Let's be real for a second. In Hollywood, if you breathe differently, people start checking for a scar behind your ear. Selena Gomez has been under that microscope since she was a kid on a purple dinosaur’s set, and it hasn't let up. Lately, the internet has been on fire with side-by-side photos claiming to show Selena Gomez before and after plastic surgery, but the truth is way messier than just a quick trip to a Beverly Hills clinic.
People see a puffier face or a different eye shape and immediately scream "filler!" or "fox eye lift!" But there’s a massive elephant in the room that most gossip blogs conveniently ignore: the girl has been fighting for her life for over a decade.
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The "New Face" Rumors vs. Medical Reality
Honestly, if you look at photos of Selena from 2013 compared to 2024, yeah, she looks different. But she’s also 32 now, not 21. Beyond the natural aging process, Selena has been incredibly open about her battle with Lupus. This isn’t just some "celebrity excuse." It’s an autoimmune disease that requires heavy-duty medication.
One of the most common treatments for Lupus flares is prednisone, a corticosteroid. If you’ve ever known anyone on "steroids" for medical reasons, you know about "moon face." It’s a real thing. It causes significant water retention and fat redistribution in the face, making it look rounded and swollen.
So, when people point at a red carpet photo from the Golden Globes and say her face looks "overfilled," they’re often actually looking at the side effects of life-saving medicine. Selena herself clapped back at a TikTok creator recently, stating, "Honestly I hate this. I was on stripes [steroids] because of a flare up."
What She’s Actually Confessed To
Unlike a lot of stars who claim they just drink "lots of water" to stay ageless, Selena has actually owned up to some work. In late 2023 and again in 2024, she straight-up told fans on Instagram and TikTok: "I have Botox. That’s it."
- Botox: She admitted to using it, likely in the forehead or around the eyes to maintain that smooth look.
- The "Cheek Filler" Debate: While fans often claim she has cheek implants or heavy filler, she’s laughed these off. Given the Lupus-related swelling, it’s nearly impossible to tell what is a "tweak" and what is a "flare."
- The Eyelids: Speculation about a "blepharoplasty" (eyelid surgery) or a brow lift is constant. Experts like Dr. Kopelman have noted that while her eyes look more snatched lately, this can often be achieved with "face tape," clever makeup, or even just the way she’s pulling her hair back.
The Body Transformation: It’s Not Just a "Boob Job"
Another massive talking point in the Selena Gomez before and after plastic surgery discourse is her body. Search trends are constantly spiking for "Selena Gomez boob job" or "liposuction."
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Here’s the deal: Selena had a kidney transplant in 2017. That is a massive, invasive surgery that changes how your body processes everything. Weight fluctuations are the "new normal" for her. When she gains weight, it shows in her chest and face first. She’s reached a point of acceptance, though. She recently posted a throwback bikini pic with the caption, "Today I realized I will never look like this again... I’m not perfect but I am proud to be who I am."
The Expert Take: What Do the Doctors Say?
Most reputable plastic surgeons who have done "reaction" videos—without actually treating her—tend to agree on a few points.
- The Nose: Her nose looks remarkably consistent. If you look at the bridge and the tip from her Wizards of Waverley Place days to now, the "anatomy" is the same. No signs of a rhinoplasty.
- The Jawline: While it looks sharper in some photos, that’s usually the "Botox" she mentioned or simple contouring.
- The Texture: Her skin looks amazing, which usually points to high-end lasers (like Fraxel) and a killer skincare routine (hello, Rare Beauty) rather than the "knife."
Why the Speculation Hurts
It’s easy to forget that these "before and after" collages are being viewed by the person in them. For Selena, the changes in her face are often reminders of her body attacking itself. Comparing a "swollen" photo of her during a Lupus flare to a "snatched" photo from a year prior isn't just analyzing beauty—it's analyzing a medical struggle.
Basically, she’s grown up in front of us. She’s gone through puberty, a life-threatening illness, a transplant, and the natural "filling out" that happens in your 30s.
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How to Navigate the Rumors
- Check the Timeline: Was she in a flare-up during that "after" photo?
- Look for Scars: In high-def red carpet shots, there are zero visible surgical scars around her ears or nose.
- Respect the Transparency: She’s one of the few who actually admitted to Botox when she didn't have to.
If you’re looking to understand your own facial changes or considering "tweakments," the best move is to consult with a board-certified dermatologist who understands how medical conditions (like thyroid issues or autoimmune diseases) affect cosmetic outcomes. Don't base your "goals" on a celebrity photo that might just be a side effect of a pill.
Next Steps:
If you're curious about how health conditions affect your appearance, you might want to look into the differences between fillers and inflammatory swelling. You can also check out my deep dive into how Lupus affects skin elasticity to get the full picture of what Selena is dealing with daily.