Published by Dr. Brandon Richland, MD
Yolanda Hadid’s journey through the world of plastic surgery has sparked intense curiosity and debate. As a former model and reality TV star, she’s lived much of her life in the spotlight, where beauty standards often shape personal choices. Over the years, Yolanda openly discussed her experiences with cosmetic procedures, including Botox, dermal fillers, and breast implants.
Her story took a dramatic turn when she revealed her decision to remove all fillers and implants after facing health challenges linked to her Lyme disease diagnosis. Yolanda’s evolving perspective offers a rare, candid look at the pressures and realities behind the glamorous facade of the modeling industry.
Yolanda Hadid, born Yolanda Van Den Herik is a Dutch-American television personality and former fashion model who gained recognition for her work in the 1980s and 1990s. Born in the Netherlands, she was discovered by Eileen Ford of Ford Models and quickly rose to prominence, working with top designers and appearing in high-profile campaigns and magazines.
Her career included runway shows and editorial work across Europe and the United States, establishing her as a sought-after face in the industry. Known for her classic beauty and poise, she became a recognizable figure in the fashion world during her modeling years.
After stepping back from modeling, Yolanda became a familiar face on television, particularly through her role on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, where audiences got a closer look at her life and family. She is also widely recognized as the mother of supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid and model Anwar Hadid, often credited with helping guide their successful careers. Beyond modeling and television, she has been vocal about her health journey. Particularly her battle with Lyme disease, which brought more awareness to the condition.
Yolanda Hadid, known from the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” underwent multiple cosmetic procedures throughout her career as a model. Her journey with plastic surgery began while modeling in both the Netherlands and the United States, mirroring industry standards that valued enhanced beauty.
Yolanda was open about her use of Botox and fillers, which were popular choices among models and public figures. Her cosmetic decisions included breast implants, a procedure that became public when a health scare required their removal.
In 2016, during her time on “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills“, Yolanda revealed that a ruptured implant had led to free-floating silicone in her body. Medical specialists connected ongoing health symptoms, including those related to her Lyme disease, with complications from these enhancements.
Yolanda’s decision to remove all fillers and implants marked a shift toward advocating for natural beauty. This move resonated widely, highlighting growing concerns about long-term health risks and the psychological impact of maintaining an artificial appearance. Her candid sharing on Bravo and other platforms encouraged fans to reconsider the expectations and pressures placed on women, particularly in the modeling and entertainment industries.
Health took priority for Yolanda after experiencing complications, specifically a ruptured breast implant during a water-skiing accident. Silicone leakage amplified her ongoing symptoms from Lyme disease, a chronic condition she had battled for years.
Immediate health concerns, together with the desire to feel strong for her children and family. This influenced her decision to remove her cosmetic enhancements in 2016. Public disclosure of her journey showed a strong willingness to advocate for informed choices, particularly after sharing on platforms like Bravo and “Real Housewives”.
Yolanda Hadid’s journey with plastic surgery reached a pivotal moment after serious health challenges prompted a full reconsideration of her choices. Her story unfolded in public view through The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, tying her personal transformation to a highly visible platform.
Health issues sharply impacted Yolanda Hadid plastic surgery decisions. In the midst of her modeling and television career, Yolanda was diagnosed with Lyme disease. This chronic illness brought severe symptoms that fluctuated in intensity, affecting her daily activities. Complications intensified when a ruptured breast implant, led to silicone leakage. Medical evaluations indicated that the silicone, moving through her body, might have worsened her illness.
Treatment included managing Lyme disease with conventional and alternative therapies, but symptoms persisted until removal of all artificial cosmetic substances.
Yolanda chose to undergo explant surgery and eliminate all fillers and Botox after learning about the interaction between silicone and her immune system. The decision marked a definitive break from years of enhancements, a process influenced by the pressures of the model and entertainment industries. She described the removal of breast implants as a catalyst for reclaiming her health and natural self.
Her public statements underscore regret over succumbing to societal expectations and celebrate living in a body free of artificial alterations. For Yolanda and her family, including her daughters Bella and Gigi Hadid, the change represents an enduring commitment to health over beauty standards. By sharing her story, she shifted the conversation on cosmetic surgery, encouraging a wider acceptance of authenticity in both the modeling world and mainstream society.
Yolanda Hadid’s plastic surgery reversal created ongoing conversations about beauty standards in the modeling and entertainment industries. Her public journey, challenged norms that had influenced her own decisions in Beverly Hills and abroad.
This shift’s impact extends across social channels and into medical consultations, as individuals cite Yolanda when discussing the risks and psychological effects of procedures. Cultural attitudes among fans and aspiring models now favor authenticity, with trends reflecting higher demand for transparent, health-driven beauty narratives. The move away from unrealistic standards, reinforced by Yolanda’s visible platform, continues to influence industry practices and personal choices today.
Yolanda Hadid underwent several cosmetic procedures, including Botox, facial fillers, and breast implant surgery, during her modeling and television career.
Yolanda decided to remove all fillers and breast implants. This, after experiencing health complications linked to her Lyme disease and a ruptured breast implant, prioritizing her overall well-being.
Yolanda’s public reversal of cosmetic enhancements challenged beauty norms. She encourage both, models and fans to embrace authenticity and health over standard industry ideals.
Yes, Yolanda’s daughters, Gigi Hadid and Bella Hadid, have referenced her experiences and chosen to avoid cosmetic procedures, highlighting a shift toward natural beauty in their family.
Yolanda has discussed her cosmetic surgery experiences and health journey in interviews, on reality TV, and her social media platforms.
Yolanda Hadid’s openness about her plastic surgery journey continues to inspire important conversations around beauty and wellness. Her decision to prioritize health and authenticity over industry expectations has set a new standard in the modeling world.
As more people consider the effects of cosmetic enhancements, Yolanda’s story serves as a reminder that well-being should always come first. Her influence is helping reshape attitudes toward beauty, encouraging a move toward transparency and genuine self-care.
Please note that this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Before making any changes to your treatments, please consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the appropriateness and safety of such changes.
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Dr. Brandon Richland, MD is a respected Board Certified Licensed Plastic Surgeon in Orange County / Southern California specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries.
Driven by his passion for medicine, Dr. Richland obtained his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the prestigious program at Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Medicine in 2013. His exceptional skills were recognized when he received the McGraw Hill / Lange Medical Student Academic Achievement Award, and graduated top of his class with Honors. For his undergraduate degree, he attended University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and graduated with Honors in 2009.
To further enhance his surgical expertise, Dr. Richland completed his Residency in Plastic Surgery at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) from 2013 to 2019 earning the Academic Achievement Award twice during this period. A total of 14 years in dedicated schooling and medical residency.
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Cover Image Illustration by: Dr. Brandon Richland, MD.