Troye Sivan Opens Up After Doctor’s Public Critique of His Appearance Sparks Outrage
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Troye Sivan, the Australian singer and actor known for his candidness and advocacy, recently addressed a wave of criticism after a self-described “aesthetic doctor” publicly scrutinized his facial features in a now-deleted Instagram Reel. The commentary, which suggested that Sivan appeared “older looking” and recommended cosmetic procedures, sparked widespread backlash and a heartfelt response from the artist.
In a detailed post on his Substack, Sivan expressed his frustration and vulnerability in the face of unsolicited medical advice. The doctor’s remarks, which included the claim that Sivan was experiencing “twink death” — a slang term referencing the loss of youthful appearance — and suggestions for multiple cosmetic treatments, were met with immediate condemnation from fans and medical professionals alike.
“What good is money and modern medicine if not to fix all of these flaws that this random sicko fucko plastic surgeon told me I have in an Instagram reel?” Sivan wrote, underscoring the invasive nature of the critique. The singer, who recently turned 30, reflected on his evolving relationship with aging and body image, revealing that he has long struggled with self-perception despite being widely recognized as “famously skinny.”
He described his approach to body positivity as twofold: embracing natural aging and maintaining skepticism about cosmetic procedures. “I am body positive to my core and believe that every body is beautiful,” he affirmed. Sivan also shared an anecdote from a fashion industry insider advising to “stay ugly,” meaning to avoid cosmetic alterations and embrace natural signs of aging like wrinkles and smile lines, which he found “cool.”
Despite the allure of cosmetic enhancements, Sivan highlighted the financial and emotional costs involved. He recounted being quoted $3,000 just for a consultation to transfer fat to his under-eye area and expressed reservations about starting treatments like baby Botox. “The cracks are starting to show though,” he admitted, candidly discussing the visible signs of aging.
The incident has ignited a broader conversation about the ethics of unsolicited medical commentary, especially when delivered publicly by professionals. A plastic surgery resident commented on social media, condemning the doctor’s behavior as “COMPLETELY ridiculous” and contrary to the core values of medicine, which prioritize patient care and respect. The sentiment was echoed by others who emphasized that public figures deserve basic human dignity and that unsolicited medical advice, particularly from doctors, is dehumanizing.
Sivan’s response also touched on the psychological impact of social media algorithms that amplify insecurities. He described how his “all-knowing, eternally and deeply evil algorithm” bombarded him with videos of invasive cosmetic procedures and advertisements for unapproved weight-loss medications, intensifying his vulnerability.
Ultimately, Sivan conveyed a message of patience and self-acceptance while acknowledging the complex pressures of maintaining one’s image in the public eye. He noted that the doctor removed the critical video and apologized, but the episode remains a stark reminder of the challenges celebrities face regarding body image and unsolicited scrutiny.
The singer’s experience has resonated widely, prompting discussions about body positivity and the responsibilities of medical professionals in public discourse. For more on ethical medical practices and patient rights, resources are available from the American Medical Association and the Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, the American Psychological Association offers guidance on the mental health impacts of social media and body image.
As public figures like Sivan navigate the intersection of fame, aging, and self-acceptance, their openness helps foster a more compassionate dialogue around these universal human experiences.
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