Kim Novak’s Plastic Surgery Transformation: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Discover the details of actress Kim Novak’s plastic surgery, including injectables, eyelid procedures, and more. Read on to explore her transformation journey.

Chhavi Puri
Written by Chhavi Puri , Skincare Coach & Makeup Expert
Updated on Mar 07, 2025 | 06:12 PM IST | 262.5K
Kim Novak’s Plastic Surgery
Kim Novak’s Plastic Surgery (Image Source: Getty Images)

Kim Novak’s plastic surgery has been the hot topic among fans and critics alike. The retired actress faced severe online bullying because of her altered appearance. Her drastic transformations resulted from cosmetic procedures and surgeries. No matter how extensively she has contributed to cinema and the Hollywood fraternity, Kim Novak’s plastic surgery is a subject that has sadly overshadowed her accomplishments.

Novak kicked off her career in 1954, and since then, she has been captivating audiences worldwide with her beauty and on-screen persona. However, after having entered the 8th decade of her life, she reveals her regrets of going under the knife. She is no longer happy with how the surgical procedures turned out. Right from fat injections to dermal fillers, the renowned actress got her hands on all, but the results left quite an unexpected impression. Not only were her admirers across borders appalled, but she too felt dejected.

Which plastic surgeries did the American personality opt for? What made her regret her decision of going under the knife? Join us along for a closer look at her cosmetic procedures. Before we get into all the details on Kim Novak’s plastic surgery, let’s quickly ride down memory lane and honor her accomplishments.

Who Is Kim Novak?

Kim Novak’s Plastic Surgery

(Image Source: Getty Images)

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Marilyn Pauline ‘Kim’ Novak is a renowned retired actress from the 1950s. Post her appearances in films like Picnic, The Man with the Golden Arm, and Pal Joeyone, she became one of Hollywood's top box office stars. 

Born on February 13, 1933, she kickstarted her career in the early 1950s and became a household name. After achieving numerous accolades and several box-office triumphs, Novak received praise from critics and fans for her performances, skills, and talent on screen. From being the leading actress in the film Vertigo to giving her best in Middle of the Night, Strangers When We Meet, and The Notorious Landlady, she navigated through the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows. 

Due to her exceptional work and splendid on-screen performances, the talented film actress is the proud recipient of two Golden Globe Awards, an Honorary Golden Bear, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. However, her life wasn’t as rosy as it seemed. In addition to her professional career and accomplishments, her personal life, appearance, and public appearances are scrutinized by both the press and the public.

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To date, her transformations and sudden changes in her facial features right from 2014, are under the glare of the spotlight. Roll your fingers over to unveil the truth behind Kim Novak’s speculated plastic surgeries. 

Disclosing the Truth Behind Kim Novak’s Plastic Surgery

Kim Novak’s Plastic Surgery

(Image Source: Getty Images)

When Novak was 88, she expressed her regrets about going under the knife. Through the public interview, the American beauty admitted to receiving fat injections. Post the surgery, she appeared at the 86th Academy Awards and looked almost unrecognizable. Her look stirred conversations and made her the talk of the town. 

Fans had been dropping negative comments and backlashing her plastic surgeon for her not-so-good facial alterations. Subsequently, Kim revealed her insecurities, believing cosmetic surgery would help her. However, things didn’t turn out as she expected. 

The Vertigo actress consulted a surgeon and denied undergoing a facelift. Alternatively, she chose fat injections, which she thought weren’t needed. She naturally had a round face, and the injections filled her cheeks, making her look different. 

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Moreover, the online criticism and backlash led the actress to retire from acting. In another interview, Novak claimed that she felt too vulnerable for Hollywood. She believed, “Slipping into the best dress and getting makeup on makes one look good, but ultimately, that’s a trap for an actress.” Nonetheless, she realized that becoming reliant on beauty is like setting up for disappointment and dejection. 

Read More: Demi Moore’s Plastic Surgery: Decoding Her Secrets of Ageless Glow

Did Kim Novak Ever Respond to Plastic Surgery Rumors?

Kim Novak has suffered from health issues in the past. She has always been open about her personal life and struggles. However, the legendary actress garnered more attention when she walked down the red carpet at the Academy Awards. Her sudden transformation was roundly mocked and criticized for having what appeared to be extensive plastic surgery.

The public reactions to her “changed” appearance raised numerous questions about proper plastic surgery etiquette. Breaking down all speculations and rumors, Kim Novak publically admitted to getting fat injections in her face. 

Which Plastic Surgery Did Kim Novak Undergo? 

The acclaimed star opened up about getting fat injections in her cheeks in 2012. Through interviews and media conversations, she stated that it was the worst thing she could have done. The  “too much” volume added onto the wrong places of her cheeks made her look unrecognizable. 

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Many professionals and experts assumed it to be the result of the Voluma procedure. It adds volume, contours, and shapes and enhances the skin, providing a non-surgical lift. The treatment should be sculpted into the proper position to achieve a better lift and a more natural contour for the face. 

In the case of Kim, she looks youthful, but the procedure has been “overdone” and not quite as “natural."

How Did Kim Novak’s Plastic Surgery Impact Her Career And Public Image?

Kim Novak’s Plastic Surgery

(Image Source: Getty Images)

Novak’s altered appearance always caused a stir in the public. Due to the constant exposure to negative comments and trolls, she turned to painting after retiring from acting. 

Post the surgery, the actress struggled to feel confident. Amidst the tough times, she felt that her later work and contribution to the acting industry was no less a disaster. 

Read More: Denise Richards’s Plastic Surgery Experience And Transformation over the Years

Kim Novak’s Before And After Transformation Images

Before

Kim Novak’s Plastic Surgery

(Image Source: Getty Images)

After

Kim Novak’s Plastic Surgery

(Image Source: Getty Images)

What Do Experts Have to Say About Kim Novak’s Plastic Surgery?


Kim Novak’s drastic transformation is a hot topic among plastic surgery experts, who find her current condition quite “sad.” According to Brent Moelleken, a renowned Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, the silicon injectables that were applied on her face could be “disastrous and irreversible.” What makes the situation worse is that the fillers may never dissolve and she will be stuck looking swollen. According to Adam Schaffner, a Triple Board-certified plastic surgeon, Kim should have opted for safer alternatives. However, Dr. William Bruno feels that it would be unfair to compare her current state to her younger days.

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Kim Novak’s plastic surgery tells the tale of Hollywood’s obsession with toxic beauty standards that push many celebrities to opt for plastic surgeries. Her cosmetic procedures were failed attempts at restoring her youth, which backfired. The saga is not a fancy tale of amplifying youthfulness. Instead, it is a real-life story from which one can learn and take lessons. 

No matter how advanced plastic surgeries, facial treatments, and cosmetic alterations are, one should be aware of the results. For Kim Novak, her non-surgical facelift didn’t bear fruitful results, affecting her image and career. However, it is commendable how, despite her personal struggles and insecurities, she had the guts to speak about her regrets. Today, she serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of such procedures.

FAQs

What happened to Kim Novak?
Kim Novak left Hollywood over 50 years ago to pursue a life as an artist.

Did Kim Novak do anything to get her teeth fixed?
Reportedly, Kim Novak has capped her teeth.

Which plastic surgery procedures did Kim Novak undergo?
Kim took fat or silicone injections to her face to look more plump. She also opted for some non-surgical procedures to restore her youth and eliminate her flaws.

What was the reason behind Kim Novak’s plastic surgery?
Kim was insecure about how she looked and wanted to get rid of any imperfections with the help of plastic surgery.

What happened to Kim Novak’s face?
Kim Novak looks unrecognizable after facial injections made her look swollen.

Did Kim Novak undergo a facelift?
Kim did not opt for a surgical facelift. However, according to experts, she underwent the voluma procedure, which gave her a non-surgical facial lift.

Did Kim Novak get Botox injected?
Kim did not go for Botox. Instead, she opted for silicone fillers for her face.

About The Author
Chhavi Puri
Chhavi Puri
Skincare Coach & Makeup Expert

Chhavi is a certified Skincare Coach and she's also certified in Makeup Artistry. Her fasci...

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