The Weeknd has not undergone real plastic surgery; rather, the dramatic changes in his appearance that sparked rumors of surgeries were caused by prosthetics and makeup used as part of a creative performance for his "After Hours" album promotion. His altered face, including a bandaged look and exaggerated facial features such as a crooked nose and plump lips, was a deliberate artistic statement about Hollywood's obsession with appearance and surgical alterations. He wore prosthetics designed by Mike Marino that simulated the effects of plastic surgery, culminating in this narrative before revealing his normal face again at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2021. Any perceived changes in his nose, jawline, or lips observed by fans were part of this performance rather than real surgical interventions.
Explanation of The Weeknd's "Plastic Surgery" Look
- The bandages, bruises, and altered facial features were makeup and prosthetics, not actual surgery.
- This was a thematic device to critique and bring awareness to cosmetic surgery culture and celebrity pressures.
- The prosthetic work involved detailed facial appliances creating a distorted aesthetic that returned to normal after the promotional period.
Public Reaction and Clarification
- Fans initially speculated real plastic surgery due to the convincing prosthetic effects.
- The Weeknd confirmed through his public appearances and interviews that it was a performance art piece.
- The story concluded when he appeared at the Super Bowl halftime show with his original facial appearance restored.
This explains the before-and-after transformations seen in images and videos related to The Weeknd around the 2020-2021 period but clarifies no real surgeries were done.
