A fan of Kylie Jenner turned to TikTok this past June, expressing admiration for her “perfect natural-looking boob job.” Rachel Leary asked directly, “What was it you asked for?” To the astonishment of many, the founder of Kylie Cosmetics responded, revealing the specifics of her breast augmentation and the name of her surgeon, Garth Fisher. Just a month earlier, Jenner’s mother, Kris, had similarly credited surgeon Steven Levine for her refreshed appearance, turning him into an overnight sensation.
Kristin Cavallari also shared her experience with breast augmentation, specifying the amount of ccs injected. “Everyone thinks I went a lot bigger, but I’ve just pushed them up a couple times,” she explained. Meanwhile, Ricki Lake disclosed on Andy Cohen’s “Watch What Happens Live” that she underwent a neck and lower facelift, sending a public shout-out to Los Angeles plastic surgeon Allen Foulad.
Not to be outdone, Barbara Corcoran from “Shark Tank” took to Threads to share her list of procedures, which included three facelifts, a brow lift, neck lift, eye lift, and even something referred to as “ear filler.” This revelation is part of a broader trend, with numerous celebrities such as Anna Faris, Chrissy Teigen, and Kaley Cuoco also sharing details of their cosmetic enhancements.
Historically, cosmetic procedures were discreetly discussed, often around holiday seasons to create the illusion of a rejuvenated appearance. Now, however, celebrities are openly discussing their surgical experiences and promoting their aesthetic doctors.
Experts from the cosmetic surgery field suggest several reasons behind this shift. Some attribute it to a generational change as millennials and Gen Z grow accustomed to Botox and fillers, while social media encourages openness and honesty. There’s also a belief in industry reciprocity—an exchange of free services for publicity is noted by sources familiar with the dynamics.
Additionally, the influence of the Kardashians cannot be overlooked. They possess the financial means to pay full price and have adopted a more relaxed attitude toward privacy regarding cosmetic procedures. Julie Obst, co-founder of LA Beauty Connect, remarked, “These celebs are making it a non-story by taking back the narrative.” Yet, she acknowledged a certain allure of mystery surrounding plastic surgery.
Among male celebrities, admissions of surgical enhancements remain rare, with a few exceptions like Marc Jacobs and Joey Fatone. Notably, John Cena openly discussed undergoing a hair transplant, revealing he was “bullied” about his bald spot. He stated, “You guys ripped me to shreds for a genetic problem that I can’t control. I got a problem. I try to fix it. That’s what I’m doing.”
Despite a historical reluctance to discuss such procedures, men are also reaping the benefits of this newfound transparency. Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Bernard Markowitz noted, “Reality TV and social media have greatly enhanced the specialty’s exposure to more people on its potential benefits.” He indicated the percentage of male patients in his practice has significantly increased in recent years.
This increased openness is viewed positively by many, as it seeks to challenge unrealistic beauty standards. However, there are some concerns that it may lead younger individuals to pursue surgery prematurely, which could result in unfavorable outcomes. Several celebrities have reflected on their regrets regarding cosmetic decisions. Courteney Cox has admitted, “I have done things that I regret”; Sharon Osbourne referred to one procedure as “a horror show”; while Bella Hadid wished she had kept her original nose. Kylie Jenner herself acknowledged, “I wish I never got them done to begin with.”
In a culture that idolizes perfection, the reality of beauty interventions shows that idealization is not always synonymous with ideal outcomes.
