Aussie influencers get transparent on cosmetic procedures and how much they have spent

Aussie influencers have taken to a new trend of revealing their cosmetic surgery expenses, with one of the best known revealing a huge sum. Here’s how they all compared.

Social media influencer Skye Weatley. Picture: Instagram

Gone are the days of influencers claiming their smooth, sculpted looks are all thanks to “hydration” and “good lighting.”

A wave of major Australian creators are now embracing being “real” online, posting candidly about their cosmetic work, even revealing how much it has all cost.

Reality TV star turned podcaster Skye Wheatley stunned listeners a fortnight ago when she revealed she had spent an estimated $500,000 on procedures including skin treatments, injectables and fillers, while model and businesswoman Rebecca Judd revealed to Stellar over the weekend she had dabbled in cosmetic treatments, calling on others to “be more honest”.

Meanwhile, hairdresser and TikTok creator Kim Haberley documented both the highs and lows of her deep plane facelift after undergoing the procedure in Turkey, going under the knife for about $30,000 AUD.

Other influencers who have shared their cosmetic journeys include Izzy Armitage, who took followers on a step-by-step journey of her $22,000 rhinoplasty and her earlier breast augmentation, while Married At First Sight alumnus Jessika Power and influencer Jillie Clarke have both previously opened up about the costs of their individual cosmetic surgery journeys, which have included breast implants.

Skye Wheatley opens up about surgeries.

Social media posts from influencer Bec Judd. Picture: Instagram

Sydney Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Clinic director Angela Velonas said the trend was a long time coming.

“We all know no one looks 10 years younger naturally,” Ms Velonas said.

“We’re just finally being more honest.”

Ms Velonas said cosmetic surgery enthusiasts, mostly women, were feeling more empowered to be open about their enhancements.

Pictured is Izzy Armitage. Picture: Jason Edwards

Jessika Power. Picture: Instagram

“It’s more accepted, (people who get cosmetic work done) are not judged,” she said.

“We do it for ourselves in most cases, it’s about self care and having pride in your appearance.”

Sydney TikToker Leah Dunne spent $19,000 on a rhinoplasty from a Sydney surgeon, which also included septoplasty and turbinate reduction to correct her breathing issues.

Dunne claimed she shared her entire “emotional rollercoaster” experience online to deglamorise the process and help others make informed choices.

Among the things Dunne covered were the extra costs of the procedure, like medications, post-op tape, and nose physiotherapy exercises.

“When I was doing my own research, I found it really hard to access honest, detailed content that wasn’t filtered or glamorised,” Dunne told The Daily Telegraph.

Aussie influencer Leah Dunne recently had a rhinoplasty. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“There’s a responsibility that comes with being visible online, especially during a cost of living crisis … I don’t want anyone to think I just ‘woke up’ with a new nose.”

 She said while the surgery was both mentally and financially demanding, she was happy with her results.

“I don’t think cosmetic work guarantees happiness, but in my case it aligned with where I was mentally and emotionally,” she said.

Dunne claimed other influencers’ willingness to talk procedure costs and recovery might not make cosmetic surgery less expensive, but it could make the space a little more real.

“I don’t promote surgery, but I do believe in giving people the full picture,” she said. 

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