The Early Days of Film & Cosmetic Surgery

October 10, 2024 - Rhys Branman, MD

Woman with classic old Hollywood glamour

Did you ever wonder what movie stars did in the days before cosmetic surgery? Think back to the famous staircase scene in Sunset Boulevard, when Gloria Swanson descends uttering the famous line, “All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.”

You might wonder just when cosmetic surgery began in Hollywood! The 1950s movie Sunset Blvd harked back to the big studio days of the 30s, and of course Gloria Swanson had survived the transition from silent film to the Talkies. The film emphasizes this great star’s aging, and you just might wonder when cosmetic surgery became so popular with the stars. What were the early days of face lifts like in Hollywood? When did it all begin?

1930s: The first cases of cosmetic surgery in Hollywood

It is said that Mary Pickford was a victim of a failed early face lift that left her unable to smile. Back in those days, only the skin was moved up and stretched during a facelift, often resulting in that “wind tunnel” look. That was in the 1930s. I found an archived Photoplay Magazine from August 1930 online. The subtitle of the article reads, “How Hollywood submits to the knife of the plastic surgeon in the name of Beauty.” Fannie Brice had rhinoplasty. So did Bebe Daniels and Vivienne Segal. And even Rudolf Valentino had his ears done! Forgotten names from a forgotten era perhaps; the days of old black and white films are full of stars who were the very first consumers of cosmetic surgery. Brave souls who wanted careers in a day when cosmetic surgery was in its infancy.

The days of old black and white films are full of stars who were the very first consumers of cosmetic surgery.

1950s: Marlilyn Monroe, Dean Martin, and other mega stars

And the 1950s? Did you know Norma Jean Baker had too much nose and too much chin? Remaking herself as Marilyn Monroe included work to her nose and chin. Rita Hayworth had a very low hairline that was moved up with electrolysis to achieve her classic beauty. Dean Martin had his nose done, too. Do you remember the disfiguring stage accident the gorgeous Ann-Margret had? Her face was crushed falling off a trapeze, requiring extensive reconstruction.

By the 1950s, cosmetic surgery had come a long way. You don’t hear much about these stars and the work they had done. Why? Well, it was a while ago, for one thing, but also it was very good cosmetic surgery in most cases. Just small, natural-looking tweaks that would enhance their classic beauty on the big screen.

So just a little history for you to enjoy!

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– Dr. Branman

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