Not so long ago, celebrities would swear blind that their flawless complexions came down to nothing more than “good genes, SPF and plenty of water”, and while the likes of Anne Hathaway and Emma Stone are staying quiet despite intense speculation on what they’ve had done, they’re in the minority now.
These days, the tide is turning, with stars increasingly pulling back the curtain on the procedures that help them look camera-ready. The most recent convert to the candid cohort is model Denise Richards, 55, who shared before-and-after photos of her facelift on social media. Of her decision to bare all, Denise told Allure: “I could have gotten away with, ‘Oh, she looks so much better after her divorce’… But I would want to know what other women are doing.”
She continued: “It’s not just serums. It’s not just eating right and working out and doing all these lasers and stuff like that.”
Denise’s decision to divulge all follows Kris Jenner, 70, who said of her (second) facelift: “I decided to do this facelift because I want to be the best version of myself, and that makes me happy. Just because you get older, it doesn’t mean you should give up on yourself.”
© GettyKris had her first facelift 15 years ago, but her open approach this time is perhaps inspired by her youngest daughter, Kylie Jenner, 28, who set the internet alight in June last year when she shared the exact details of her breast augmentation on TikTok – 445 cc, moderate profile, half under the muscle, silicone by the surgeon Garth Fisher, if you missed the social media storm that ensued.
© @kyliejennerSelena Gomez, Lindsay Lohan and Olivia Colman have all been open about their procedures too, singing the praises of Botox, while Katy Perry has admitted to having under-eye filler to banish dark circles.
Makeup mogul Kylie’s candour is in stark contrast to her younger years, when she denied having lip filler in 2015, despite her ever-plumping pout. And while her honesty may feel refreshing in an industry built on smoke and mirrors, the question remains – does having the full details of the tweakments your favourite star has booked in for do more harm than good?
Is honesty the best policy?
“Knowing exactly which treatments a celebrity has had done can be a double-edged sword,” says the renowned aesthetician Amy Peterson, who treats a host of big names – including Kylie Jenner – in her Miami clinic.
“While transparency in aesthetics is important, and more common thanks to social media, it is crucial to remember that every person’s anatomy, lifestyle and skin are unique. Just because a certain procedure worked beautifully for someone else doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for you.”
© Variety via Getty ImagesAmy adds: “The risk ultimately lies in setting unrealistic expectations. Thinking that one specific treatment will make you look like a certain celebrity ignores the many factors that contribute to your appearance, including genetics, ongoing maintenance and professional guidance.”
Ivona Igerc, better known as Dr. Ivy, agrees: “I always explain to my patients that the reality is sometimes stars have had plastic surgery, not just injectable treatments, to achieve that specific result.”
Celebrity inspiration
Just as people once took a photo of Jennifer Aniston’s haircut to the salon, it’s common for clients to bring celeb screenshots to their aesthetics appointment.
Dr. Ivy says: “Clients often come with celebrity photos as reference for what they want to achieve – and this can provide guidance for the result they want.
“However, every individual has their own unique anatomy, so it’s important to manage their expectations and explain that the face and lips need to be structured according to their personal facial geometry.”
© BAFTA via Getty Images“An ethical and honest practitioner should never promise they can achieve the same results that a celebrity has because there are many factors that come into play.”
Amy agrees, noting: “I like to remind my patients that true beauty lies in personalisation, not replication. What works beautifully for one face may not translate naturally to another. It is always important to begin with a consultation before leaping into any aesthetic procedure.”
The full picture?
She also stresses that celebrity openness doesn’t always tell the whole story: “Behind that one ‘game-changing’ treatment could be a long list of procedures.”
A-list trends should be followed with caution, she adds: “My job is to help patients understand what’s truly right for them, not just what’s trending. Real results come from individualised care and a deep understanding of the why behind the want.”
The personal approach
When it comes to emulating the faces on our phone and television screens, Amy says the secret is embracing individuality rather than chasing someone else’s blueprint.
“Celebrity inspiration can be a great starting point,” she notes. “It helps patients articulate what they’re drawn to. But the real magic happens when we use inspiration as a springboard, then customise it to the individual’s needs.
“Of course, it’s fine to take inspiration from celebrities who are open about their aesthetic journeys, but rather than aiming to replicate someone else’s look, focus on treatments that align with your own goals and natural beauty. The best results always come from a personalised approach.”
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