Quick Read
- Simone Biles publicly discussed her eyelid surgery, breast augmentation, and earlobe repair.
- Her decision was rooted in personal confidence and hereditary traits, not external pressure.
- Biles emphasizes transparency to help young women feel empowered about their choices.
- Her openness has inspired athletes like Coco Gauff to shift their perspectives on self-image.
- Biles’ story contributes to a broader movement of celebrity transparency around cosmetic procedures.
Simone Biles’ Journey: From Gold Medals to Honest Conversations About Self-Image
Simone Biles has never shied away from the spotlight, whether she’s electrifying audiences on the Olympic stage or breaking barriers as one of the most decorated gymnasts in history. But in late 2025, Biles took transparency to a new level by publicly sharing details about her cosmetic procedures, sparking a nuanced conversation about beauty, confidence, and the pressures of public life.
Why Simone Biles Chose Cosmetic Surgery
In candid interviews with People and other outlets, the 28-year-old athlete described her decision to undergo a lower blepharoplasty—commonly known as eyelid surgery. For Biles, the choice was deeply personal and rooted in her family’s hereditary “Biles eye bags,” which she’d long considered a flaw. “We’ve just always had them, hereditary, and so that was just a big flaw,” she explained. The scrutiny intensified during professional photoshoots, where makeup artists would try to conceal her under-eye bags with strips and products.
“Every time I would go to a shoot, they’re like, ‘Oh, can we put some strips on her?’” Biles recalled. But the reality was, “I had 12 hours last night, these aren’t going away. These are just hereditary.” Eventually, she decided to pursue the surgery, which the Cleveland Clinic describes as removing and repositioning excess fat beneath the eyes. For Biles, it was a step toward feeling more comfortable in her own skin.
Embracing Transparency and Relatability
Biles did not stop at discussing her blepharoplasty. She also shared that she had breast augmentation and a minor procedure to reshape her earlobe, which had been damaged when an earring was torn out during childhood. The openness was intentional. “Seeing me win medals at the Olympics, that’s not relatable,” Biles said. “But what is relatable is how we feel about ourselves, what we talk about, what we go through and how we share openly, honestly.”
She reflected on the impact of social media, observing that it often presents an unrealistic image of perfection. “I feel like nowadays with social media, you see everyone and you’re like, ‘Oh my God, how does she look so good?’ Social media is not real, so that’s why I try to be as transparent as possible.” Biles’ message resonates with young women navigating their own insecurities and choices, demonstrating that even world-class athletes face self-doubt and make personal decisions to feel better about themselves.
Body Confidence, Choice, and No Shame
What stands out about Biles’ perspective is her emphasis on autonomy and self-love. She made clear that her surgeries were not about unhappiness with her body, but rather about wanting to feel even more confident. “It’s just something that I notice obviously a little bit more because I live in this body, I’m just so used to it,” she explained. For Biles, the goal was to feel good about herself, not to meet external standards.
“I also think it shows young girls that they have the right to their own choices, whatever they are, and that’s no shame added as well,” she emphasized. Biles’ stance is a gentle rejection of the stigma sometimes attached to cosmetic procedures. Her words, “As long as you love yourself, that’s really all that matters,” offer reassurance to anyone wrestling with self-image in an age of relentless comparison.
Influence Beyond Gymnastics: A Role Model in Real Life
Biles’ authenticity has ripple effects. Tennis star Coco Gauff, reflecting on her own challenging season, credited a meeting with Biles for changing her “perspective” and helping her improve her performance. After a conversation at the US Open, Gauff described Biles as her “queen” and a “G.O.A.T.”—the greatest of all time. “She gave me some incredible advice that helped definitely change my perspective on the year. After this, I went on to do well in China. So I appreciate her always for that,” Gauff shared, highlighting Biles’ influence beyond the mat.
For Gauff, Biles’ openness about mental health and personal challenges was not just inspiring—it was transformative. “I think everything that she went through on the mental side of things in the sport, it’s something I follow closely and try to learn from,” Gauff noted. Biles’ willingness to share her vulnerabilities and choices has become a touchstone for younger athletes navigating their own journeys.
The Broader Conversation: Celebrity, Surgery, and Self-Disclosure
Biles is not alone among public figures in discussing cosmetic procedures. From Martha Stewart to Julia Fox, celebrities are increasingly transparent about their choices, sparking debates about beauty standards, aging, and authenticity. Yet Biles’ approach is distinctive: rather than glamorizing surgery or using it as a marketing tool, she frames her story as one of agency and honesty.
Her candidness also serves as a corrective to the sometimes misleading imagery of social media. By openly discussing her experiences—including a humorous anecdote about “baby Botox” that left her with a floating eyebrow—Biles demystifies the process and removes the shame that can surround such decisions. In a world where perfection is often expected, her message is refreshing: it’s okay to make changes, but it’s also okay to be open about them.
Looking Forward: Redefining Relatability
As Biles continues to inspire through her athletic achievements and personal honesty, her legacy is evolving. She’s not just a gymnast or a gold medalist—she’s a role model for self-acceptance and transparency. By sharing her story, Biles invites others to reflect on their own definitions of confidence and beauty, reminding us that authenticity is powerful, whether you’re on the Olympic podium or scrolling through your feed.
Simone Biles’ openness about cosmetic surgery marks a shift in how public figures engage with issues of body image and self-confidence. By refusing to hide her choices, Biles empowers others to embrace their own paths—challenging shame, fostering understanding, and proving that real strength lies in honesty as much as in athletic prowess.