Alexa Ray Joel is denying she’s had extensive plastic surgery on her face plus a boob job after a new photo of the singer sparked rumors that she’d gone under the knife.
Joel, 28, was photographed with her mother, Christie Brinkley, after her performance at Café Carlyle in Manhattan on Tuesday — and her dramatically altered appearance sparked online speculation that she’s had “extensive face work” plus a breast augmentation operation.
The singer insists she’s had no work done other than a nose job, which she admits to having had done in 2010, and blamed her new look on make-up and a healthy dose of self-confidence.
She wrote on Facebook, “On a personal (and slightly ridiculous note): I would just like to add that all of the continuously circulating rumors that I have had extensive ‘face-work’ and undergone breast-augmentation surgery is simply and entirely 100% false.
“The only thing I have ever had done is my nose, which I have always been completely candid, honest, and open about- and I can swear on my Beloved Gypsy-Stella The Cat that this is the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God! (But hey, there could be worse rumors circulating, so, I’ll take it).
“Any visibly-positive alterations in terms of my public-image are an absolute and sole credit to my brilliant makeup-artist and stylist, @darlingcait … Who is a true beauty-wizard and visionary. (That, combined with the fact that I actually have a hearty dose of self-confidence now- which took me a little extra minute or so to find.) ; ) But hey, wouldn’t it be nice if the press could just focus on my music and stage-presence? Because, honestly, I would rather be judged, critiqued, and picked apart for my actual work. So, on that note… Please join me for an intimate evening of music, martinis, [and more!] at the Cafe Carlyle- get your tickets now- the shows are almost all sold-out!!!!!!”
Joel also posed on an online discussion about her new appearance, “This is absolutely hysterical!!! I was 13 years old in the pic posted as a ‘before’. In this latter pic, I am 28 years old [that’s the age I am now], I have lost weight simply from maturing, and I have fully contoured ‘stage makeup’ and hair done for my first debut-show at the Carlyle Hotel in NYC. Obviously, I’m going to look different. It’s called ‘growing up’! I have only gotten one nose-job done. That is the absolute extent of the surgeries I have had.
“I’m very sorry to disappoint everyone who wants to believe that I have had multiple surgeries, but that just simply isn’t true. Dramatic makeup and a push-up bra can go a long way though– and I tend to favor an ultra-glam, dramatic look when I am performing- especially at such a dressy venue. Anyways…. sorry to disappoint everyone… I don’t have low self-esteem at all, contrary to all of your unsubstantiated opinions, and I accept and love myself for exactly who I am, as every empowered woman should! To the nasty bullying-bloggers who seem to get a kick out of picking a part, psychoanalyzing, and objectifying complete strangers…. Why not take a long look in the mirror and worry about yourself?”
Another source close to Joel added, “She’s only had a nose job, never any filler or botox or lip injections. It is unfair to run photos of a young teenager girl against a 28 year old woman who has just performed w stage clothing and make-up on – of course she is going to look different.”
Her rep Claire Mercuri added, “Alexa has never had any plastic surgery other than a rhinoplasty, which she has admitted to. She’s simply matured into a beautiful young woman.”
Joel was responding to comments made by NYC-based plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew Schulman, who said, “She certainly looks like she has ‘re-created’ her look.”
“She admits to having a nose job, but there seems to have been a lot more than that done. Her upper eyelids are wider, suggesting an upper blepharoplsty. Her lips are fuller, likely the result of fillers such as Restylane or Juvaderm. Her cheekbones are more chiseled and higher, again likely the result of temporary fillers such as Voluma, although I cannot rule out the possibility of cheek implants. Speaking of implants, her chest appears fuller, but maybe this is just the result of her becoming more mature….”
“Overall I actually think she looks very good, but is clearly treading a fine line and I would hate to see her fall on the wrong side of things like others have.”