An emerging cosmetic trend, dubbed the “Mar-a-Lago face,” is sweeping through affluent circles associated with Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. This phenomenon has led to a significant increase in aggressive facelift procedures, drawing sharp criticism from medical professionals who argue that the results resemble characters from fantasy and horror films, such as Maleficent and the puppet from the “Saw” franchise.
The aesthetic sought by the Mar-a-Lago clientele is characterized by a smooth, taut, and volumized appearance achieved through extensive cosmetic interventions. Prominent figures in Trump’s orbit, including Kimberly Guilfoyle, Kristi Noem, Lara Trump, and Karoline Leavitt, are frequently referenced as examples of this look, which features exaggerated cheekbones, artificially full lips, and a notable absence of fine lines.
Surgeons Express Concerns Over Extreme Requests
According to Dr. Anita Kulkarni, a plastic surgeon based in Washington, the trend has seen a surge in patients making “unreasonable requests” since Trump’s second term began. She notes that some results veer toward the unnatural, prompting comparisons to fantastical villains. “To my eye, if I put any more in there, you’re going to cross over from looking like the best version of yourself to looking like Maleficent,” Dr. Kulkarni stated in an interview.
The aesthetic has also drawn comparisons to Billy the Puppet, a character from the “Saw” series, due to the fixed, mask-like expressions seen in some post-operative patients. This shift in beauty standards reflects broader cultural trends, where the traditional emphasis on subtlety in cosmetic surgery has been replaced by a preference for an overtly enhanced appearance.
Changing Attitudes Toward Cosmetic Surgery
Experts indicate a significant cultural shift among elite social circles, where patients are increasingly embracing an “artificial look.” Dr. Troy Pittman commented that clients are now “OK with looking enhanced,” a departure from the discreet nature previously associated with cosmetic enhancements. Dr. Kelly Bolden, Medical Director of Cultura Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, confirmed that younger patients in their 20s and 30s are now openly requesting procedures that align with this mask-face aesthetic.
Surgeons in and around West Palm Beach report being overwhelmed with requests for the Mar-a-Lago face. Many believe that this demand signals loyalty to the political sphere associated with Trump. “People want this pumped-up, hyper-polished face because they think it signals loyalty to the new power structure,” a surgeon noted. Yet, some experts warn that such extreme cosmetic modifications can lead to perception blindness, a psychological condition in which individuals struggle to recognize how their appearance has changed.
The rise of the Mar-a-Lago face serves as a cultural marker, illustrating how political affiliations and social aspirations can drive extreme cosmetic choices. Whether intentional or not, the resemblance to characters like Maleficent and Billy the Puppet has become a defining aspect of this cosmetic craze, reflecting the complexities of wealth, politics, and the pursuit of physical transformation.
