As a seasoned observer of the intricate world of cosmetic procedures and celebrity transformations, I find myself both captivated and somewhat saddened by the paradoxical nature of this industry. On one hand, we have individuals like Molly Bailey, who meticulously dissect photos of public figures to educate us on the art of subtle enhancement. On the other, we have stars who are wary of revealing their secrets, fearing the backlash that can come with admitting to such alterations.
As a devoted fan, I couldn’t help but be captivated by Demi Moore’s striking appearance at the New York premiere of Feud: Capote vs. The Swans in January. It seemed like she was turning back the clock, and it wasn’t just her five-step nighttime skincare routine that caught everyone’s attention on TikTok. Instead, it was the admiration for the mysterious doctor who might have been responsible for her rejuvenated look. “I’m not the one, but a part of me wishes I were,” Dr. Anthony Youn (@tonyyounmd), a renowned plastic surgeon from Detroit, humorously suggested to his 8.4 million TikTok followers and 1.3 million Instagram followers, hinting at potential procedures. Another TikToker, Dr. Jonny Betteridge (@drjb.aesthetics), also expressed admiration for Moore in a speculative video with over 2.8 million views, “Skillful surgery can not only transform someone’s appearance but keep them looking natural.”
As a devoted fan, I wasn’t completely sure if Moore had indeed undergone a surgical procedure, but I found myself aligning with those who have closely examined her career spanning four decades. Unlike before, the focus this time wasn’t from your typical supermarket tabloid. Instead, it was the buzz generated by platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels that brought the topic of plastic surgery into the spotlight. Interestingly, those fueling the speculation are often the ones most qualified to comment: the skilled professionals who administer Botox and wield scalpels in surgical procedures.
Dr. Betteridge, a U.K. medical professional, launched his clinic in 2022, focusing on non-surgical procedures like fillers. In January, he shared a video guessing that Brad Pitt might have undergone cosmetic enhancements. This video quickly became popular, amassing over 14 million views on Instagram. Since then, he has continued to post content speculating about the possible use of cosmetic treatments by celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Bradley Cooper, and Martha Stewart to maintain their youthful appearances.
“Betteridge clarifies that his aim isn’t to be an influencer; instead, he focuses on making his content educational. Interestingly, though, it’s his posts about celebrities that attract the most attention. As Betteridge explains, ‘this is how you capture a broad audience.’ He estimates that at least 80% of the 3,000 inquiries he’s received from potential patients this year can be attributed to his social media activity.”
Coco Chanel once stated that one must earn the face they have at 50, yet Hollywood has discovered that with some money and a willingness for injections, this can be achieved more swiftly. However, information about skilled doctors and innovative treatments often circulates in hushed conversations on red carpets or over lunches at the Polo Lounge. “Most of the time, my most impressive work goes unnoticed,” says Dr. Ben Talei (@drbentalei), a plastic surgeon from Beverly Hills who counts Sia among his clients. In other words, while much of his best work may be visible, it often remains undetected and unacknowledged by the public.
Social media, initially responsible for popularizing facial filters and the potential body dysmorphia they can cause, has brought transparency to the cosmetics industry. Today, whenever a notable figure undergoes a dramatic makeover on the red carpet, there’s a team of cosmetic professionals, equipped with social media advisors and marketing departments, ready to evaluate the transformation.
As a passionate gamer, I’m always on the lookout for honest information, and that’s exactly what some celeb docs are dishing out on TikTok and Insta about their cosmetic procedures. They’re not doing this to stir gossip (that wouldn’t help their practice anyways), but rather to spread knowledge – about the pros and cons of these treatments. Dr. Daniel Barrett from Beverly Hills, with 2.4 million followers on TikTok, is one of them. He believes that by shedding light on what these surgeries truly entail, we’re fostering a positive dialogue.
Many people understand the need to clarify to their audience that most A-list celebrities don’t naturally appear red carpet-ready. As Betteridge puts it, “It’s rare to find a celebrity these days who hasn’t had some sort of help.” Youn further explains, “It’s not just about using special skincare products that make them look younger than their actual age, they’re usually receiving some form of assistance when they’re in their 50s but still appearing to be in their 30s.”
Top-performing cosmetic procedure videos usually blend entertainment, education, and a hint of celebrity fascination. For instance, Molly Bailey, a St. Louis injector with 10,800 TikTok followers (@BaileysBotox) and 74,000 Instagram followers, employed images of Anne Hathaway to share tips on achieving a naturally administered Botox look. In her post, she speculates that Anne might have tried Botox due to her smooth skin and absence of expression lines, but does it in such a subtle way that it’s barely noticeable. As an injector, Molly personally believes this is the ideal approach. She further explains, before diving into a tutorial, how to strike a balance between Botox doses to minimize wrinkles without limiting facial expressions.
Bailey mentions that crafting a single 30-second video can demand numerous hours of research, such as scrutinizing images of notable individuals to detect alterations in their facial features over time. It’s essential to clarify that not all her videos propose surgical solutions. In one instance, she studies pictures of Margot Robbie from different years to demonstrate how people typically lose facial fat naturally during the aging process.
She acknowledges that her videos often provoke strong opinions. “I tend to receive more critical feedback than praise when I publish these videos,” she explains. “People seem to misunderstand that I’m not targeting them specifically.”
Stars often find themselves in the spotlight when discussing their cosmetic alterations, such as Megan Fox, who admitted on Call Her Daddy to having a nose job and breast augmentation early in her career but denying ever getting a facelift. The reaction is usually a blend of admiration and criticism. Many celebrities are uncomfortable with public scrutiny, as Kylie Jenner’s emotional breakdown on The Kardashians demonstrated, where she cried about the harsh comments regarding her enhanced lips, breasts, and other possible modifications. Previously, Bailey received a private message from an early 2000s reality star requesting her to remove a post. Despite not being obligated, she complied. “I don’t want to be cruel or make someone feel singled out,” she explains.
Generally speaking, there’s an agreement among doctors and injectors on social media that public figures should be more transparent about their cosmetic treatments. Barrett, who has reduced his celebrity-focused videos recently, explains, “I understand why celebrities might want to keep their procedures secret, but I also believe they have a responsibility to be more open about changes they’ve undergone.” (Representatives for the stars mentioned in this piece either didn’t comment or did not respond to a request for comment.)
Occasionally, being a TikToker who focuses on plastic surgery can lead to uncomfortable real-life situations. In 2020, Barrett shared a video speculating about Hailey Bieber’s cosmetic procedures, which resulted in E! News reporting that Bieber’s lawyer sent Barrett a cease-and-desist letter for alleged “deliberate and intentional violations” of her rights. However, things became more personal when Barrett encountered Bieber at his local market. He humorously remarked, “She could have given me a slap if she wanted to. I was laughing because I wasn’t wearing any scrubs or anything, so maybe she didn’t recognize me. I hope not!”
Originally, this tale was published in the August 14 edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. You can subscribe to it by clicking here.
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2024-08-18 19:57