Stars Are an Open Book About Their Appearance

For a long time, discussions surrounding plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures were considered taboo, with celebrities often being evasive about their evolving looks. (How many times have we heard famous personalities credit their transformations to weight loss, contouring, push-up bras, or miracle creams?) However, a notable shift has occurred recently, as some of the most prominent figures in the industry have started to come clean.

Just last month, Meghan Trainor opened up about her recent breast augmentation and lift.

“Yes, I got my boobs done,” she announced in an Instagram video, expressing her joy over her choice. “I’ve always struggled with appreciating my boobs.” She added, “They look and feel incredible now.”

Trainor’s candidness follows former Dancing With the Stars professional Lindsay Arnold, who documented her breast augmentation experience on social media earlier this year.

According to Dr. Bill Kortesis, a board-certified plastic surgeon and co-founder of H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery, the cultural move towards self-acceptance is encouraging celebrities to share their experiences.

“The realization that beauty isn’t a universal standard has empowered more people to be vulnerable, demonstrating that beauty is personal,” he told Us Weekly. “As more celebrities share their narratives, it inspires others to make these choices freely, thus diminishing the associated shame.”

Megan Fox was among the first to embrace this trend last spring. During an appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, she candidly discussed her cosmetic procedures (including breast implants, a nose job, fillers, Botox, and laser treatments).

“I feel as though there’s this stigma, and I’m not going to win,” she remarked regarding her choice to be open, adding, “I hope it liberates some people.”

Olivia Culpo soon followed suit, addressing rumors of cosmetic surgery on TikTok last April, while unveiling the areas where she has received Botox and fillers. In July, Ariana Madix confessed on Instagram about her use of injectables for facial enhancement and disclosed that she underwent a neck makeover through a minimally invasive rejuvenation treatment.

High-profile stars such as Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande have also tackled the speculation surrounding their looks directly. Gomez confirmed in July that she’s had “Botox — that’s all,” while Grande participated in a lie detector test during a September interview for Vanity Fair to address various rumors.

While Grande denied having breast implants, a chin implant, or a facelift (the lie detector confirmed her truthfulness!), she did admit to having had fillers and Botox, stating that she stopped around four years ago.

Manhattan-based psychotherapist and author Jonathan Alpert cautioned Us that when celebrities freely discuss their cosmetic procedures, it shines a light on “the pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards.” Conversely, bi-coastal psychiatrist and medical expert Dr. Yalda Safai contends that this inclination towards openness is part of a larger empowerment movement that will ultimately benefit individuals in the long run.

“Younger generations are growing up with role models who champion authenticity over perfection,” Safai explained to Us, “which could help positively reshape societal norms.”

While there remains a sense of unattainability for many, as not everyone can afford frequent visits to plastic surgeons, it is refreshing to witness our favorite stars openly discussing a subject that was once so shrouded in secrecy that many felt they had to bury their experiences (and numerous procedures) in silence.