On October 18, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show took place for its 26th time, showcasing elaborate lingerie designs and the brand’s famous angel wings. However, the focus was not just on the fashion; viewers also noticed changes in the appearances of veteran models Candice Swanepoel and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Social media users began to share before-and-after photos, suggesting that the models had undergone buccal fat removal, which led to many negative comments. Some fans felt that the models had lost their natural beauty.
Buccal fat removal, also known as bichectomy, is a cosmetic surgery that reduces the lower face by taking out fat pads from the cheeks. Though it has been a procedure that celebrities have undergone for years, it gained a lot of attention in 2021 when television personality Chrissy Teigen talked about her own experience on Instagram. By 2025, there was significant backlash against this trend, with accusations directed at celebrities like Jenna Ortega and Demi Moore for allegedly following the trend.
During the fashion show, a photo was shared of Swanepoel and Huntington-Whiteley in white lingerie alongside a picture of them from 2007. This led to a mix of reactions on social media, with one user expressing sadness over what they called the “bulldozing” of women by this trend. Another person suggested the changes were so drastic that it seemed like a crime against humanity. Some comments described the models as looking skeletal or gave the feeling of a “jump scare.”
However, there were also supporters of the models who questioned the assumptions regarding their looks. Some fans believed that aging could explain the changes rather than surgery. One user mentioned that comparing someone’s appearance to photos taken nearly 20 years ago was unfair. Another noted that it is normal to lose fat as people age.
The idea that aging impacts appearance is supported by science. Aesthetic center Tiara Clinics in the UK noted in an article from October 2025 that starting in their mid-20s, people may lose collagen, skin elasticity, and facial fat, which can create a more mature look. By their 30s, many might see changes like hollows under their eyes and flatter cheeks. Over the next ten years, the gradual loss of bone tissue can also affect how the face appears.
These changes can lead to a gaunter look over time, according to Tiara Clinics, which also discussed ways to address these effects. They suggested that treatments like cheek fillers could help restore lost volume in the face, using hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture. Fillers can also smooth out lines and give a more refreshed appearance, with results lasting between 12 and 18 months. The goal of these treatments is not to drastically change someone’s face but to bring back some of the volume lost over the years.
The clinic also mentioned other methods, such as microneedling, which can support skin health. What do you think about the discussion surrounding plastic surgery among celebrities?
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Source: Bored Panda, by Lei RV