Plastic surgery—the promise of everlasting youth and eternal good looks continues to be one of the most sought-after types of medical procedures in the United States.
According to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 4.7 million cosmetic operations were done in 2024 alone, with the average age of patients ranging from 35 to 50 years old.
Female celebrities are perhaps the most notorious clients. With every aspect of their appearance constantly being scrutinized by both audiences and the industry as a whole, the incentive to look perfect is as high as it could be.
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Opinion of Dr. Sarah Meehan O’Callaghan
Most of us want to look our best. However, the widespread popularity of plastic surgery - especially given the age range of female patients - reflects an unhealthy obsession with physical appearance and a cultural fear of aging. The 2024 film The Substance, starring Demi Moore, highlights the intense pressure on women, particularly those over 50, to maintain a youthful look - depicting this fixation through the lens of grotesque body horror.
While plastic surgery can be life-changing for those dealing with disfigurement or emotional distress, it can also be taken to dangerous extremes. In our image-driven culture, where beauty and eternal youth are aggressively marketed by the cosmetic industry, it's crucial to remember that we are always more than our appearance. - Dr. Sarah Meehan O’Callaghan
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However, not all have caved into the pressure, with many stars not only refusing to go under the knife but outright taking a stand against it, touting the merits of letting the passage of time mold their features naturally.
On this list, we compare celebrities of the same age, with one side deciding to retouch their features via Botox or surgeries and the other aging without intervention.
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Priscilla Presley And Helen Mirren (79)
The ex-wife of the legendary Elvis Presley was renowned for her natural beauty. However, a botched silicone injection in her face by an unlicensed doctor left her with permanent scarring and oversized cheeks. Over the years, she added a facelift, Botox, and a nose job.
Camila Atal, a cosmetic surgeon specializing in facial harmonization and fillers, spoke to Bored Panda about the dangers of such injections.
“Botox is much safer and comes with a host of benefits,” she said. “However, the most important thing to consider is to only go to a licensed specialist who understands the anatomy of the area being treated, follows the proper dilution guidelines for reconstituting the toxin, and respects safety margins.”
Helen Mirren, on the other hand, opted to age naturally, allowing the passage of time to draw lines on her face that have only added to her appeal. Despite her reluctance to go under the knife, she hasn’t judged those who have.
“I think people should be allowed to do whatever they want to make themselves feel happy,” Mirren said in an interview.
Helen Mirren is absolutely stunning and supremely talented at any age.
I find her sexier now than when she was in her 20's. Her whole attitude and demeanor reeks of confident sophistication and that's so darn attractive.
Load More Replies...It appears to be that Helen Mirren has carefully selected and minimal procedures... Her cheeks are fuller and unlined and her jaw line seems to be relatively unaffected by gravityl. My impression is that she has carefully selected minimal procedures so we assume she is natural . I pity Priscilla Presley for the heartless ridicule she receives. Every moment of every day is impacted by a moment she made a mistake.
The Daily Mirror and Daily Mail published photos and stories about Helen Mirren's facelift in 2012.
Pricilla Presley is very disturbing, no energy in her eyes, and her mouth is permanently set in a twisted, fixed grimace
Madonna And Sharon Stone (66)
In contrast to many entries on this list, the legendary pop icon has admitted on several occasions to have had work done. For instance, in 2012, she stated that she gets fillers regularly injected into her face.
In 2023, after a controversial appearance at the Grammys where she looked “almost unrecognizable,” according to some fans, Madonna was forced to admit she was suffering from swelling due to cosmetic surgery.
Sharon Stone, on the other hand, has had limited experiences with cosmetic surgeries, having done so mainly to repair the damage done by medical procedures.
For instance, the actress underwent a breast reconstruction surgery that became a breast augmentation without her consent. Stone revealed in an interview with InStyle how she awoke to larger breasts after the operation, as her doctor had unilaterally decided that “it would fit better.”
While Stone admitted to using Botox in the past, she decided to stop its usage and age naturally after suffering from a brain hemorrhage in 2001.
Also heavily retouched lips. She’s going to look like Joceline Wildenstein by June.
Load More Replies...and a terrible pic of Sharon! You could have chosen something nicer.
* That is the worst picture of Sharon Stone I have ever seen!!! Do the lousy pix cost less?
Load More Replies...Madonna had a huge level of fame. I am sure that you get used to being at the center of the spotlight. She was also seen as a s3xy woman, and this is a powerful feeling. I think losing both of those things must be almost unbearable. And I, a regular person, feel pressure to conform to traditional beauty standards. Can you imagine if you are on the public eye? And that was when the world was even worse to women? Madonna is called old since she was 40 (that I am aware of, but probably before too). And it’s not just getting older… it’s facing your mortality: that you won’t be able to dance the same way, that you won’t be able to tour again, and eventually that you won’t exist anymore. People criticize Madonna… and yes, I’m a fan, but I wanna think that even if I wasn’t, I’d still feel sympathy, because the feelings that likely led her to choose plastic surgery, are very human.
I also don’t understand people who tell her she’s not acting appropriate for her age or that this isn’t her time anymore.
Load More Replies...That is a bad picture of Sharon Stone. She is still a beautiful woman whereas Madonna is a freak.
Nicole Kidman And Julia Roberts (57)
Nicole Kidman has been the subject of persistent plastic surgery whispers, with tabloid sources alleging that subtle procedures such as Botox and dermal fillers may have contributed to her refined, statuesque appearance.
Some plastic surgery clinics have also speculated that the actress may have undergone a nose job. Aside from using Botox, Kidman has denied all rumors.
Julia Roberts, conversely, has made a point of championing natural beauty.
Never linked to any cosmetic surgery, Roberts has often celebrated the grace of aging, asserting that her genuine smile and authentic features are her best assets.
Julia has obviously had Botox. You don’t make it to 57 with no wrinkles on your forehead. Maybe she doesn’t do things with a knife. But she does stuff with a syringe. And probably lasers too.
Load More Replies...that is a terrible photo of julia roberts. She does not suit those glasses
Kidman's broader jawline makes her eyes appear close-set. Not attractive.
She was mean to the ex of her husband. And getting (or not getting) plastic surgery doesn’t mean anything. If it does, it’s that you are a victim of beauty standards, not that you are the one creating them.
Load More Replies...Tara Reid And Kate Winslet (49)
Tara Reid has had multiple plastic surgeries, including breast augmentation, liposuction, and a tummy tuck. She has openly discussed her experiences, including having a botched implant that left her with “uneven boobs.”
According to Reid, most of her procedures have been motivated by her career and the need to maintain a youthful and fit appearance.
Kate Winslet, however, has become a vocal critic of cosmetic surgery, feeling it antithetical to what being an actress is in her eyes.
“It goes against my morals, the way that my parents brought me up, and what I consider to be natural beauty. I will never give in,” she firmly told The Telegraph in 2011.
“I am an actress; I don't want to freeze the expression on my face.”
I'm not sure this is a fair comparison. These two women have always had vastly different careers with vastly different expectations placed upon them.
I feel sorry for Tara, she must have a body image disorder. I'm quite sure she was bullied with her weight (she was pretty but not slim enough for Hollywood).
Kate Winslet is absolutely stunning, inside and out. She looks beautiful with and without make up, never seems to overdo it (appreciate she has access and the funds to afford a good skincare routine) but is also an inspiration for body positivity, in a healthy and realistic way.
I'm both shocked at the fact that Tara Reid is now almost 50, and how bad she looks.
Donatella Versace And Judy Davis (69)
One of the starkest comparisons on his list comes in the shape of Donatella Versace versus Judy Davis.
The fashion mogul has experienced quite a dramatic transformation over the years, and while she has never publicly confirmed having plastic surgery, many specialists believe she has had work done.
From eyelid, neck, and brow lifts to fillers in her lips, forehead, and other areas. There’s practically no part of Versace’s face that hasn’t been retouched to some degree.
In contrast, Judy Davis has remained celebrated for her naturally unaltered look with no confirmed procedures.
Judy Davis also is from Australia, lots of sun damage before we all started using sun screen, Versace looks plastic
She has very beautiful fair, freckled skin. Also her job is requires her to use her face, creating more character lines to her lovely natural face. Versace is just delusional.
Load More Replies...Unaltered, except Judy has smoked most of her life destroying her skin. She looks 15 years older than she actually is
Judy is a normal (almost) 70 year old woman. Donatella needs 3 hours make-up and brushing her (fake) hair to go outside.
Judy did not age well, looks older than actual age.
Load More Replies...Obviously everyone ages different. Nobody knows how Judy could look if she went under the knife.
How old is this pic of Versace? She hasnt looked like this in years.
Donatella has been hideous for a while now, thanks to bad surgery f*****g with her face. I saw a pic of her as a teen and she was beautiful. Why?
Ikr?!? With her money she can get the best surgeons. And she needs a stylist- someone who won't be afraid to tell her how creepy she looks now.
Load More Replies...Renée Zellweger And Christy Turlington (55)
Renée Zellweger has repeatedly found herself in the spotlight of plastic surgery speculation, especially after a 2014 appearance at the Elle Women in Hollywood Awards.
Surgeons, such as Dr. Brian Glatt of Morristown, New Jersey, believed the difference in her appearance was due to a chin implant as well as weight loss.
“The added length to her face seems to make the rest of her features ‘pop,’ giving her face a look that is overall quite striking,” he wrote.
Christy Turlington, however, has remained a staunch advocate for natural aging. Eschewing the scalpel entirely, Turlington said that she “will never alter or augment [her] face” and that it’s a matter of “values” to her.
Renee's face makes me super uncomfortable, it's the eyes and the mouth.
Can we stop hating on these wemon? Its actually disgusting. If you didnt know those RUMORS about her than you wouldntve even noticed.
Load More Replies...Christy Turlington also has fillers in her nasolabial creases and lips, Botox in her forehead and very probably a nose job. Difference is she had a better doctor who didn't overdo it
This is an old photo of Rene. She looks far more natural now, I don’t believe she had any actual surgeries before. Only fillers or Botox which are temporary, and can make you look puffy or shiny. Weight loss causes dramatic facial changes too. If you see her in more recent interviews, and the latest Bridget Jones film, she looks completely natural and great for her age. I have lost 2.5 stone in the last 5 months and my face shape has completely changed.
So now we're comparing an actress generally thought of as "cute and spunky" to one of the western world's most beautiful humans?
Ridiculous all faces are different and age differently regardless of intervention
Her eyes and mouth have always been a little unusual. The new proportions of her face give them a slightly different effect, as far as I can see.
Jessica Lange And Meryl Streep (75)
While Jessica Lange has repeatedly denied having gotten plastic surgery, some doctors have speculated that she has had work done, mainly a facelift, browlift, and eyelid surgery.
Conversely, Meryl Streep not only has refused to go under the knife or get injections of any kind but has a decidedly adverse position to the idea, explaining that it acts as a “veil” that interrupts communication between people.
“When I see it in people I meet, it's like an interruption in communication with them,” she told Vanity Fair in 2009, specifically referring to Botox and its paralyzing properties.
Meryl Streep has had facelifts and this is documented. Where is this info coming from? Both women look great and the misogyny of this badly researched article is disgusting.
Yes. And plastic surgery doesn’t look like a metaphorical veil interrupting communication. Even plastic surgeons have a hard time telling who had what done. If occasionally you can’t even tell if something is for sure different, it can’t be a problem.
Load More Replies...I worship Meryl Streep but no one looks like that at 75 without having some work done. Come on now . . . .
This photo of Jessica Lange is perfect example balancing between the cosmetic surgery and natural beauty. Both look great !
I'm the same age as these ladies and I agree they both look like they did a little something
I'm named after Jessica Lange so would be a bit biased but yeah in the middle of the American Horror Story seasons you can see her go from magnificently expressive to little stiffer in face. My sister is 2 years younger than me and got botox, we are 40 and 42. It wore off, as it does, and she looks older than me now. Always did, except a year after injections, because I smile and am generally stress free about everything and she's a worrier and frowner.
Jessia Lange hasn't had loads of work done she has had her eyes done, I mean so.....
Daryl Hannah And Julianne Moore (64)
Daryl Hannah, known for her iconic role in Blade Runner, has long been whispered about in celebrity circles.
Numerous sources allege that she opted for a discreet facelift and subtle eyelid surgery in an effort to maintain her allure.
Plastic surgery clinics have also published articles talking about Hannah injecting Botox and fillers to “mixed results.”
Julianne Moore, on the other hand, has consistently embraced the natural course of aging. Celebrated for her authentic, unaltered features, Moore once remarked, “Every wrinkle tells a story.”
Moore specifically took a stance against Botox, stating that she doesn’t “believe it makes people look better.”
Oh the hypocrisy. Moore 100% used Botox according to this picture. No 64 year-old's forehead is this smooth and wrinkle-free. Also, comparing pictures of her younger self with now, she must have undergone eyelid surgery at one point. You can tell when the surgeon overdid it and the eyes get that hollowed-out look
C'mon, let's see the celebrity men - say, Tom Cruise, for example - to stay relevant in Hollywood, esp. if you are a woman, you must look good. And I mean look good to those who glorify youth.
Cher And Charlotte Rampling (79)
Cher, the undisputed icon of pop and glamour, has never been one to shy away from reinvention—her dramatic transformation over the years has often been credited to a series of cosmetic procedures, ranging from facelifts to cheek enhancements and breast implants.
The singer has been open about her love of plastic surgery, saying that she would be “first in line to the doctor” as soon as she felt she needed something done.
Charlotte Rampling, in stark contrast, has opted to honor the natural progression of time.
With an unaltered, refined appearance that exudes classic elegance, Rampling’s commitment to aging gracefully shows her belief that true beauty lies in authenticity rather than perfection.
Cher has the best plastic surgeon. I want their number. They done a great job on her.
You sure about that? Her lip filler is so far under her lip that she looks like she has three lips, and her cheek implants are very uneven. Does she look young for 80? Hell yea. But I still don’t think some of the work she’s had is the “best”
Load More Replies...Cher's blunt honesty about her procedures is awesome. Everyone is free to do whatever makes them feel their best. It's lying about having work done (looking at YOU, Kardashian Klan) that is dangerous and damaging.
Tori Spelling And Heidi Klum (50)
Tori Spelling hasn’t shied away from talking about her surgeries, which include a nose job, lip fillers, at least two breast implant operations, and more. The actress even shared a photo of her pre-surgery self on her Instagram in 2023.
“Here’s what I would say to that 15-year-old girl in that photo. You ARE worth something. A lot!” she wrote in the post.
Heidi Klum, by contrast, has been open about her reluctance to go under the knife and confessed she was “afraid” of it.
“I’m scared that all of a sudden you’re changing too much, your face starts changing,” Klum told People Magazine.
“I would have a hard time looking in the mirror and seeing something that I’m not used to seeing. I’d be afraid!”
Tori looks freakish. And Heidi’s had Botox. Which looks great BTW.
For the first part of her life she looked like an average adolescent.
Load More Replies...Comparinng a tv actress who has had her physical appearance criticized since childhood to a celebrity model widely considered to be "perfect?" Not fair.
It's no secret Heidi had a nose job, eyelid surgery and is using Botox and fillers
Steven Tyler wished he looked like that. Where is the article about the men with their ridiculous plastic surgery escapades?
Load More Replies...The funny ( or ironic) thing is that those who’ve had surgeries done actually look harsh and scary!! So unnatural!
Courteney Cox And Michelle Fairley (60)
Courteney Cox has frequently found herself at the center of plastic surgery gossip, especially when her face appeared noticeably “puffier” in 2013.
“She was simply over-filled with injectables such as Botox or Restylane,” said New York plastic surgeon Robert Vitolo.
“This is why it’s important to see an experienced certified injector. She looked over-filled in the cheeks and lips.”
Michelle Fairley, known for her iconic role as Catelyn Stark in Game of Thrones, has proudly maintained an unaltered visage, which in turn allowed her to blend into the middle-age setting of the show authentically.
Also, BP edited C*x. As in someone's last name. Not even spelled the same you overly sensitive f***s.
Obviously someone who doesn't know s**t wrote this post. Botox is not a filler, you can't make a face puffier with it. Botox paralyzes the muscles-usually in your forehead- to appear smooth.
Didn't she talk quite openly about how she cut back/stopped when it went to far?
Yes, she said she went to far and she is using less botox these days
Load More Replies...Courtney C*x. Lol. A naturally gorgeous woman with a youthful face...that she absolutely slaughtered before she was freaking 30. These gals really need to drop their agents or whoever is telling them to do this to themselves, because I swear to God ain't no one in society writ large telling her that she needs surgery. Maybe she thought it wasn't fair that she's so pretty, so she destroyed her good looks to level the playing field.
It's sad that it's pretty standard nowadays to start injecting your face with stuff before you're 30. So many young celebs under 30 look botched and it's very sad. Look at Miley Cyrus's little sister,Noah. Only 25 and her face is all swollen from injections.
Load More Replies...I believe Courteney would have aged wonderfully if she had left her face alone. But I guess we will never know.
Another Hollywood desperado trying and failing to recreate what she once had, does anyone know what she's been in since friends?
Sandra Bullock And Monica Bellucci (59)
Sandra Bullock’s ageless charm has often fueled rumors that she has resorted to cosmetic tweaks, with speculations pointing to a refined facelift and targeted injections to keep her look camera‑ready.
While Bullock herself has denied these claims, she admitted to having done “non-invasive” procedures to enhance her appearance, which might point towards Botox usage.
Monica Bellucci, in contrast, continues to epitomize natural elegance.
Shunning any form of cosmetic surgery, the model has allowed time to sculpt her features without medical intervention, a decision that has garnered her praise on social media.
I’ve always thought Sandra Bullock was a knockout.
Load More Replies...“natural elegance”? Monica sure has managed to fool someone, huh? I remember after some particularly grueling plastic surgery that she was unable to life or even use her arms! 😱(She’d had surgery on her body to pull everything tight.) Monica is anything but “natural,” and I find it hilarious that Sandra Bullock, who appears at most t have had some maintenance injections, is being compared to the unfortunately faux Monica Bellucci (who usta be a goddess! What on earth has happened?!)
I think you can age gracefully by just taking good care of your body and skin
People age differently even with the same care because people are different. Isn't that a surprise? It's super f****d up that people assume about every women who looks her age (or worse) that "she must have done something wrong".
Load More Replies...Cindy Crawford And Salma Hayek (58)
Cindy Crawford, an enduring supermodel icon, has been open about her usage of regular Botox injections to maintain her preferred appearance.
According to the model, diet and exercise can only do so much, which is why she decided to opt for the non-invasive route to prevent deeper creases from forming in her skin. She also regularly uses collagen-stimulating treatments like radiofrequency and ultrasound.
Salma Hayek, however, has denied having any procedures done, including Botox or fillers.
Renowned for her radiant features and minimal intervention approach, Hayek’s look remains a living testament to aging without the knife.
It's BS that Salma hasn't had anything done - just look at her lips! And, one doesn't get older without lines on one's forehead and around one's eyes.
I was well into my 50s before I started showing lines. Genetics. Now, at 70, it's still not as bad as some.
Load More Replies...I just turned 71 and still don't have lines or wrinkles in my forehead.
Those of us with some extra weight don't show as many lines. Lose 10-15 lbs and proof, wrinkles. Made me want to eat a cake lol
I just turned 71 and I still don't have any lines or wrinkles in my forehead.
Gawd that's either really great genes or she made a deal with the *evil... Salma Hayek's photo must be 20 yrs old
When a woman has a little meat on her bones, she has a tendency to look younger verses the Hollywood standard of ultra skinny, which brings out every wrinkle and crevice. So, I'll take being fuller figured over a dried up prune skinny any day. Salma looks like a goddess!
Uma Thurman And Rachel Weisz (54)
Uma Thurman, celebrated for her bold and statuesque beauty, has not escaped the rumor mill. Despite denying undergoing any enhancements, surgeons such as Dr. Miles Berry of the United Kingdom believe she has done at least two surgeries.
“There definitely seems to be some difference in the shape in her eyebrow region, suggesting either a Brow Lift or Blepharoplasty,” the doctor wrote.
On the other hand, Rachel Weisz has chosen to embrace the natural evolution of her looks and has spoken out against the pressure in Hollywood for women to have plastic surgery.
Why are we comparing these women? They are all beautiful and get to age how they want to.
So true, and I think most of the 'Before" pictures are more natural and beautiful.
Load More Replies...Well, not sure what they are trying to prove here. Most of the 'enhanced' folks look way better than the aging naturally women. A couple went too far, but then again a couple of the naturals didn't age well. A few of them could use a nip/tuck.
I also think they chose the worst one they could, people who had obvious plastic surgery. Taylor Swift, Blake Lively, Gisele Bundchen, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Cruise, Emma Stone all had great plastic surgery. A common problem is celebrities don’t know when it’s time to stop. Miley look great, before buccal fat removal. Madonna looked beautiful with the surgery she had done up until the confessions tour (sorry, i can’t remember the year). There was a moment when Ariana looked great too, but I don’t follow her, so I don’t know. I don’t think it’s a good thing to completely change your face every few years. It must have psychological consequences and it definitely will lead to bad outcomes soon, uncanny valley and even functional situations (rhinoplasties can make it harder to breathe you need to think of the functionality of the organ first)
Load More Replies...People should do whatever makes them happy and comfortable with without the fear of other people’s opinions. At the end of the day, it’s your own face you’ll have to put up with every time you look at the mirror or see a picture of yourself so just do what the f*** makes you happy. I’m 61, have never done any procedures because I usually don’t like the results in others people’s faces but if I change my mind I’ll just go ahead and do it, no big deal.
Exactly! It's like the Barbie and Ken "dolls", the people that have gotten a ton of surgery to look like them. I would not want that for myself, and think it looks kinda creepy, but if they feel comfortable, then great for them, they aren't hurting anyone else.
Load More Replies...Exactly, I expected there to be a comparison between Simon Cowell and Gordon Ramsey or at least SOME men but this misogynistic article focused completely on comparing women
Load More Replies...Not only is not necessary to evaluate women this way, the people who put this article together can't even see very well. The photos vary technically from being softly (and flatteringly) lit to other games one can play with a camera (position, lens length, etc.). Some of the so-called naturals have obviously had work done, perhaps more than the person they're being compared to. So assuming being sexist wasn't a problem for the authors, there was a huge lack of perception choosing the photos and commentary. Ridiculous!
Yes. They are comparing botched plastic surgery to no plastic surgery, too much surgery to subtle and well done surgery, body dysmorphia to extremely good looking natural person… not a fair comparison at all. And they should’ve showed how some of those celebrities started. Yes, they might be uglier than someone else, but they are prettier than they used to be.
Load More Replies...With whatever injections or surgeries you want. Having them does not mean you lack “dignity.” It means you’ve made a choice for yourself on how you want to look. Here’s to supporting women doing whatever makes them feel good. Be that going natural, or have procedures.
Load More Replies...Comparing people with no surgery to people with rumored surgery seems pretty cagey if you ask me.
People should do whatever makes them happy and comfortable with without the fear of other people’s opinions. At the end of the day, it’s your own face you’ll have to put up with every time you look at the mirror or see a picture of yourself so just do what the f*** makes you happy. I’m 61, have never done any procedures because I usually don’t like the results in others people’s faces but if I change my mind I’ll just go ahead and do it, no big deal.
Exactly! It's like the Barbie and Ken "dolls", the people that have gotten a ton of surgery to look like them. I would not want that for myself, and think it looks kinda creepy, but if they feel comfortable, then great for them, they aren't hurting anyone else.
Load More Replies...Exactly, I expected there to be a comparison between Simon Cowell and Gordon Ramsey or at least SOME men but this misogynistic article focused completely on comparing women
Load More Replies...Not only is not necessary to evaluate women this way, the people who put this article together can't even see very well. The photos vary technically from being softly (and flatteringly) lit to other games one can play with a camera (position, lens length, etc.). Some of the so-called naturals have obviously had work done, perhaps more than the person they're being compared to. So assuming being sexist wasn't a problem for the authors, there was a huge lack of perception choosing the photos and commentary. Ridiculous!
Yes. They are comparing botched plastic surgery to no plastic surgery, too much surgery to subtle and well done surgery, body dysmorphia to extremely good looking natural person… not a fair comparison at all. And they should’ve showed how some of those celebrities started. Yes, they might be uglier than someone else, but they are prettier than they used to be.
Load More Replies...With whatever injections or surgeries you want. Having them does not mean you lack “dignity.” It means you’ve made a choice for yourself on how you want to look. Here’s to supporting women doing whatever makes them feel good. Be that going natural, or have procedures.
Load More Replies...Comparing people with no surgery to people with rumored surgery seems pretty cagey if you ask me.
