Plastic Surgery: The Ultimate Disguise for Criminals on the Run
Why go into hiding when you can change your face?
There have been cases of famous gangsters undergoing plastic surgery, but not because they were self conscious of their noses or wanted to lipo away the effects of their overindulgence. Several high-profile criminals on the run from the law have used plastic surgery as a means to go permanently incognito.
John Dillinger, a Depression-era bank robber who escaped numerous police traps during his career, reportedly modified the bridge of his nose, got rid of the cleft of his chin, and removed three moles and a scar. His plastic surgeon was a questionable doctor who had done time for drug charges. Unfortunately for Dillinger, a mere 25 days after the alleged surgery he was gunned down outside a theater.
A modern-day offender, Tony Giordano, had similar luck using plastic surgery to escape the law. Giordano, who was the last major player in a group responsible for a 2006 drug trafficking ring, employed plastic surgery, weight loss, and facial hair to elude authorities while other members of his band were rounded up. Giordano was eventually caught, although police had to use fingerprints to identify him, and some noted he looked about 10 years younger.
Bottom line: plastic surgery may buy you some time, but going on a permanent vacation to the Bahamas may be a better bet.