Dr. Terry Dubrow has spent years repairing some of the most complicated plastic surgery disasters on television. As one of the stars of television’s hit show BOTCHED, he’s seen what can happen when cosmetic procedures go wrong.
I recently sat down with Terry to discuss the state of plastic surgery, controversial new treatments, and what’s on the horizon for longevity medicine. Some of his observations really stood out to me.
Here are five takeaways worth knowing.
1. Plastic surgery isn’t as scientific as you might think.
Terry made a statement that might surprise you: “Plastic surgery is barely a science.”
What does he mean? Many procedures lack the kind of robust, long-term evidence we’d like to see. A new technique might generate excitement and impressive early results, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better or safer than established methods.
And unfortunately, plastic surgeons are often too excited to offer the latest trend or treatment to their patients.
2. Don’t rush to try the latest cosmetic procedure.
We discussed AlloClae, an injectable material derived from donated human fat tissue that’s being explored for volume enhancement. Terry’s biggest concern isn’t just whether it works today. It’s what we don’t yet know about its long-term safety.
His advice? Don’t be the first in line for a new procedure. Many innovations in plastic surgery eventually fall out of favor (inflatable gastric balloons, anyone?), and early adopters sometimes discover the downsides the hard way.
3. New breast implants may be changing the game.
We had a fascinating discussion about Motiva breast implants and their reported low rates of capsular contracture, the scar tissue that can harden around an implant.
Terry has seen encouraging results in his own practice, as have I, including among patients with recurrent problems. Although we are still gathering evidence, we both agree that this new generation of breast implants appear to be game changing for our patients.
And unlike some other “newer” treatments, Motiva breast implants have been used and studied for 15 years.
4. Today He Wouldn’t Participate in The Swan or Bridalplasty.
As much as Dr. Dubrow is a respected, esteemed plastic surgeon today, he also took part in some of the most controversial plastic surgery reality shows of the early 2000’s, such as The Swan and Bridalplasty.
Did you see these shows or the recent HULU documentary on The Swan?
Although he insists that the plastic surgery performed on those programs was performed safely and the patients/contestants remain overall happy they did them, he would not participate on those programs today. The early 2000’s was definitely a very different time when it came to what was considered acceptable TV!
5. Thinking about a facelift? Your surgeon’s preference and experience matters more than the actual technique.
When I asked Terry whether patients should choose a facelift based on the technique—such as SMAS or deep plane—his answer was refreshingly simple: choose an experienced surgeon who is skilled in the approach they recommend.
I agree with that assessment!
Want to hear more?
In my full conversation with Dr. Terry Dubrow, we also discuss breast implant illness, the future of GLP-1 medications, microdosing, and why we’re both excited about the future of longevity medicine.
It’s an honest conversation about what plastic surgery can accomplish, where the science still falls short, and how to make smarter decisions about your health and appearance. The episode is titled, The Truth About Plastic Surgery Trends, GLP-1’s, and Longevity with Dr. Terry Dubrow of BOTCHED.
To listen on Apple devices, click HERE. To listen on Spotify, click HERE.
