Many Hollywood actresses like Lucy Liu and Kate Winslet have sounded the alarm against the misuse of plastic surgery within the film industry.
Some celebrities have even ruined their careers by attempting to recapture the appearance of their youth, and there are rumors that America’s sweetheart Meg Ryan has fallen victim to Tinseltown’s obsession with youth.
Before and after rumored plastic surgery: Meg Ryan at the 45th AFI Life Achievement Award honoring Diane Keaton in June 2017, compared to her 1979 yearbook photo from Bethel High School (Credit: Apega / WENN / Nikki Nelson / FayesVision)
Many in the public, including some plastic surgeons, feel that the “When Harry Met Sally” star has gone overboard by having “too much work” performed over the years.
Although Ryan has never confirmed or denied the plastic surgery rumors, many plastic surgeons are convinced that she has had cosmetic work performed.
Meg Ryan addressed ongoing scrutiny about her appearance, dismissing tabloid criticism as “stupid” in a November 2023 interview with Glamour. The What Happens Later star acknowledged society’s obsession with youth, particularly for women in the spotlight, but shared her positive outlook on aging.
“I love my age. I love where I’m at,” Ryan said, urging others to embrace the natural process without fear. Despite persistent rumors about plastic surgery and claims of her looking “unrecognizable,” Ryan revealed she ignores the negativity and focuses on the value of self-acceptance.
Meg Ryan at the premiere of Kate & Leopold in 2011 compared to her appearance at the 11th Annual Governors Awards in 2019 (Credit: Apega / WENN / Nikki Nelson / FayesVision)
While Meg Ryan advocates for embracing aging, her evolving appearance has sparked much speculation, with experts weighing in on procedures like fillers and Botox that may explain the changes.
The most apparent change in her features is in the area of her cheeks. This suggests that she has had some facial filler or fat transfer performed to add additional volume to the area.
It is evident whenever she smiles as the additional volume moves up and makes her eyes appear smaller or “squinty.”
The Role of Facial Fillers in Meg Ryan’s Transformation
Facial fillers are injectable products containing various substances that promote enhanced facial volume. They are typically used to fill hollow areas like those sometimes found under the eyes or in the cheek area.
Speculation surrounds Meg Ryan’s changing appearance, with some attributing it to a nose job, cheek implants, and Botox, while others suggest natural aging and weight loss (Credit: Media Punch / INSTARimages)
The most popular type of facial filler contains hyaluronic acid, commonly found in topical skincare products, to make the skin appear more youthful by diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is also available via injection for similar purposes.
Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal reunite at the 2019 TCM Classic Film Festival Opening Night Gala for the 30th Anniversary Screening of When Harry Met Sally at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California, on April 11, 2019 (Credit: Apega / WENN / Nikki Nelson / FayesVision)
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that retains water, enhancing skin fullness and reducing fine lines. It leads to a much fuller facial appearance. Unfortunately, this product can be overused, leading to unnatural results.
Meg Ryan’s plastic surgeon may have misrepresented what fillers are capable of in a realistic sense, or Ryan may have pressured him to proceed with the procedure anyway.
Meg Ryan has never publicly addressed plastic surgery rumors, but her changing appearance over the years has sparked widespread speculation (Credit: INSTARimages)
Whatever the case, it is always the plastic surgeon’s responsibility to ensure their patients have realistic expectations regarding their results.
Meg Ryan and Hollywood’s Obsession with Youth: Did She Go Too Far?
Since Meg Ryan has never admitted to having plastic surgery, and no one else has come forward to confirm the rumors, the public is left guessing. The consensus is that Ryan did indeed have plastic surgery when she was away from the public eye.
Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks at the New York City premiere of You’ve Got Mail on December 10, 1998, at the Ziegfeld Theater (Credit: Startraksphoto)
One rumored procedure that Ryan may have performed is an injection with Botox. Many celebrities have used this product to minimize the appearance of “dynamic wrinkles” commonly found on the forehead or between the eyes.
Botox works by temporarily paralyzing facial muscles that cause skin folds and wrinkles. However, it can also lead to undesirable results when performed improperly, including the appearance of always being “surprised.”
Meg Ryan and her adopted daughter Daisy True attend the Schiaparelli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2019 2020 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on July 1, 2019, in Paris, France (Credit: Apega / WENN / Nikki Nelson / FayesVision)
If Meg Ryan had plastic surgery and overdid it, she is certainly not alone. Such stories are cautionary tales that should warn fellow celebrities and everyday people that plastic surgery, while effective when used properly, can be taken too far and lead to unnatural results that leave you looking less attractive than you did before. What do you think about Hollywood’s beauty standards and the pressure to maintain a youthful appearance?
Meg Ryan’s iconic collaborations with Tom Hanks have solidified her status as a beloved actress in Hollywood. If you’re curious about her financial success, don’t miss our article detailing Meg Ryan’s net worth and her highest-grossing movies.
While Meg Ryan has been at the center of cosmetic surgery speculation, it’s worth noting that she shares her surname with another well-known actress: Debby Ryan. Despite their shared family name, the two are unrelated—‘Ryan’ is a common surname of Irish origin.