surgery make you look older? The short answer is yes — if it’s overdone, poorly executed, or not tailored to your unique anatomy. But with the right approach, experienced surgeon, and realistic expectations, cosmetic procedures can enhance your features, restore youthfulness, and help you feel like the best version of yourself — without looking overdone.
Dr. Manish Shah and his team believe in a balanced, natural approach to facial and body rejuvenation. Whether you’re exploring injectables, facial surgery, or body contouring, your treatment plan should be designed to enhance your appearance in a timeless, elegant way.
If you’re considering plastic surgery in Denver and want results that age gracefully with you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Shah today. Experience the difference of expert care guided by an understanding of both aesthetics and anatomy.
