Experts suggest that celebrities are showing unprecedented transparency about their cosmetic procedures as plastic surgery has become more socially accepted.
A popular Instagram account, operated by an aesthetic physician’s assistant, prompted followers to speculate on the cosmetic enhancements of “Love Island” host Ariana Madix by comparing older and recent photographs of the reality star.
To everyone’s surprise, the “Vanderpump Rules” star engaged with the post, detailing all the surgical and aesthetic enhancements she has undergone.
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Ariana Madix was recently seen in Los Angeles without makeup after being candid about her cosmetic surgery. (GP/MEGA)
“I’ll share what I’ve done,” Madix commented. “You’re partly right. I have had [Botox] in my forehead lines, outer brow, and my neck. In 2019, I received [Evevate] for my neck from @theneckdoctor. I’ve had minimal lip filler since my face is small and filler in my chin. No filler anywhere else and definitely no [blepharoplasty] yet,” she added. “I hope this helps! I will keep everyone updated if I make any new changes.”
The reality star received accolades from fans praising her for her honesty.
“I appreciate your transparency and readiness to share, but remember, you don’t owe anyone anything. You’re a queen in many ways, and I admire your straightforward, no-nonsense approach to life. Keep thriving!” one follower wrote.
“YES! This kind of honesty helps remove the stigma around cosmetic procedures and can support other women contemplating their own paths regarding cosmetic work. Thank you for being open,” another user remarked.
However, Kevin Mercuri, the CEO of Propheta Communications and a visiting executive at Emerson College, indicated to Fox News Digital that such a move by Madix may have strategic implications.
Ariana Madix was lauded for her candid comments regarding cosmetic enhancements. (River Callaway/Variety via Getty Images)
“The advantages of a celebrity sharing their cosmetic procedures depend on their level of fame. Reality stars, for instance, need to stay in the spotlight to monetize their presence. By disclosing their cosmetic enhancements, they can easily stay relevant and connect with their audience,” he stated. “In contrast, A-list celebrities do not reap the same advantages from openness; they benefit from maintaining an air of mystery and avoiding tabloids.”
Dr. Johnson Lee, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Beverly Hills, California, informed Fox News Digital that celebrities often find transparency unavoidable, particularly in a world where before-and-after photos are a common sight.
“With the advent of the internet and social media, we are continuously subjected to images and information about beauty treatments and cosmetic surgeries, which has normalized their perception. Yet, this same technology subjects celebrities to constant scrutiny. Stories about celebrity plastic surgery are among the most popular content online, especially when combined with captivating before-and-after images,” he explained.
Ariana Madix gained fame from “Vanderpump Rules” and currently hosts “Love Island.” (Ben Symons/Peacock via Getty Images)
Madix’s approach showcases a growing number of celebrities who are opening up about their cosmetic procedures. Here’s a look at others who have shared their experiences.
Kristin Cavallari
Kristin Cavallari openly discussed her breast augmentation experiences. (Todd Williamson/NBC via Getty Images)
Kristin Cavallari shared her experiences with plastic surgery during a June episode of her podcast, “Let’s Be Honest,” where she spoke with Nashville surgeon Dr. Jacob Unger.
“I had breast augmentation done twice. I underwent the first procedure after breastfeeding my second child, Jackson. Following the birth of my daughter, Saylor, I decided to get them done again because they looked quite different after breastfeeding,” Cavallari recounted. “The second procedure was much simpler; it was such an easy experience,” she admitted.
“Carmen Electra once mentioned to me that each subsequent surgery is easier than the last, and I found that to be true,” she shared.
“Reality stars, needing to be frequently featured in tabloids, often use the revelation of cosmetic procedures as a method to stay relevant and foster connections with their fans.”
Megan Fox
Megan Fox has faced accusations about having undergone multiple surgeries she says she hasn’t had. (Presley Ann/Getty Images for GQ)
During her March 2024 guest appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Megan Fox enthusiastically addressed the rumors about her and detailed the surgeries she has undergone.
“Let me list all the procedures I’ve had,” Fox stated plainly.
“I had breast augmentation when I was around 21 or 22. I needed to have them redone after breastfeeding my children — they seemed to have disappeared,” she confessed, referring to the three sons she shares with ex-husband Brian Austin Green. “Then, I had to have them replaced recently due to the lack of body fat, which caused visible rippling of the implant, so I switched them out.”
The left image is Megan Fox from 2016, while the right picture was taken in May 2023. (Getty Images)
“I dislike surgery. My body doesn’t respond well to general anesthesia. When I undergo surgery, it feels like a significant risk… I’m genuinely afraid of dying under anesthesia. I don’t take such choices lightly, which restricts the number of procedures I have because of this fear,” she stated. “Honestly, my fear may serve as a saving grace; who knows what I might have done otherwise.”
“I’ve had my nose operated on in my early twenties, yet I’m often accused of undergoing multiple rhinoplasties,” she added.
Megan Fox shared candid information about the surgeries she has undergone. (Ricky Vigil M/Justin E Palmer/GC Images)
Fox did admit to one procedure that she’s choosing to keep private, as it’s relatively unknown and has been successful.
Moreover, she refuted claims of having undergone additional procedures, such as facelifts, brow lifts, and liposuction.
“In the past, celebrities rarely admitted to cosmetic surgery, but in recent years, the acceptance of such procedures has increased, leading to many celebrities openly stating their procedures,” reported Dr. Josef Hadeed, a double board-certified plastic surgeon speaking to Fox News Digital.
“This may also be due to the ease of accessing older photos of celebrities on the internet,” noted the Beverly Hills-based surgeon. “People can see if a celebrity’s looks have drastically changed over time, prompting many to come clean to sustain trust with their fans.”
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton, decades in the industry, is seen here in 1978 (left) and 2022 (right). (Getty Images)
Dolly Parton famously stated in 2011, “If anything is drooping, sagging, or bagging, I’ll tuck it, suck it, or pluck it.”
The musical icon is open about her past procedures and prefers to poke fun at herself before others can.
“I may look artificial, but I genuinely believe that I’m entirely real. My appearance is based on a country girl’s version of glam. I wasn’t born pretty, so I capitalize on all that I have,” Parton said in an interview with “CBS News Sunday Morning” in 2019.
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“As the internet allows people to observe a significant difference in celebrities’ appearances over the years, this compels many to confess about their work to maintain trust with their audiences.”
Dr. Lee also remarked that celebrities laying bare their experiences could greatly assist others, particularly those who are role models. By articulating their plastic surgery journeys, they can highlight responsible decision-making, the significance of thorough research, and choosing adept professionals with realistic expectations.
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This is a contribution that Parton has made. In a recent interview with Howard Stern in November 2023, she underscored the value of doing research before undergoing surgery.
“I always advise finding the top doctors,” she stated. “Even for some of my celebrity friends, I’d recommend the doctors I’ve worked with. Just be careful not to overdo it, because you never know how surgery will change your appearance,” she explained.
Dolly Parton has openly discussed her experiences with plastic surgery. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
“You never know how you will heal, or how your body will react. It’s crucial to choose the best doctors. Seek out those who come highly recommended or are well-known in the field. If you’re considering facial procedures, you can cover up imperfections on other parts of your body, but if surgery alters your face, you’ll have to live with it. I try to take it slow, doing minor adjustments rather than anything drastic,” she elaborated.
For Parton, fillers and Botox have become commonplace, but only when essential. “I ensure to be cautious even then.”
Kaley Cuoco
Kaley Cuoco stated that having “her boobs done” was one of the best decisions she’s made. (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images)
In a 2016 interview with Women’s Health, Kaley Cuoco opened up about her decisions regarding surgery and how it helped her look better.
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“Years ago, I had a rhinoplasty, and then I worked on my bust — it was the best decision I ever made. Recently, I added filler to a line in my neck that I’ve had since I was 12. While you want to accept your inner self, you also want to feel good about your appearance. It’s not for someone else, but if it boosts your confidence, that’s fantastic,” she shared.
Victoria Beckham
Victoria Beckham previously denied undergoing breast surgery. (Lisa O’Connor/AFP via Getty Images)
In 2017, Victoria Beckham penned an empowering letter to her 18-year-old self, published in British Vogue.
Having gained immense fame as Posh Spice in the Spice Girls, the fashion mogul wrote compassionately to her younger self about the journey ahead.
“Embrace your imperfections — that’s what I wish to convey. Allow your skin to breathe; apply less makeup. (And never allow that makeup artist to shave your eyebrows! The consequences last forever.) You will always have an affinity for Elnett hairspray, but you’ll manage to tone it down. Less of the ‘Hello! I’ve just been stuck in a wind tunnel,’ please,” she expressed.
The Spice Girls – Melanie Chisholm, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell, Victoria Beckham, and Melanie Brown – at the 1997 Billboard Music Awards. (Chris Walter/WireImage/Getty Images)
“And perhaps I should warn against altering your breasts. I spent years denying it – that was foolish and indicated insecurity. Just celebrate what you possess,” she asserted.
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Fox News Digital’s Larry Fink contributed to this article.
