Beauty is buzzing, especially online – from viral beauty hacks to trending hairstyles, we're the most connected and dialled up we've ever been on how we choose to present ourselves both URL and IRL. What that doesn't mean, however, is that we can have any and all say about how people look. So, why is it that in such an age people still think it's okay to speculate over who has and who hasn't had plastic surgery?
Taking to her Instagram Stories, Chrissy Teigen reposted a reel by plastic surgeon, Dr. Kay Durairaj. The video, which has since been deleted, was a walk-through of what an overuse of cheek filler could look like –Dr. Durairaj used pictures of Chrissy as an example.
The caption read: "This post is not out of mean intentions. It is merely here to discuss overfill and its possible consequences. ‼️ Chrissy Teigen's "New Face" ‼️ Look at how your face could become if you're doing it wrong!"
Clapping back at the unjust – uncalled for and frankly, incorrect supposition – the mum-of-three wrote: "You are rude as f*ck, doc. I've always been honest, I've never had anything in my cheeks ever so now I just feel ugly and bad. Thanks!", followed by a note that reads "I gained weight."
Unfortunately, the consequences of such posts, as voiced by the mum-of-three, can have a negative impact on mental health. As I hope one would know, preaching about physicalities such as weight gain/loss, for example, is never okay. However, accusing* people of having 'work done' to their face is? The rhetoric behind such discussions need not be negative, any more!
*Supposedly.
Everyone's clicking on...
And while Chrissy did not need to justify why her face looks the way it does (side note: by that, I mean beautiful), with the plastic surgeon having over 350,000 followers and likewise, a number of interactions on her initial post, she understandably felt the need to speak her the truth.
Speculating about celebrity plastic surgery isn't a new thing; after all, a Google search will highlight the unethical tabloid articles over the decades. But even despite the wide de-stigmatisation of plastic surgery, it's important to underpin how to go its discussions. Especially when angling from a negative view-point on a public forum used for personal gain, growth and profit.
With wide-reaching platforms like Cosmo, Chrissy and Dr Durairaj's, we must remember to carry out a duty of care and compassion. So, let this be a lesson to us all.
Oh, and Mother, Queen and icon, Chrissy, I think you dropped this > 👑.
Follow Lia on Instagram.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
