Celebrity Facelift Transformations: Unmasking the Hollywood Secrets
Of all the cosmetic surgery procedures proudly displayed on our televisions and social media platforms, celebrity facelifts seem to capture our attention the most. Whether the results are stunning or shocking, we are transfixed when our favorite stars opt for corrective surgery. Perhaps this is because their faces do, in a sense, embody their careers; we recognize stars by their looks, after all. Perhaps it is because when celebrities undergo facelifts, they tend to opt for dramatic work rather than the subtle changes more common in everyday life. Whatever the reason, celebrity facelift transformations continue to make us ponder the changes they bring about and how they influence the public’s perception of cosmetic procedures.
A Few Good Men–And Women–Who Have Had Facelifts
One of the most stunning transformations in recent years was that of Tom Cruise. Cruise appeared in October of 2021 at a baseball game with a clearly swollen face, sparking rumors that he had undergone plastic surgery or was possibly having a reaction to facial fillers. Though Cruise denied the rumors, several doctors who have been asked to analyze his photos through the past three decades agree that it is likely he has had some cosmetic surgery, although it is unclear exactly which ones. Whatever the truth, his plump, youthful face speaks to an attempt to recapture the good looks that vaulted him to fame in the late 1980s.
Cruise is also noteworthy in another regard: his possible flirtation with plastic surgery and/or fillers shows that many male figures in Hollywood may also be susceptible to the draw of “endless youth.” While facelift procedures and other cosmetic surgery is often seen as a woman’s issue, more and more men are seeking out these procedures to help them gain more self-confidence and feel better about themselves.
Female stars are also often reticent about their plastic surgery, even when it is clear that they have had some type of procedure. A good example of this is Renee Zellweger, who vaulted to fame as a dedicated method actress willing to pack on the pounds for a role when required. Her broad face, accentuated by small, almost squinting eyes, was not classically beautiful but was beloved by a generation of fans for her fun, girl-next-door roles. When she suddenly appeared in 2014 with a taut, sculpted face that only vaguely resembled her old look, her fans were taken aback. Many bemoaned her possible decision to have plastic surgery, although Zellweger is firm in her belief that she has done what is best for her and says she is “very happy” with the results. This may be one case in which becoming more classically attractive through plastic surgery has the opposite of its intended results with a star’s fan base!
Not all stars are happy about their plastic surgery experiences. Heidi Montag, the former star of a reality show known as “The Hills,” shared details of her long list of procedures, including a brow lift, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, chin reduction and various rounds of facial fillers. Most of the work was done when she was most famous in the mid-2000s. Montag now blames her decision to have so much work done on “trolls” who intimidated her on the Internet, stating that she wishes she could go back to her natural appearance. Often, when someone rushes into plastic surgery without thoroughly understanding the options or the outcomes, there can be later regret; therefore, a good plastic surgeon always talks with patients and attempts to manage their expectations and to learn more about why that person wants surgery.
Some stars have sought plastic surgery not only to enhance their natural good looks but for the purpose it was originally intended–to repair damage caused by accident or violence. One recipient of such surgery was the rapper Lil’ Kim, who, following a violent altercation with a boyfriend that resulted in a broken nose, underwent rhinoplasty or nose repair. Since then, the singer has opted for several other procedures, producing a face that is more contoured than her original. Whatever their feelings about her latest work, her fans seem to support her initial foray into plastic surgery, hailing her as a courageous role model for young girls who may have experienced violence at the hands of an intimate partner by showing there is hope for recovery.
Not all plastic surgery turns out well for stars, however. Melanie Griffith famously went through a terrible period following a botched facelift and disastrous follow up with fillers and other procedures. Public pressure was enormous, with many people stating that they could barely recognize the star. Finally, Griffith sought out a different and better surgeon who was able to make some repairs to the damage that had been done. Griffith’s story is a cautionary tale to those who might be tempted to use a less-than-reputable provider.
How Have Stars Shaped Our Ideas About Plastic Surgery?
At one time, plastic surgery was reserved only for serious medical cases and the very rich, such as movie stars. Today, improvements in procedures have resulted in expanding accessibility to people from all walks of life. Because of this, more and more people are considering plastic surgery options, and many of them turn to their favorite celebrities to learn more about how these procedures affect their lives. Based on what we see, we may be influenced to seek out–or avoid!–cosmetic procedures for ourselves, hoping for similar results.
At The Aesthetic Center, we are ready to work with you to help you understand the impact of various procedures on your face or body. We want to be sure that you have all the information needed to make an informed decision about your plastic surgery procedures. Give us a call today to talk to one of our professionals.
