The Impact of Plastic Surgery on Meg Ryan's Career

From Kate Winslet to Lucy Liu, numerous Hollywood actresses have voiced their opposition to the use of plastic surgery in the entertainment industry. Many stars have jeopardized their careers in pursuit of recapturing their youth, and it appears that even America's sweetheart, Meg Ryan, is not exempt from Tinseltown's obsession with aging. According to Dr. Mark Youssef from Younique Cosmetic Surgery, Ryan has undergone an excessive amount of cosmetic procedures over the years.

Although Ryan has neither confirmed nor denied the rumors, Dr. Youssef seems confident that she has had plastic surgery. In 2016, he pointed out, "The most noticeable change is the presence of filler or fat transfer in her cheeks. When she smiles, this filler moves upward, giving the illusion of smaller eyes. Her masculine appearance is attributed to the way the volume has been placed in her cheeks."

Dr. Youssef suggested that Ryan likely underwent "some sort of rhinoplasty" since the tip of her nose appears more pinched than before. He also believes she received "an excessive amount of Botox in the forehead" and "volume in her lips." Speculating further, he mentioned the possibility of a plastic surgery addiction, attributing it to a dissatisfaction with one's self-image. He stated, "It stems from an inner unhappiness with oneself. Individuals believe that undergoing surgery will solve their issues, but it only reflects a distorted perception of their own image."

However, even though Ryan's changing appearance may have impacted her career prospects, it's essential to note that she had already left Hollywood long before making any alterations to her looks.

For actress Meg Ryan, the plastic surgery rumors hold little significance and are essentially frivolous. In a 2015 interview with Porter magazine (per Fox News), she admitted to paying little attention to such speculations. "I don't focus much on that, honestly," she stated. "There's so much animosity in the world today; it's rather foolish to be judgmental. Imagine being a hater, how absurd! My female friends and I are not engaged in constant discussions about... well, occasionally such topics come up, but we mostly talk about our children growing up, the world they will inherit, the food we consume, and the air we breathe."

While audiences may believe that Ryan's departure from Hollywood is tied to her appearance, the star of "You've Got Mail" clarified to the New York Times that her decision was primarily driven by the fast-paced and shallow lives portrayed on-screen. In 2019, Ryan explained, "I felt, in a peculiar way, that as an actor, I was rushing through life experiences. I was burnt out. I no longer felt adequately connected to myself or the world to portray it as an actor. I felt isolated."

Despite receiving offers for new projects, Ryan expressed her disinterest in them, as they were not aligned with her desires. She also described feeling like an outsider, merely observing her own life through a window. Such an existence was unsatisfactory! Fortunately, Ryan prioritized her personal well-being over her professional pursuits, recognizing the importance of self-care in finding contentment.