You walk into a Medspa or a plastic surgeon’s office and say, “I just want to look better.” You’re not pointing to a deep wrinkle, a bump on your nose, or a specific feature you want to tweak—you simply want to feel fresher, more confident, and maybe turn a few heads. You’re far from alone. Many patients approach their dermatologist or plastic surgery consults with general beauty goals rather than specific concerns, which can be challenging for professionals to figure out exactly what “better” means for you… and making sure it’s achievable in a way that leaves you satisfied. So, is it a good idea to get injected or go under the knife when you’re not quite sure what’s “off” to you? We interviewed AEDIT founder Board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. William Kennedy to get his opinion on the matter.

Can you get plastic surgery just to look better?

You’re not feeling comfortable in your skin, we totally get it and can relate. But, is plastic surgery the solution? Board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. William Kennedy says, "The first conversation with a patient should be to uncover what ‘attractive’ means to them personally, how they want to feel, and what aligns with their unique features.” Surgeons and aesthetic specialists want to understand your unique vision of beauty. Sometimes that’s rooted in subtle anti-aging goals, while other times it’s about changing harmony and balance. If you don’t come in with specifics, your doctor should put on his or her detective hat, helping interpret your beauty goals while ensuring the procedure plan is realistic and safe.

What are the best cosmetic procedures to look more attractive?

The best cosmetic procedures for general attractiveness depend entirely on your desired outcome. There are a number of non-surgical treatments that you can get at a Medspa like dermal fillers, Botox, skin resurfacing, and thread lifts to rejuvenate the face with minimal downtime. Some surgical options might include eyelid surgery to open up the eyes, lip lifts for a youthful smile, or rhinoplasty for profile refinement. When it comes to the body, many doctors turn to liposuction, breast lifts, or tummy tucks to tone and tighten. The most effective approach is personalized; what looks transformative for one person might be unnecessary for another.

Do people get surgery without knowing what they want?

Dr. Kennedy shares, “It’s very common for patients to come in with a clear goal in mind, yet be unsure of which procedure will best help them achieve it.” This is where aesthetic consultations play an essential role. The provider’s job is to listen, ask the right questions, and guide you toward options that align with your anatomy, your lifestyle, and your goals. You don’t have to walk in knowing exactly what you want, but you should be open to honest feedback about what will and won’t work for you.

Is it normal to want plastic surgery but not know why?

If you’ve been feeling like you need to get plastic surgery without a clear idea, we’re here to reassure you that’s completely normal. It often happens when you’ve been feeling “off” about your appearance but can’t pinpoint the reason. Maybe you’ve noticed you look tired in photos or that your reflection doesn’t quite match how youthful you feel inside. These feelings are valid, but they do require exploration. Good providers will help you unpack whether those feelings stem from a specific facial or body feature.

What does “facial balancing” mean in cosmetic treatments?

Facial balancing treatments are designed to create harmony among your facial features. Instead of zeroing in on one small area, providers look at proportions; how the chin relates to the jawline, or how the cheeks support the under-eye area. Balancing can be achieved with fillers, implants, or surgical adjustments, and the goal is to create an overall effect where no single feature overpowers the others. This approach is especially common when patients come in with general requests to “look better” rather than to fix one thing. From Dr. Kennedy's experience he shares, “True enhancement isn’t about changing a single feature but rather creating harmony among all the features so that no one element overpowers the others. This might mean using fillers, implants, or surgery, but the end goal is always the same: a natural, proportionate look that feels like the best version of themselves.”

What do plastic surgeons recommend if I want to look prettier?

If you tell your provider you simply want to look prettier, they’ll likely recommend a combination of Medspa treatments to look younger, volume restoration in areas that have hollowed over time, or subtle adjustments to enhance symmetry. The advice will always be based on your individual features, and the goal is to keep the results natural so you still look like yourself—just refreshed and more confident.

What procedures make your face more symmetrical?

Facial symmetry can be improved through a variety of approaches, depending on the underlying cause of imbalance. Dermal fillers can even out minor volume differences while surgical procedures like rhinoplasty or chin augmentation can address structural asymmetries. In some cases, dental work or orthodontics play a role in balancing the lower face.

What should I ask during a cosmetic consultation?

When going in for an aesthetic consultation, it’s important to have an open conversation with your doctor. Ask how they would approach your goals, what procedures they recommend, what results are realistic, and what recovery will look like. Additionally, you’ll want to ask to see before-and-after photos of patients with similar procedures and discuss any risks associated. This is also the time to talk openly about your budget, your timeline, and whether you’re looking for a one-time transformation or a longer-term maintenance plan.

Can plastic surgery make you more attractive?

Plastic surgery can enhance your attractiveness when it’s done by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. When improvements are subtle and in harmony with your overall look, they can boost your confidence and help you feel more comfortable in your own skin. However, it’s important to keep in mind that attractiveness is subjective, which is why it’s so important to ensure that you and your surgeon are on the same page about your desired outcome.

What’s the difference between fixing a feature and enhancing overall beauty?

Fixing a feature focuses on one specific area, like minimizing a bump on the nose, lifting droopy eyelids, or augmenting the jaw. Enhancing overall beauty takes a holistic view, considering how all your features work together. Many providers find that addressing the face as a whole, rather than in isolated parts, leads to results that feel more natural and long-lasting.

Is wanting to “look better” a red flag for plastic surgery?

We’ll keep it honest: it can be. Vague plastic surgery goals could be a sign that a patient hasn’t fully thought through their expectations. In some cases, wanting to “look better” is perfectly healthy and simply means the patient is open to expert guidance. In other cases, it might indicate a deeper insecurity or external pressure. Since plastic surgery is permanent, a responsible provider will help patients explore this before moving forward.

Can vague beauty goals lead to regret after cosmetic procedures?

Yes, vague requests can sometimes result in plastic surgery regrets, especially if the plastic surgeon didn’t have a good understanding of the patient’s idea of beauty. That being said, sometimes patients are disappointed with their outcomes even when they were treating a specific feature. This is why thorough consultations and realistic goal-setting are so critical.

Is it bad to get cosmetic treatments because of social media trends?

Trends come and go. Social media also tends to highlight extremes and heavily edited results that aren’t realistic for most people. The safest approach is to choose treatments that align with your personal style and natural features, not just what’s trending online.

How do experts handle patients who are chasing beauty trends?

When providers identify that a patient is chasing a fleeting look, they may steer the conversation toward more timeless and individualized options. This might involve explaining why certain beauty trend procedures won’t age well or showing examples of subtle changes that will still look good years from now. The goal is to help you avoid decisions that could lead to regret down the road. "When patients come in with goals influenced by the latest trend, I encourage them to opt for procedures that will balance and highlight their individuality in a way that feels authentic and stands the test of time,” shares Dr. Kennedy.

Do aesthetic procedures impact self-esteem and confidence?

For many people, the right procedure can boost self-esteem and improve confidence. Feeling good about how you look can have a ripple effect, encouraging you to engage more fully in life. However, if deeper emotional issues are driving your desire for change, surgery alone won’t solve them. That’s why good providers take time to understand the whole picture.