Top 20 Celebrities with the Worst Plastic Surgery

As a pop culture fan, I’ve definitely noticed how much Hollywood values a transformation, but it’s not always a success story! It seems like celebrities are under so much pressure to stay youthful, and a lot of them turn to plastic surgery. Sometimes, they try to make just a few small changes, but the results end up being pretty controversial and don’t always look how they intended.

These stories reveal how easily cosmetic procedures can go wrong, turning subtle improvements into dramatic and sometimes shocking transformations. Many of these individuals were already public figures – actors and performers – but a surgical procedure unexpectedly became the center of attention. Let’s explore these cases, counting down from number 20 to number 1, and see what happened.

20. Zac Efron

Zac Efron first became famous through the popular ‘High School Musical’ movies, where he captured audiences with his singing and acting. He continued to build his career with roles in action and comedy films, often showcasing his physique, as seen in ‘Baywatch’. In 2013, a workout accident resulted in a severe jaw injury, requiring doctors to wire his jaw shut for several weeks of recovery at home.

After a serious accident required jaw surgery, his face changed shape, becoming more angular. People noticed the difference when he returned to filming movies like ‘The Greatest Showman’ – his smile seemed wider and his chin more prominent due to the reconstruction. He later explained that the injury made him re-evaluate his workout habits and caused delays in his work until he fully recovered.

19. Melanie Griffith

Melanie Griffith became a well-known actress in the 1980s, starring in romantic movies that showcased her natural expressiveness. She achieved major success in films like ‘Working Girl,’ where her charisma and warmth really shone through. Throughout her career, she successfully combined her acting work with raising a family, appearing in guest roles on shows for all ages and lending her voice to animated projects.

She had surgery in 2012 to remove skin cancer from her nose, which left a noticeable scar. To minimize the scar, she used facial fillers, but over time, these changed the shape of her nose. In 2017, she had the fillers removed to restore a more natural look. She then visited a dermatologist several times to help even out the skin’s color and texture in that area.

18. Lea Michele

Lea Michele first became well-known performing in Broadway musicals. She then starred in a popular TV show about people trying to make it in the performing arts. Known for her strong voice, she wowed audiences in musical episodes of the show and went on to release successful solo albums filled with uplifting songs. She continued to perform on stage and released popular cover albums, especially around the holidays.

There was a lot of talk about her having buccal fat removal – a procedure to slim the cheeks by removing fat pockets in the midface. Recovery is usually fast, with swelling going down over several months, allowing performers to quickly get back to work. She recently showed off a more defined jawline at awards shows, which suited her well in performances of classic musical revivals.

17. Linda Evangelista

As a movie reviewer, I often think about iconic presences, and in the world of fashion, Linda Evangelista *was* that presence in the 90s. Seriously, she was everywhere! From the covers of every major magazine you can imagine to walking the runways for the biggest names, she just completely defined what beauty looked like back then. And it wasn’t just one look – she could pull off anything, whether it was high fashion glamour or something more relaxed and everyday. Working with some of the best photographers, she really showcased her range and versatility.

In 2015, she underwent seven CoolSculpting treatments to reduce fat in areas like her chin, jawline, underarms, stomach, sides, and inner thighs. This non-invasive procedure uses freezing to eliminate fat cells, but in her case, it caused the opposite effect – the fat cells actually grew larger. To fix this, she had liposuction to remove the extra tissue and regain her desired shape for photoshoots.

16. Lil’ Kim

Lil’ Kim quickly became a major force in rap in the mid-1990s. Her music was known for its confident and provocative lyrics, and her music videos were visually striking and often started new trends. She worked with many popular artists, blending rap with catchy pop melodies and even receiving Grammy nominations. Beyond music, Kim’s unique style had a big impact on fashion, inspiring streetwear and appearing in videos that promoted strong women.

Let’s talk about her face, because it’s been a journey. Starting in the early 2000s, she had a series of nose jobs – several, actually – to reshape things. Then, after an accident, she used facial fillers to smooth things out and restore some balance. It wasn’t about drastically changing her look, but refining it. The surgeries subtly reshaped her nose, and the fillers plumped up her cheeks and lips, giving her a fuller, more confident appearance. She’s been open about all of this in her writings, explaining how these changes really helped her feel more secure when she was performing or facing the public eye. It’s a fascinating look at how someone can use these procedures not for vanity, but to reclaim a sense of self.

15. Axl Rose

Axl Rose was the lead singer of a hugely popular rock band in the late 1980s, known for energetic songs that sold millions of copies. They played to massive crowds on world tours, and Rose also recorded songs for several hit movies. The band later reunited for performances that featured both their famous older songs and new music.

Around 2010, people began to notice changes in his appearance, suggesting he’d had cosmetic procedures like facelifts and Botox. These, along with possible cheek implants, seemed aimed at lifting and tightening areas of his face. Facelifts involve tightening facial muscles through discreet incisions, and Botox helps reduce wrinkles. He reappeared at events looking noticeably more youthful, and this coincided with his energetic performances during his return to touring.

14. Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone became famous in the 1970s with his Oscar-winning boxing movies, which also launched successful film series. He continued his career with popular police thrillers and action sequels that earned huge amounts of money. Beyond acting, he also directed family-friendly comedies and yearly holiday TV specials.

He’s openly discussed having cosmetic procedures, including eyelid surgery and a facelift in the 1990s. He originally had these done to correct a birth defect that caused a crooked smile, and also uses Botox to reduce forehead wrinkles. The eyelid surgery removed extra skin above his eyes, and the facelift helped tighten his jawline. His recent look-with lifted eyebrows and smoother temples-seems to complement his work in action movies.

13. Lisa Rinna

Lisa Rinna started her career in the 1990s with dramatic roles in soap operas, quickly becoming a favorite with audiences. She later moved into reality TV, both as a host and a contestant on dance shows, and also worked as a model featured in beauty and lifestyle magazines.

Last year, she experimented with Skinvive, a hydration treatment involving injections. While it initially made her skin look fuller, it caused some puffiness in her cheeks. Because the treatment naturally breaks down over time, she quickly had it reversed to reduce the swelling. This experience led her to advise her followers on social media to get opinions from several professionals before trying any new cosmetic procedures.

12. Tori Spelling

Tori Spelling became well-known in the 1990s as the cheerful daughter in popular teen TV shows. Later, she shared her experiences with motherhood in books and appeared in reality programs focusing on her family’s travels and home improvement projects. Her podcast explored a wide range of topics, from holiday cooking to helpful parenting tips.

In 2022, she had exosome therapy and a tummy tuck to improve her skin’s appearance after having children. The exosome therapy, delivered through tiny needles, helps boost collagen production, while the tummy tuck removed excess skin and strengthened her abdominal muscles. Together, these procedures helped her feel confident and look great in clothes for photoshoots and events.

11. Amanda Bynes

Amanda Bynes became popular in the early 2000s with funny sketch comedy, and she even had her own variety show when she was young. She starred in romantic comedies, often about teenage love, and also did voice work for animated movies. After taking some time away from acting, she studied fashion design and began sharing her artwork online.

In 2023, she had eyelid surgery to remove extra skin around her eyes, which made them appear more open. The recovery was quick – just a week of using ice packs and ointment – and she was soon able to go out with a brighter, more refreshed look.

10. Carrot Top

Carrot Top became famous for comedy in the 1990s, known for his energetic performances using lots of props – both on TV shows and during long-term shows in Las Vegas. He also created funny music albums and played comedic roles in family-friendly movies. His signature red wig and huge props became well-known features in holiday shows and at company events.

He claimed his changing appearance was due to working out at the gym, but rumors circulated that he had Botox and a brow lift around 2010 to enhance his features. Botox involves regular injections to reduce wrinkles, and a brow lift uses a minimally invasive procedure to raise the eyebrows. These procedures seemed to help him maintain his energy during long performances under bright stage lights.

9. Janice Dickinson

Janice Dickinson rose to fame as the first ‘supermodel’ in the 1970s, appearing on magazine covers that helped build her modeling agency. Later, she became a judge on reality TV shows and wrote books detailing the competitive world of fashion. Throughout her career, she also supported and showcased up-and-coming photographers in her published photography collections.

She had cosmetic surgery in the 2000s, including facelifts, fat injections, and breast augmentation to create a more balanced appearance. The facelifts tightened her skin by working with deeper tissue layers for a long-lasting effect, and the fat injections used her own fat to add natural volume. These procedures helped boost her confidence and allowed her to appear as a guest on various fashion and talk show programs.

8. Ray Liotta

Ray Liotta became well-known for his roles in iconic gangster films of the 1990s, particularly for his powerful and memorable scenes. He also acted in suspenseful thrillers and police shows, frequently playing a hardened detective. In more recent years, he lent his voice to video games and appeared in streaming shows centered around robberies.

Starting in the 2010s, people began speculating that he used Botox to reduce wrinkles on his forehead and around his eyes. Botox temporarily paralyzes muscles, with each treatment lasting three to six months. This refined appearance helped him land roles in popular holiday films and movies that often received awards.

7. Mickey Rourke

Mickey Rourke first gained attention in the 1980s with intense performances in tough crime films. He made a comeback in the 2000s, earning an Oscar nomination for his roles portraying older boxers. He’s also directed short films that delve into subjects inspired by his own life.

After suffering boxing injuries, he underwent reconstructive surgery. This included using cartilage from his ear to repair broken noses and cheekbones, and titanium plates were used to stabilize the fractures. These procedures successfully allowed him to return to wrestling training and perform fight scenes in films without limitations.

6. Donatella Versace

In the 1990s, Donatella Versace became the head designer for the Versace fashion house, creating collections that combined elegance with a rebellious style. She also expanded the brand into perfumes and home goods, sold globally. Her fashion shows were famous for showcasing celebrities wearing the brand’s distinctive patterns and metallic fabrics.

She had cosmetic procedures in the 2000s, including lip fillers, laser treatments to improve her skin, and possibly a nose job. Lip fillers add volume that lasts for about a year, and laser treatments renew the skin by removing its top layers. These procedures helped her maintain a high profile, allowing her to continue attending exclusive events like fashion shows and product launches.

5. Lara Flynn Boyle

Lara Flynn Boyle became known in the 1990s for her role in the mysterious series *Twin Peaks*, where she helped expose the hidden truths of a quiet town with clever conversations. She also acted in suspenseful thrillers and independent films, frequently playing intriguing characters in romantic roles. Beyond television and film, Boyle performed in off-Broadway plays that explored complex family relationships.

Around the early 2000s, nose reshaping surgeries and lip enhancements became popular, quickly followed by cheek fillers. Nose jobs involve reshaping the cartilage inside the nose, while lip enhancements use either implants or injections to create fuller lips. After these procedures, she continued to find success acting in legal dramas and holiday-themed romantic comedies.

4. Joan Van Ark

Joan Van Ark was a familiar face on television in the 1980s, best known for playing strong, career-driven lawyers. Beyond that, she lent her voice to animated characters and made appearances on comedy shows centered around funny workplace situations. She also has a background in theater, performing in both classic plays and newer productions at regional theaters.

Starting in the 2000s, she began using cosmetic procedures like Botox, facelifts, and cheek implants. Facelifts subtly reshaped her face by repositioning natural fat, and implants added volume. Together, these procedures helped maintain her appearance for public appearances and her work narrating audiobooks.

3. Jocelyn Wildenstein

Jocelyn Wildenstein entered the world of art and wealth through her marriage in the 1970s. She became a fixture at glamorous parties and events, mingling with prominent art collectors. She also developed her own interests in sculpture and was featured in films about the lives of the rich and famous. Her days were filled with charity functions and lavish parties on yachts.

Starting in the 1990s, she had several cosmetic procedures, including cheek implants and facelifts, all aimed at creating a sculpted, cat-like appearance. These surgeries were done gradually, with each one followed by a private recovery period. The changes kept her frequently photographed by the tabloids at events like fashion weeks and auctions.

2. Heidi Montag

Heidi Montag first became known on reality television in the mid-2000s, where viewers followed her friendships and watched her try to launch a fashion business. She also pursued a career as a pop singer and worked as a model, focusing on brands for young adults. More recently, she’s built a wellness brand offering fitness and beauty advice.

In 2010, she underwent ten cosmetic procedures in a single day, including a brow lift, nose job (rhinoplasty), and breast augmentation. The brow lift was performed using minimally invasive endoscopic techniques, and the nose job involved reshaping the bone and cartilage. It took months to recover, and she needed physical therapy to regain full movement for her work as a model.

1. Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson rose to fame as the leader of a hugely popular group in the 1970s, then achieved even greater success as a solo artist, releasing albums that shattered sales records. He revolutionized music videos and captivated audiences worldwide with his elaborate tours and incredible dance performances. Beyond music, he was dedicated to helping others, raising millions of dollars for charitable causes through benefit concerts.

Starting in the 1980s, he underwent several nose surgeries initially to improve breathing, along with procedures to lighten his skin and create a chin cleft. With each nose revision, the bridge of his nose became more narrow, and the skin lightening treatments gradually created a more uniform skin tone. These changes occurred as he developed a passion for abstract art and began investing in theme parks.

What are your thoughts on these changes? And who else do you think should share their own list in the comments?

2025-09-18 03:48