Simone Biles is earning the gold medal in transparency. The Olympian, 28, recently shared all the cosmetic procedures she has underwent, with one of them being a lower blepharoplasty—or eyelid surgery—due to a longtime insecurity that was increased due to the spotlight. “I got a lower bleph because me and my family have, I call it the ‘Biles eye bags,'” she told People in an interview published Nov. 13. “We’ve just always had them, hereditary, and so that was just a big flaw.” She continued, “Every time I would go to a shoot, they’re like, ‘Oh, can we put some strips on her?'”
Ultimately, she decided that the surgery—which Cleveland Clinic describes as a procedure that “removes and repositions excess fat” under the eyes—was something worth doing. “I was like, ‘Oh, baby, I had 12 hours last night, these aren’t going away,'” she reflected. “So it’s something that I wanted to fix.” And being transparent about the alterations she’s made to her appearance is something that’s important to her. “Seeing me win medals at the Olympics, that’s not relatable,” she explained. “But what is relatable is how we feel about ourselves, what we talk about, what we go through and how we share openly, honestly.”
A Champion’s Honest Confession
Simone Biles—widely considered the greatest gymnast of all time—recently dropped a bombshell that caught everyone off guard. In a “get un-ready with me” TikTok video, she revealed that she’s had three plastic surgeries, and two of them are nearly invisible to the casual observer. Among them? A lower blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, to address what she calls her “big flaw”: hereditary under-eye bags.
This revelation sparked major conversations about body image, self-acceptance, and why even the strongest people sometimes want to make changes. Let’s dive into what she shared, why she did it, and what it all means.
1. Who Is Simone Biles — Beyond the Gym
-
Simone Biles is more than just an Olympic gymnast; she’s an icon of strength, resilience, and ambition.
-
Known for her record-breaking medals, she’s also become a role model for mental health and authenticity.
-
Her decision to openly discuss plastic surgery shows a different side of her—one that’s deeply human.
2. The Big Reveal: Three Plastic Surgeries
-
In her TikTok video, Biles said: “I’ve had three plastic surgeries and two of them you would never be able to tell.”
-
She challenged her followers to guess what procedures she’d had done.
-
Eventually, she confirmed her three surgeries: a lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), earlobe repair, and a breast augmentation.
3. What Is Lower Blepharoplasty — The Technical Breakdown
-
Lower blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower eyelids, reducing puffiness and “bags.”
-
It can also address loose or sagging skin.
-
Although more common in older adults, younger people also choose it, especially when under-eye puffiness is hereditary.
4. Why Simone Had It Done: Her Motivation
-
Biles revealed she had the surgery because she and members of her family inherited prominent eye bags, which she refers to as her “Biles eye bags.”
-
She said those under-eye bags were a “big flaw” to her—something she noticed constantly, especially in photoshoots.
-
According to Biles, makeup artists would try to hide or mask the bags, but she knew they were hereditary and would not go away with rest.
-
She framed the decision not as a response to public pressure, but as a way to feel more comfortable and confident in her own skin.
5. The Other Two Procedures
5.1 Earlobe Repair
-
One of the surgeries was to repair her earlobe, which she said was damaged after an earring was ripped out when she was younger.
-
This was a corrective surgery, not about aesthetics, but about healing.
5.2 Breast Augmentation
-
Biles hinted at her breast augmentation using a cherries emoji (🍒) during her TikTok reveal and in previous posts.
-
She clarified that she didn’t get the procedure because she disliked her body before—it was about self-love and wanting to feel good in her own skin.
6. Reaction from Fans and Media
-
The media responded quickly, covering Biles’ honesty and framing it as a powerful moment of self-disclosure.
-
Many fans praised her for being “real” and breaking stigmas around cosmetic surgery.
-
Others raised deeper questions about why she felt a “big flaw” in the first place—starting conversations about beauty standards, self-esteem, and authenticity.
7. Transparency & Body Positivity: Simone’s Larger Message
-
Biles emphasized she shares these details not for shock value, but to be relatable and honest.
-
She said that being open about her body decisions makes her more human than celebrities just showing highlight reels.
-
For her, this is also about normalizing choice: you don’t have to be ashamed of wanting to change parts of yourself, and it doesn’t diminish who you are.
-
She hopes young people understand they can make their own decisions—about their body, their look, their life—without shame.
8. The Broader Trend: Celebs & Cosmetic Surgery
-
Biles isn’t alone: many public figures and athletes are now talking openly about elective procedures.
-
Her decision contributes to a broader shift in how we view cosmetic surgery—not as a secret or a weakness, but as a personal choice.
-
It also raises important discussions: when is surgery about insecurity versus empowerment? How do we challenge “flaws” that are just natural variation?
9. The Psychology Behind It: Self-Image & Confidence
-
Her admission reflects a mature relationship with her body: acknowledging what bothers her, then choosing to address it on her terms.
-
It’s not about conforming to beauty standards—it’s about self-acceptance and self-care.
-
By going public, she may be helping others feel less alone in their own insecurities.
10. Risks, Realities & What Surgery Entails
-
Every surgery has risks: lower blepharoplasty involves careful removal of skin and fat, potential for bruising, swelling, and recovery.
-
It’s not a magic fix—there are limits to how much can be removed, especially for hereditary eye bags.
-
Recovery takes time, and results may evolve. For someone in the public eye, getting this right is as much emotional as it is physical.
11. Is Surgery the Only Answer?
-
Not necessarily. Some people manage under-eye bags with non-surgical options: creams, fillers, lifestyle changes (sleep, hydration).
-
But for deep genetic under-eye puffiness, surgery can offer a more permanent solution.
-
Biles’ choice is a reminder: it’s deeply personal. What works for one person may not for another—and that’s okay.
12. The Impact on Young Fans
-
For young gymnasts or fans who idolize her, this could reshape ideas about “perfection.”
-
She’s modeling that even someone at the top can have insecurities—and that addressing them doesn’t make you less strong.
-
Her transparency may encourage healthier self-esteem, rather than hiding flaws or pretending they don’t exist.
13. Critics & Ethical Questions
-
Some critics may argue she’s “caving to pressure,” but Biles counters that it was her own choice.
-
Others worry about normalizing surgery for young people—but Biles frames this not as a trend but a deeply personal step.
-
There’s also the broader ethical conversation: what responsibilities do celebrities have when talking about elective procedures?
14. What This Means for Body Positivity
-
This moment is a win for authenticity: Biles is not hiding the changes. She’s owning them.
-
It’s a conversation-starter on what “natural” beauty means, and who gets to define flaws.
-
Her openness could help destigmatize cosmetic procedures, making “fixing” things less about shame and more about empowerment.
15. Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Flaw
Simone Biles’ decision to share her plastic surgeries—especially her lower blepharoplasty—is a powerful reminder that vulnerability isn’t weakness. Her “big flaw” wasn’t a lack of achievements or strength; it was something deeply personal, hereditary, and emotional. By talking about it openly, she’s doing more than clarifying rumor: she’s helping redefine how we think about beauty, choice, and self-worth.
