The Beauty Standard with Dr. Roy Kim

This Week's Beauty Standard - Stars, Scams, and Second Thoughts - August 11, 2025 - What You Missed in Plastic Surgery

• Dr. Roy Kim

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The Beauty Standard: Unpacking 'Ozempic Face,' Face Taping, and Cosmetic Surgery Trends

In this week's episode of The Beauty Standard, Dr. Roy Kim delves into the latest trends and controversies in the world of cosmetic surgery and celebrity culture. From Brielle Biermann's dramatic under-eye filler removal to the rise of 'Ozempic face' among rapid weight loss patients, get a comprehensive breakdown of what's influencing beauty standards today. Learn about face taping trends on TikTok, the impact of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic on cosmetic procedures, and the alarming case of a woman using Medicaid fraud money for surgery and luxury items. Understand the financial pitfalls of financing cosmetic treatments and explore non-invasive alternatives for facial rejuvenation after weight loss. Tune in to make informed, intentional decisions about your cosmetic needs.

00:00 Morning Headlines: Celebrity Transformations and Cosmetic Surgery Scandals
00:29 Welcome to The Beauty Standard: Exploring Cosmetic Surgery Trends
01:26 The Ozempic Face Phenomenon: Rapid Weight Loss and Cosmetic Interventions
03:45 Brielle Biermann's Transformation: The Risks of Under-Eye Fillers
05:33 Face Taping: TikTok's Latest Beauty Trend
07:28 Medicaid Fraud and Cosmetic Surgery: The Case of Candace Taylor
08:36 Financing Cosmetic Procedures: The Hidden Costs
09:06 Patient Satisfaction and Realistic Expectations in Cosmetic Surgery
10:55 Non-Surgical Alternatives: Prevention and Minimal Downtime Treatments
12:19 Frequently Asked Questions: Filler Dissolution, Face Taping, and More
13:28 Final Thoughts: Informed Decision-Making in Cosmetic Surgery

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Join us next week as we explore another fascinating topic in the world of beauty, and remember: your body, your choice, your standard!

Speaker 1:

Welcome to the Beauty Standard with Dr Roy Kim. You wake up Monday morning, scroll through your phone with your coffee and the first thing you see Brielle Biermann looking completely different after dissolving years of under eye filler. Then there's a story about someone in Louisiana buying a Lamborghini and cosmetic surgery with Medicaid fraud money. Your next swipe shows TikTokers taping their faces instead of getting Botox, and somewhere between all that, you read about people financing lip filler like they're buying concert tickets. Welcome to the Beauty Standard. I'm Dr Roy Kim, and this week we're diving into the wild world where celebrity culture meets cosmetic surgery reality Disclaimer this podcast is meant for education only. Always discuss your needs with a board-certified surgeon. Let's set the stage with some eye-opening numbers. One in eight American adults now uses GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, and 40% of plastic surgery patients using these medications are considering additional procedures to address Ozempic. Face. Hyaluronic acid filler use has doubled since 2017, jumping from 2.6 million to over 5.2 million Americans in 2023. Face taping has exploded on TikTok with over 50 million views. And here's the kicker Buy now, pay later. Cosmetic procedure financing has increased 300% this year. The average filler session now costs $600 to $1,200 with 0% financing, making it feel almost free almost.

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Let's start with the story that's reshaping my entire practice ozempic face the term was coined by a cosmetic specialist who noticed a dramatic spike in patients dealing with unwelcome side effects from rapid weight loss. We're talking about the sagging skin and hollowed out appearance that happens when people lose 20, 30, even 50 pounds quickly. Here's what's happening. Medically. Glp-1 medications like Ozempic work by stimulating insulin production and curbing appetite. People lose weight fast, sometimes one to two pounds per week or more. But here's the thing your face loses volume in fat cells that don't regenerate. Your body doesn't make new fat cells. As an adult, those cells just shrink, leaving you with what patients describe as looking deflated or melted. The numbers are staggering. Facelifts jumped 8% between 2022 and 2023. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that 40% of members GLP-1 patients were considering cosmetic surgery and 20% already had procedures done.

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We're seeing what I call the Ozempic makeover a suite of procedures including tummy tucks, breast lifts, arm lifts and thigh lifts. Take Kimberly Bongiorno, who lost 45 pounds on Wegovy. She described looking at a photo of herself and feeling like she'd melted. After consulting with a plastic surgeon, she underwent a deep plane facelift and neck lift. The transformation was dramatic, but so was the cost. She estimates she'll spend about $80,000 on various procedures to address excess skin throughout her body.

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Here's what patients need to understand. Age determines how your face reacts to weight loss. People in their 20s and 30s have good skin elasticity, so the skin rebounds better. Patients over 40 losing more than 10 pounds will likely see facial volume loss. Lose 20 to 30 pounds or more and you're almost guaranteed to need intervention. The prevention approach is interesting. Younger patients like 29-year-old Gabriela Vasquez are getting preventative Botox and microneedling while still losing weight. She's dropped 50 pounds since November and is already addressing concerns about jowls and jawline definition. What's fascinating is the ripple effect. We're seeing Ozempic body alongside Ozempic face. Rapid weight loss causes muscle loss throughout the body, not just fat loss. This creates loose skin everywhere, leading to the comprehensive Ozempic makeover.

Speaker 1:

Now let's talk about the celebrity story that's got everyone's attention Brielle Bierman's dramatic transformation On E's botched-presence plastic surgery rewind. The 28-year-old dissolved her under-eye filler and showed the world what going natural looks like. Here's the medical context. Brielle got under-eye filler at age 18. That's problematic for several reasons. First, the under eye area is anatomically complex the skin is thin, the blood supply is delicate and the risk of complications is higher than other injection sites. Second, getting filler at 18 means your face hasn't finished developing. Adding volume to a still maturing face creates unnatural proportions. Brielle described her relationship with filler as becoming like getting a Diet Coke. That casualness is exactly what worries me.

Speaker 1:

Filler isn't harmless. Under-eye filler specifically carries risks, including blindness, vascular occlusion and the Tyndall effect, where the filler creates a blue-gray discoloration under the skin. The dissolution process uses hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid filler. But here's what patients don't realize the process isn't always predictable. You might get uneven dissolution, overcorrection or temporary swelling that makes you look worse before you look better. What's interesting about Brielle's story is the psychological component. She admitted that having all that filler made her feel less like herself. This is something I see regularly. Patients get incremental additions over years and suddenly they look in the mirror and don't recognize themselves. The celebrity influence here is significant. When someone with Brielle's platform shows their natural face and talks about the dangers of under eye filler. It impacts thousands of young women who might reconsider similar procedures.

Speaker 1:

Speaking of alternatives, let's examine the face taping trend that's exploded on social media With over 50 million TikTok views. People are applying kinesiology tape to their faces overnight, claiming it prevents wrinkles and provides lifting effects. The theory makes sense on paper. Face taping restricts facial muscle movement during sleep, theoretically reducing the formation of expression lines. It's the same principle as Botox, but purely mechanical rather than biochemical. Here's what the science says.

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Face taping works temporarily and modestly. A consultant dermatologist I consulted noted that it provides slight compression that leads to temporarily smoother or more lifted skin. The key word is temporary. We're talking hours, not months. The application technique matters.

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You apply tape to clean, dry skin about 30 minutes after your skincare routine. You stretch the skin slightly before applying the tape, but never stretch the tape itself, as this pulls on delicate facial skin. Does it work? Sort of Face taping breaks habits, like furrowing your brow, which helps reduce lines over time. Consistency is key. Advocates recommend building up to five times per week. Some combine it with radiofrequency devices to relax muscles further. The risks are minimal, but real Skin irritation, redness and dermatitis occur, especially with sensitive skin or barrier dysfunction. The biggest mistake people make is removing the tape roughly, which causes irritation and potentially damages the skin. Comparing face taping to Botox is like comparing a bicycle to a car they both get you places, but one is far more effective. Botox works by inhibiting nerve signals to muscles below the skin surface, creating effects that last three to six months. Face taping works only on the surface and only while applied. Face taping provides an alternative for people avoiding injectable treatments, but expectations need to be realistic. It's a short-term solution best suited for special occasions or as part of a broader skincare regimen.

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Now for the uncomfortable stories. Let's talk about Candace Taylor, the Louisiana Medicaid millionaire who spent government benefit money on cosmetic surgery and luxury items. Taylor, 35, was arrested for Medicaid fraud after investigators discovered she generated over $9.5 million in business revenue between 2020 and 2024 while claiming government benefits. Court documents show she made six-figure withdrawals via cashier's checks to fund property purchases, cosmetic surgery and high-end purchases, including a Lamborghini. This case highlights several concerning trends. First, cosmetic surgery has become so normalized that people view it as a necessity rather than a luxury. Second, social media creates pressure to maintain a certain image, leading people to make financial decisions that don't align with their actual resources. The Attorney General's office called Taylor the Medicaid millionaire and posted on social media no, you cannot buy a Lambo and plastic surgery while receiving Medicaid benefits. The case went viral partly because of the audacity while receiving Medicaid benefits. The case went viral, partly because of the audacity, but also because it represents broader issues with healthcare fraud and social media-driven lifestyle inflation.

Speaker 1:

Related to this is the explosion in buy-now-pay-later financing for cosmetic procedures. These payment plans make a $1,200 filler session feel affordable at $100 per month. But here's the problem Cosmetic procedures are temporary. You're financing something that needs maintenance every six to 12 months. The psychological aspect is crucial. Easy financing removes the natural pause that occurs when someone has to pay up front for an elective procedure. That pause is when people often reconsider whether they really need or want the treatment.

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Recent research reveals fascinating insights about patient satisfaction and outcomes in aesthetic procedures. A 2024 study found that psychological preparation predicted satisfaction better than technical surgical factors. This reinforces something I've seen in practice the patients who do best are those who have realistic expectations and understand the limitations of their chosen procedures. Another study examined the role of social media on patient expectations. Patients who spent more than two hours daily on image-focused platforms had less realistic expectations and lower satisfaction rates, regardless of surgical outcomes. This Instagram effect is reshaping how I consult with patients. We're also learning about the microbiome's role in surgical healing. Patients with diverse gut bacteria heal faster and have fewer complications. Some practices now implement preoperative probiotic protocols based on this research. Three-dimensional imaging technology lets us show patients realistic predictions before treatment. Ai helps predict which patients might have complications, based on medical history and procedure combinations. But the most important finding remains consistent the surgeon-patient relationship predicts satisfaction better than any technology.

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The research on Ozempic rebound is particularly relevant. A recent peer-reviewed study found that most people using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss quit within a year. University of Oxford researchers presented data showing patients typically return to their original weight within 10 months of stopping the medication. This raises serious questions about the timing of cosmetic procedures. If someone gets a facelift while on Ozempic and then regains the weight after stopping the medication, what happens to their results? This is why taking responsibility for the patient's entire journey matters, not just the immediate procedure.

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Another school of thought suggests focusing on prevention and non-invasive approaches before considering surgery or injectables For facial volume loss from weight loss. Radiofrequency treatments combined with microneedling stimulate collagen production and provide modest tightening effects. While less dramatic than surgical intervention, these treatments have minimal downtime and lower complication rates For those concerned about expression lines. Prescription retinoids combined with chemical peels address surface concerns without the risks of injectable treatments. Led light therapy and professional-grade skincare regimens achieve significant improvements over time. Surgical alternatives for comprehensive facial rejuvenation include mini facelifts and thread lifts for patients who need more intervention than non-surgical treatments provide but want to avoid the extensive downtime of traditional facelifts, the key principle is matching the intervention to the patient's goals, lifestyle and risk tolerance. Sometimes the most aggressive approach is necessary. Other times patients with conservative treatments achieves desired outcomes with less risk and expense For body contouring after weight loss. Cryolipolysis, fat freezing, combined with radiofrequency skin tightening, addresses many concerns. Without surgical intervention, results develop gradually over months, which some patients prefer psychologically to the immediate change from surgery.

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Let's answer some frequently asked questions. First is should I get filler dissolved, like Brielle Biermann, only if you're unhappy with your results or experiencing complications? Dissolution carries its own risks and isn't automatically better than maintaining your filler. Second, is face taping worth trying instead of Botox? For mild concerns and people avoiding injectables? Yes, but manage expectations. Results are temporary and modest compared to neurotoxin treatments. Third questions how do I avoid financing mistakes with cosmetic procedures? Never finance elective cosmetic treatments. If you cannot afford to pay cash, wait until you save enough. Financing creates a cycle of debt for temporary results. Fourth, will I need cosmetic surgery if I lose weight on Ozempic Depends on your age, amount of weight loss and skin elasticity. People over 40 losing 20 plus pounds will likely see facial volume changes requiring intervention. For fifth question how do I know if my expectations are realistic? Limit social media consumption to less than two hours daily. Ask your surgeon to show you realistic before and after photos, not heavily filtered social media images.

Speaker 1:

This week's stories reveal the complex relationship between celebrity culture, social media and cosmetic surgery decisions. We've seen stars reversing procedures they got as teenagers, tiktok trends promising Botox alternatives and fraud cases, highlighting how normalized cosmetic spending has become. The thread connecting all these stories the importance of informed, intentional decision-making. Whether you're considering filler dissolution, trying face taping or addressing ozempic face, your safety and satisfaction depend on realistic expectations and qualified practitioners. Celebrity influence is powerful, but remember their faces, their finances and their lifestyles aren't yours. Make decisions based on your goals, your budget and your well-being.

Speaker 1:

Here's my question for you. In a culture where cosmetic procedures are increasingly normalized, how do we maintain perspective on what truly enhances our lives versus what just follows trends? Drop your answers in the comments section. If today's episode made you think differently, share it with someone who needs to hear it and for weekly insights, make sure you're subscribed to the Beauty Standard. Remember this podcast is meant for education only. Always discuss your needs with a board-certified surgeon. Stay safe, stay curious and I'll see you next week. Thank you for listening to the Beauty Standard with Dr Roy Kim. Make sure to follow for future topics and episodes.