For years, talk about plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures was off-limits, with stars playing coy about their ever-changing appearances. (How many times have we heard famous faces attribute their glow-ups to weight loss, contouring, push-up bras or miracle creams?) But lately, we’ve seen a shift in the trend, with some of the biggest names in the industry coming clean.
Last month, Meghan Trainor revealed that she recently underwent a breast augmentation and lift.
“Yup, I got my boobs done,” she shared in an Instagram video, proudly declaring that she couldn’t be happier with her decision. “I’ve always struggled with loving my boobs.” Now, she added, “They look and feel amazing.”
Trainor’s honesty comes on the heels of former Dancing With the Stars pro Lindsay Arnold documenting her breast augmentation journey on social media in January.
Ariana Grande and More Stars Who Opened Up About Plastic Surgery
According to Dr. Bill Kortesis, a board-certified plastic surgeon and cofounder of H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery, celebs are feeling more encouraged to share their truths because of a cultural movement toward self-acceptance.
“Knowing that beauty isn’t a one-size-fits-all ideal has allowed more people to embrace vulnerability and show that beauty is personal,” he told Us Weekly. “As more [stars] share their experiences, it encourages others to approach these choices without fear of judgment … reducing the shame once associated with them.”
Megan Fox kicked off the trend last spring. During an appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, the actress detailed exactly what she’s done to her face and body (think: breast implants, nose job, fillers, Botox and lasers.)
“I feel like there’s this stigma, and I’m not going to win,” she said of her decision to tell all, adding, “I hope it sets some people free.”
Olivia Culpo followed suit, taking to TikTok last April to shut down rumors of plastic surgery while also revealing all the places she’s gotten Botox and fillers. Three months later, Ariana Madix did the same, confessing on Insta that she uses injectables to smooth and plump areas in her face — and even underwent a neck makeover with a minimally invasive rejuvenation procedure that lifts and contours.
Meghan Trainor Shares Before and After Pics From Breast Augmentation, Lift
A-listers like Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande have also addressed speculation about their appearances head-on, with Gomez confirming in July that she’s done “Botox — that’s it” and Grande sitting down for a lie detector test to tackle rumors in a September interview for Vanity Fair.
While Grande denied getting her breasts done, a chin implant and a facelift (the lie detector determined she was telling the truth!), she did cop to a few treatments: “I’ve had fillers in various places and Botox. But I stopped, like, four years ago.”
Manhattan-based psychotherapist and author Jonathan Alpert warned Us that when stars speak openly about their nips and tucks, it puts a spotlight on “the pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards.” However, bi-coastal psychiatrist and medical expert Dr. Yalda Safai argues this is all part of an empowerment movement that will ultimately benefit folks for years to come.
“Younger generations are growing up with role models who promote authenticity rather than perfection,” Safai told Us, “which could help reshape societal expectations for good.”
Yes, there’s still a bit of a sense of unattainability for many of us. After all, not everyone has the time or money for frequent visits to our local plastic surgeon’s office. But there’s something refreshing about our favorite stars speaking openly about a topic that was once so taboo that many felt forced to take their secrets (and countless nose jobs) to the grave.
