Celebrity glow ups are prompting more men to explore cosmetic anti aging. Public reactions mix praise, conspiracy and anxiety about ageing and identity.
In the modern online space, discussions are increasingly about whether famous men tackle aging with the same intensity as women. Smooth, taut, and glowing faces are analyzed by both experts and ordinary users, often concluding with a facelift, blepharoplasty, fillers, or Botox. In recent months, such conversations have ceased to be purely a “women’s topic” – they are now being discussed for men as well.
A striking example is the 51-year-old actor Leonardo DiCaprio, at the latest Academy Awards not for a role but for his facial appearance. “He took up gua sha,” wrote one fan on X. “Finally gave up alcohol and discovered water. Also his moustache accounts for about 40% of this comeback,” noted another, referring to the Tom Selleck‑style moustache.
«He took up gua sha», wrote one fan on X. «Finally given up alcohol and discovered water. Also his moustache accounts for about 40% of this comeback», said another, referring to the Tom Selleck‑style moustache.
– fan on X
Screen stars and the anticipated glow-up
Although the reaction to Leonardo DiCaprio’s glow-up was mostly positive, the reaction to Jim Carrey’s changes at the César Awards a few weeks earlier was not as friendly. The 64-year-old actor is known for his humorous facial expressions, so it’s surprising to see how his face has become more fixed and taut after several years off-camera. Some conspiracy theories suggested a body double might have attended the ceremony, but this was later unconfirmed.
At the same time other celebrities are also figures in aging discussions. For example, Alexis Stone as Jim Carrey in Paris became one of the discussed frames amid rumors of plastic changes.
«Alexis Stone as Jim Carrey in Paris.»
– Alexis Stone
In Hollywood, this is not the first time that speculation about anti-aging and cosmetic corrections has been raised. In January, Bradley Cooper denied rumors of plastic surgery after being asked on the street. Meanwhile, Ryan Gosling found himself at the center of a fake photo frenzy claiming his cheeks were allegedly filled with fillers – several months after he was dubbed “too old” for the Ken role in Barbie. Also in discussions were rumors about changes in Barry Keoghan’s lips and cheeks.
Beyond Hollywood, more and more men are turning to procedures: according to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, men make up 6.5% of the total number of cosmetic-surgery procedures in the United Kingdom. And while the total number of operations in 2023–2024 slightly decreased, facial and neck lifts among men rose by 26%, indicating a growing interest in anti-aging procedures among men. In the United States, men last year accounted for about 6% of the total number of injectable procedures (Botox and Xeomin) according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Why is there now a wave of men seeking anti-aging corrections? Perhaps it’s the result of a combination of factors: the growing role of social media, video conferencing like Zoom, and reality shows such as Love Island, which cultivate an “ideal image” and have become a source of anxiety, especially among younger men. At the same time online communities dedicated to the so-called looksmaxxing – where they enhance facial features through “mewing” and hair transplants – demonstrate how far the pursuit of a “better version of oneself” may go.
«We note that we tie moral value to youth, and that we read youth as productivity, desirability, health, and even dignity», – Lauren Steckles-Young, lecturer in social studies at the University of Sunderland (England). «In this, we see a blur between “health” and “beauty,” which means that we assume: if we are attractive, we are healthy, and if we are healthy and attractive, we have higher moral value. Social media reinforces this, enveloping us with filtered and curated faces, through which aging is perceived as a failure rather than a natural process. Anti-aging reflects a culture that fights accepting imperfection, change, or diversity in appearance.»
– Lauren Steckles-Young
«Traditionally men have been valued for the work they perform – with their bodies – but lately the value of men has shifted toward the work they do on their bodies. Yes, success at work continues to be valued, but self-care, clothing, and overall appearance are becoming increasingly important»
– Chris Haywood, reader in critical masculinity studies at Newcastle University in England
Conclusion and prospects: society’s assessment of men’s roles is changing along with the rise of the culture of appearance. Aging is no longer a taboo, but it also underscores the double valuation of youth and beauty. Whether this becomes a step toward a more open and thoughtful conversation about aging will depend on how society learns to accept the diversity of appearances and the person with all their imperfections.
Ultimately, the question remains: can society reduce the pressure on men to meet an “ideal look” and find a more balanced approach to aging oriented toward health, well-being, and the individuality of each person?