When it comes to beauty treatments, the promise of quick results and enhanced features can be incredibly tempting. From injectables to facials and more permanent procedures, there’s no shortage of options aimed at achieving a youthful, flawless look. However, not every treatment delivers the expected outcome—and for some women, especially as they age, certain beauty procedures can end in regret. Whether it’s due to unexpected side effects, unnatural results, or long-term complications, it’s important to make informed decisions before committing to any cosmetic enhancement.
Glam Girl Gabi, a pro makeup and hairstylist, recently shared the cosmetic procedures she “seriously regrets.” Cat eye thread lifts, vampire facials, and brow Botox are a few that made it to her list. Read on to learn more.
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1. Cat Eye Thread Lift
While thread lifts are marketed as minimally invasive and temporary (lasting 6-12 months), the effects aren’t always easy to reverse if you’re unhappy with the outcome.
"I tried the Cat Eye Thread Lift, and let’s just say… NEVER AGAIN. Even with my high pain tolerance, it was horrible—so invasive that I passed out. The results? Barely noticeable and gone way too fast, plus I had pain in my temples for months. Huge waste of [money]!"
2. Vampire (PRP) Facial
Despite being marketed as non-invasive, PRP facials can cause significant bruising, redness, and swelling. For those with sensitive or aging skin, recovery can take longer than expected—and the visible aftermath might not be worth it.
In Gabi's case, it was "way more invasive than I expected! My face was red, blotchy, and swollen—it took a full week before I felt okay going out and another to look normal. Results? Pretty, but too short-lived. Oh, and getting this done in the summer? BIG mistake."
3. Too much lip filler
One of the most common regrets is the “overfilled” or “duck lips” look. When too much filler is injected, it can distort the natural proportions of the face, making lips appear stiff, overly puffy, or asymmetrical—drawing attention for the wrong reasons.
"The first time I got lip filler in my 20s was with an inexperienced nurse. My lips looked overfilled and felt hard, and the swelling was next level. I had lumps for MONTHS. Regret? 1000%. Less is just more when it comes to the lips," she says.
4. Brow Botox
Brow Botox, when done correctly, can lift the brows for a more youthful, refreshed look. But when overdone or poorly placed, it can come with several regretful downsides—especially for women aiming for subtle, natural results.
"I tried a Botox brow lift to give myself more eyelid space for eyeliner, and it was a fail. My brows looked way too high and peaked—so unnatural! I felt like a permanent ‘surprised’ emoji," Gabi reveals.
5. Microblading
In microblading, one of the most common complaints is brows that look too dark, too thick, or uneven. Because microblading is semi-permanent, if the shape or color isn’t right for your face, you’re stuck with it for months—or even years—unless you invest in expensive and sometimes painful correction treatments.
"I thought microblading was semi-permanent… Turns out, not so much. It faded way too fast—but not in a good way. My brows turned ORANGE. If only I knew how expensive and annoying removal would be," Gabi warns.
