What Kristi Noem Looked Like Before Her Alleged Plastic Surgery
Though Kristi Noem has never publicly confirmed she's received plastic surgery (or any other beauty treatments for that matter), Noem's face transformation is undoubtedly a sight to see. A snap taken back in 2011 shows the Secretary of Homeland Security looking unrecognizable during an appearance at the U.S. Capitol, fueling rumors she has since gone under the knife — or at least received some injectables.
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Granted, it's worth noting that Noem looks completely different without her signature hair extensions, so that could explain why her 2011 self appears to be a total stranger. However, it's more than her tresses that has people doing a double take. During that 2010s Obama era, Noem somehow looked older than when she joined president Donald Trump's administration years later. In the 2011 photo, her skin looked more textured (and she seemingly wasn't wearing the matte foundation and powder she'd grow to favor), while her lips weren't anywhere near as full as they were at a press conference with the president of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves Robles, in June 2025. She also didn't appear to have any facial filler.
Social media users have certainly noticed the changes in her look. "Why are Republican women so addicted to plastic surgery. Kristi Noem is barely [recognizable]," one X, formerly known as Twitter, user wrote. They seemed to be referring to the Mar-A-Lago face plastic surgery trend that prominent republican women like Noem and Kimberly Guilfoyle have been accused of jumping on. But that's not the only snap that suggests this political figure may have actively changed her appearance.
A plastic surgeon believes Kristi Noem could have had a face and neck lift
We also couldn't believe how different Kristi Noem looked in 2014, before her alleged plastic surgery. Again, the politician somehow looked older while speaking during a news briefing following a House Republican Conference meeting than she did over a decade later in 2025 while in Guatemala. Though she'd clearly lined her lips using lipliner in 2014, her kisser was still much thinner than we've come to know it during Trump's second term. Additionally, her eyebrows were less arched, which suggests that sometime later, she may have had Botox, which is known to cause arched brows. (the lack of lines or wrinkles on her forehead in 2025 also suggested she could have tried Botox).
Though it remains a mystery what specific plastic surgery or beauty treatments Noem has had — there are plenty of theories out there. Plastic surgeon Joel Kopelman of Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery spoke to Glam about how Noem's face has transformed over the years and believes she's likely tried Botox, as well as fillers. Dr. Michael Niccole, founder and Medical Director of CosmetiCare Plastic Surgery Center and MedSpa based in Newport Beach, California, spoke to Nicki Swift about the hefty price tag of Noem's rumored face makeover. He suggested the divisive political figure potentially got more invasive surgery. "The skin on her neck appears tighter, her facial contours more defined, and her skin tone and texture are dramatically improved. ... it's likely she's undergone a neck lift and a mini facelift," Dr. Niccole theorized. He also surmised she's likely had lip filler and could have splashed as much as $25,000 on her changing appearance. Before getting these (or any other) procedures though, always ensure you've properly investigated the research and risks of plastic surgery.