The Rise of the ‘Mar-a-Lago Face’ and DC’s Booming Cosmetic Surgery Industry
Table of Contents
- The Rise of the ‘Mar-a-Lago Face’ and DC’s Booming Cosmetic Surgery Industry
- The ‘Mar-a-Lago Face’: How Donald Trump’s World Is Driving a New Look in Cosmetic Surgery
- The Rise of the “Mar-a-Lago Face” and the politicization of Aesthetics
- the “Mar-a-Lago Face”: A Symbol of Allegiance?
- Beyond Women: The Rise in Male Cosmetic Procedures
- A Fleeting Trend? the Ephemeral Nature of Cosmetic Enhancements
- The Future of Political Aesthetics
picture a plastic surgeon’s office. You might imagine a sleek Los Angeles practice, with discreet entrances meant to conceal celebrities from the paparazzi. Maybe a Dallas high-rise, where monied housewives spend on postpartum “mommy makeovers”. Or a Miami location, where influencers and OnlyFans stars film TikToks of their BBLs. One city you might not think of is Washington DC. But its buttoned-up reputation belies a newly buzzing industry.
Much has been made of the so-called “Mar-a-Lago face“, or the uncannily smooth and artificially voluminous features seen on the likes of Maga elite such as Kristi Noem, Kimberly guilfoyle, Laura Loomer and Matt gaetz. The bee-sting puffy lips, frozen brows and taut necks have been compared to Real Housewives stars, sleep paralysis demons and – ironically, considering the Republican party’s anti-LGBTQ+ culture war – drag queens (minus the campy fun).
The ‘Mar-a-Lago Face’: How Donald Trump’s World Is Driving a New Look in Cosmetic Surgery
A peculiar aesthetic is taking hold in certain circles of Washington DC, and it’s linked to the world of Donald Trump. Dubbed the “Mar-a-Lago face,” it’s characterized by exaggerated features – plump lips, high cheekbones, and a generally frozen, airbrushed appearance. But what’s driving this trend, and why is it becoming increasingly visible among those orbiting the former president?
Some surgeons are hesitant to cater to this demand. Dr. Benjamin Caughlin, a facial plastic surgeon in Virginia, refuses requests for procedures that veer into the realm of the unnatural. “I’m not going to do anything that looks ridiculous,” he says. “But when you go outside the range of what a normal human face should look like, that’s not a place I’m willing to go.”
More still might shrug their shoulders and say Mar-a-Lago face is part of society’s wider embrace of body contouring. Kris Jenner’s ageless, 70th-birthday facelift may look less garish than Laura Loomer’s balloonish attributes, but both are just as fake. It comes at a time when the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports there were more than 28.5m minimally invasive procedures done in 2024; lip augmentation, dermal fillers and neuromodulator treatments (such as Botox) cracked the top five.
Dr Troy Pittman, a plastic surgeon based in DC, says that across the country, people are more willing to talk about the work they have had done. “That’s not a bad thing,” he sys. “but in a town like DC, there is this glamming up of Washington with this new governance, so it’s become more prevalent. They’re OK with looking enhanced.”
Dr Kelly Bolden is also a DC-based plastic surgeon. Most of her clients are people of color – she is the medical director of Cultura Dermatology, a practice that specializes in cosmetic treatments for deeper skin tones – and she is not seeing a boom in Mar-a-Lago face requests. But she has noticed a shift, especially among her younger clients in their 20s and 30s.
“They come in and actually tell me that they like the artificial look.A couple of my patients have said those exact words to me,” Bolden says. Some of the most visible Trump officials are young, such as press secretary Karoline Leavitt and her deputy Anna Kelly (both 28, and the latter is a former pageant queen).
The Rise of the “Mar-a-Lago Face” and the politicization of Aesthetics
A subtle but noticeable shift is occurring in the aesthetics of American politics. Beyond policy and rhetoric, the way politicians present themselves – particularly through cosmetic procedures – is becoming a talking point. Dubbed the “Mar-a-Lago face,” this trend reflects a pursuit of a youthful,sculpted appearance increasingly common among conservative figures,raising questions about image,power,and the evolving standards of political presentation.But this isn’t limited to one side of the aisle; a desire for a revitalized appearance is also influencing male politicians, signaling a broader cultural phenomenon.
the “Mar-a-Lago Face”: A Symbol of Allegiance?
The term “Mar-a-Lago face” refers to a specific aesthetic characterized by taut skin, plumped lips, and a generally smoothed and sculpted appearance, frequently enough achieved through cosmetic procedures like fillers, Botox, and facelifts. It’s become particularly associated with prominent conservative women, sparking debate about its meaning and implications.
Nicole Russell, a columnist at USA Today, argued that criticism of this aesthetic amounts to “cruel attacks” on these women. however,others view the look as a intentional signal of alignment with Donald Trump and his political agenda.
Examples frequently cited include:
* Kristi Noem: The South Dakota Governor has been photographed during an ICE raid with a full face of makeup, including beach waves, even while wearing a bulletproof vest.
* Karoline Leavitt: The former White House Press Secretary was noted for her polished appearance, including overlined lips and shimmery eyeshadow, while addressing questions about Donald Trump’s name appearing in Jeffrey Epstein’s emails.
These instances suggest a conscious effort to project an image of strength, confidence, and unwavering loyalty.
Beyond Women: The Rise in Male Cosmetic Procedures
The pursuit of a youthful appearance isn’t exclusive to women in politics. There’s a notable increase in cosmetic procedures among men, driven by similar desires for a revitalized and “powerful” look. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 92% of surgeons reported an increase in cosmetic procedures for men in recent years.
Popular procedures for men include:
* Facelifts: To reduce wrinkles and tighten skin.
* Jawline Sculpting: Using fillers or implants to create a more defined jawline.
* botox: To smooth wrinkles and lines.
* Liposuction & Eyelid Rejuvenation: To refine facial contours.
Dr. Suneel Gill, a plastic surgeon, told Axios that male patients are seeking to look “younger…more virile and masculine,” often referencing figures like Pete Hegseth as inspiration. Axios reports this trend as a counterpoint to the aesthetic favored by some conservative women.
A Fleeting Trend? the Ephemeral Nature of Cosmetic Enhancements
while the “Mar-a-Lago face” and the broader trend of politicians seeking cosmetic enhancements are notable, they are unlikely to be permanent fixtures of the political landscape. As Dr. Nazarian, a board-certified dermatologist, points out, “Nothing in plastic surgery is permanent.”
The effects of procedures like fillers and facelifts are temporary:
* Fillers: Typically last 6-18 months.
* Facelifts: Generally provide noticeable results for 8-10 years.
Ultimately, like all trends, the aesthetic preferences of politicians will likely evolve with changing cultural norms and the passage of time.
The Future of Political Aesthetics
The increasing attention paid to the physical appearance of politicians reflects a broader societal obsession with youth and image. whether this trend represents a superficial focus on aesthetics or a strategic attempt to project power and influence remains to be seen. however, it’s clear that the line between personal presentation and political messaging is becoming increasingly blurred, and voters are paying attention.