Every year brings a new trend, but few have generated as much debate as the recently coined “Mar-a-Lago Face.” Although the term is rooted in satire, it reflects a real shift in what some patients are asking for: dramatic lifts, prominent contouring, fuller features, and ultra-smooth skin that push far beyond traditional rejuvenation. Surgeons across the country are seeing more requests that mirror this exaggerated aesthetic.
This blog explores why this aesthetic is trending and how surgeons can guide patients toward outcomes that look refined rather than extreme.
What Exactly Is the “Mar-a-Lago Face” Trend?
The term “Mar-a-Lago Face” refers broadly to an aesthetic characterized by:- Highly elevated brows
- Prominent cheek fillers
- Tightened or pulled skin
- Strong, angular jawlines
- Very smooth foreheads
- Overfilled lips
- Minimal natural movement
Why Surgeons Are Seeing More Bold Requests
Multiple factors contribute to the growing demand for bold cosmetic changes, and surgeons today are seeing clear patterns in what shapes patient expectations. These key influences help explain why dramatic requests are becoming more common.1. Social Media Has Normalized Extreme Enhancement
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and short-form video content promote aggressively filtered features:- Ultra-smooth skin
- Exaggerated cheekbones
- Jawlines that defy natural anatomy
- Lip proportions that exceed standard aesthetic ratios
2. The Rise of “Status Aesthetics”
For some patients, a bold, obviously enhanced look is now associated with:- Wealth
- Social privilege
- Celebrity culture
- Personal reinvention
3. Dissatisfaction With Age-Related Changes
Patients experiencing natural aging may request more aggressive adjustments because they feel subtle improvements won’t produce meaningful change.4. Increased Availability of Non-surgical Options
Injectables, threads, and skin-tightening technologies enable enhancements that were once only possible through surgery. The ease of access encourages some to pursue frequent “touch-ups,” unintentionally creating an overdone look.5. Echo Chambers in Niche Social Groups
Online communities, friend circles, and influence-driven environments often reinforce a specific aesthetic. When everyone around a patient participates in bold enhancements, the dramatic becomes the new normal.The Risks of Overdone Aesthetics
Surgeons frequently see patients who regret dramatic past work or who come in seeking correction after chasing trends. Common risks include:- Distorted proportions
- Migration of filler
- Over-tightened tissues
- Compromised facial expression
- Long-term skin thinning from repeated injections
- Difficulty reversing certain changes (especially after multiple procedures)
How Surgeons Can Guide Patients Toward Balanced, Natural Results
Responding to bold aesthetic requests doesn’t mean shutting down a patient’s vision; it means helping them navigate their options with clarity and confidence. By creating a transparent, collaborative environment, surgeons can guide patients toward outcomes that feel empowering and still look natural.1. Begin With Education, Not Rejection
Simply telling a patient “that’s too much” risks breaking rapport. Instead, surgeons can:- Walk patients through facial anatomy
- Discuss aging patterns
- Review the limits of safe enhancement
- Explain proportional guidelines
2. Use Visual Aids and Realistic Imaging
Before-and-after photos, morphing tools, and side-by-side comparisons are powerful teaching tools. They help patients:- See how subtle changes can still achieve dramatic improvement
- Understand how exaggerated requests might impact facial harmony
- Visualize long-term aging with various levels of intervention
3. Emphasize Long-Term Aesthetic Planning
A single dramatic procedure rarely provides lasting satisfaction. Surgeons can offer multi-step plans that include:- Mild to moderate filler
- Fat transfer
- Surgical lifting when appropriate
- Skin rejuvenation for foundational quality
- Gradual volume adjustments
4. Offer Alternatives to “Trend-Based” Requests
When a patient comes in asking for a viral look, surgeons can reframe the conversation around:- Their unique bone structure
- Skin quality and elasticity
- Facial symmetry
- Natural aesthetic lines
5. Discuss Reversibility and Commitment
Some patients pursue bold enhancements without understanding:- Filler longevity
- Dissolving limitations
- Surgical permanence
- Maintenance frequency
- Cumulative effects on tissues
6. Establish a “Less Is More” Philosophy Early
It’s easier to add subtle enhancements later than to correct an overdone face. Many surgeons at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery take a conservative-first approach, especially with first-time patients.How Patients Can Decide What’s Truly Right for Them
While trends are fun to watch, meaningful cosmetic decisions should come from self-reflection, not cultural pressure. Patients can ask themselves:- Does this look align with my natural features?
- Am I trying to look like myself, or like someone trending online?
- Would I still want this procedure five years from now?
- Is this request coming from confidence—or from insecurity?
Balanced Results Will Always Outlast Trend Cycles
Trends like “Mar-a-Lago Face” come and go. What remains timeless is:- Facial harmony
- Proportion
- Natural movement
- Healthy tissues
- Confidence that comes from authenticity
