Side-By-Side Pics Of Ariana Grande Highlight Her Transformation From Pop Star To Glinda

Ariana Grande, who has taught us a thing or two about love, wasn't always just known for her top hits like "Thank U, Next" and "Into You". She first captured the hearts of many with her Broadway debut in 2008, and also as "Cat Valentine" on Nickelodeon's "Victorious." In 2024, she made the striking transition from world stages to the big screen, as the enchanting Glinda, a character she's obviously fallen in love with as she even got a matching tattoo with Cynthia Erivo, in the film adaptation of the Broadway hit, "Wicked." 

However, her career isn't the only thing that has transformed. Many people have noticed a striking change in her overall image and style, and for a long time, it sparked speculation about the possibility of cosmetic procedures. Before diving into anything, it's important to note that in a 2024 lie detector-themed interview with Vanity Fair, Grande made it clear she never had any major procedures. She explained, "I've had fillers in various places and Botox, but I stopped like four years ago, and that is the extent."

In her early pop star days, she was known for her high ponytail and dramatic eyeliner, along with wardrobe choices that ranged from glamorous stage looks to the most comfortable-looking oversized hoodies. Lately, not only has her style shifted to a more mature, polished aesthetic, but a lot of her facial features appear more defined and sculpted, giving her an ethereal and elegant look. 

Ariana's words vs. an expert's take

While Ariana Grande denied having any kind of plastic surgery done — and even jokingly said (via Vanity Fair), "Take that you YouTube people!" hinting at the fact that she was aware of videos speculating about changes in her appearance — double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Linkov, who also runs a YouTube channel that educates people on the things to know about plastic surgery, didn't hesitate to react to her Vanity Fair interview. 

In Dr. Linkov's YouTube video titled "Ariana Grande CALLED ME OUT!", he explained that it's just not possible for certain features to evolve in certain ways, no matter how much time passes. The double board-certified plastic surgeon explained, "As we age, here's what doesn't happen. Our brows don't find a way to go up. Our noses don't get thinner, our jawlines and cheekbones don't get larger. With the effects of gravity and tissue atrophy, quite the opposite actually takes place." In other words, he stood firm on the fact that the changes in Ariana's face would have likely required medical intervention. 

Dr. Linkov also emphasized that celebrities being more transparent about procedures they've had done, like Kelly Ripa, who's always been honest about her plastic surgery journey, will "reduce the pressure on everyday people to meet unrealistic beauty standards without help" and "encourage more realistic views on beauty and what is achievable without surgery." But let's remember that Ariana's talent and artistry are what truly made her a star, not her looks. 

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