In March 2024, Megan Fox set the record straight as to which plastic surgeries she had undergone and which she had not, intending to squash any rumors about her body. She is being praised for her willingness to open up, as the media suddenly becomes a private investigator the moment they notice a shift in facial or body construction.

Though it is no secret that being pretty pays, there is still an abundant amount of shame and stigma attached to cosmetic procedures. After all, if Hollywood casting is ready to dispose of women above 40, it would only make sense to seek enhancements, similar to revamping a resume for recruiters. For instance, Olympic gymnast McKayla Maroney made headlines back in 2012 for scoring a nearly perfect score on a very difficult vault routine. At only 16 years old, she was a fan favorite. However, when her popularity resurfaced three years later, the online world was ready to accuse her of lip fillers, blatantly ignoring her skill and talent.

Seeing that critics and speculation are inescapable, many celebrities have opted to open up about their experiences with plastic reconstruction. Britney Spears, Cindy Crawford, Angelina Jolie, and Chrissy Teigen are some of the many who have spoken in regard to this. From rhinoplasties to Brazilian Butt Lifts and everything in between, A-listers are steadily increasing transparency about this topic. This uptick in openness is a step closer to combatting the needless shame of these procedures.

Though plastic surgery is often deemed frivolous and artificial in the United States, many other countries, such as South Korea, openly accept this. In their culture, people are aware that plastic reconstruction is quite common among singers, actors, and the common population. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 5 women have gone under the knife. In the eyes of South Korea, beauty is an ideal meant to be obtained through various means.

As American society becomes progressively accepting of cosmetic procedures, everyone is to benefit. Plastic surgeons and A-listers are free to speak their pieces about their work, while individuals can be made aware that no one is perfect. There is beauty in flaws, and while tweaking them is certainly not a problem, it is refreshing that society, especially adolescents, can grasp that beauty standards are harsh and unrealistic. With more women voicing their decisions, it can inspire others to act on their own desires, allowing them to gain autonomy over their bodies.

This surge of candidness marks a significant shift in societal perceptions of beauty and aesthetics. The influence of Megan Fox, Angelina Jolie, and others will allow others to make informed choices about their bodies without fear of judgment while also encouraging a realistic and more inclusive definition of beauty. This trend will make increasing strides to promote a culture of self-acceptance and empowerment.

Written by Hannah Toy, Photography: Mackenzie Ortiz, Social Media: Ellianah Murcia

Under the Knife, Into the Spotlight