Plastic surgeons weigh in on Michelle Obama's 'enhanced' features as she debuts new look in 'IMO' podcast

Michelle Obama debuted a refreshed new look in her latest headshots, and fans are wondering if it's just weight loss and good lighting or something else
UPDATED MAR 13, 2025
Michelle Obama’s new appearance has caught the attention of experts, who say she likely got some cosmetic work done to enhance her features (Getty Images, Michelle Obama/YouTube)
Michelle Obama’s new appearance has caught the attention of experts, who say she likely got some cosmetic work done to enhance her features (Getty Images, Michelle Obama/YouTube)

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: Michelle Obama just dropped some big news—she’s got a brand-new podcast titled 'IMO' (short for “In My Opinion”) co-hosted with her brother, Craig Robinson. But that’s not the only thing people are talking about.

The former first lady debuted a sleek, refreshed new look in her latest headshots and clips from the podcast, and fans are wondering whether it's just weight loss and good lighting or Michelle actually got a little professional help.


 
 
 
 
 
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A couple of reputed plastic surgeons weighed in on the subject, and they all agreed that the former first lady has had some professional work done.

Plastic surgeons weigh in on Michelle Obama's new look 

Michelle Obama opened up about her childhood during her 'IMO' podcast (IMO/YouTube Screengrab)
A plastic surgeon pointed out that Michelle Obama looks like she lost some weight and likely had some minimally invasive treatments to keep things fresh (Michelle Obama/YouTube Screengrab)

Michelle Obama’s new, radiant appearance has caught the attention of experts, who say she likely had some cosmetic work done to enhance her features.

NYC-based plastic surgeon Jon Turk praised her glow-up, pointing out that she looks like she lost some weight and likely had some minimally invasive treatments to keep things fresh. 


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Michelle Obama (@michelleobama)


 

"She looks like she had some minimally invasive treatments such as Botox for the forehead, Morpheus 8 (a laser treatment) to tighten the skin, and possibly a modest amount of fillers in the cheeks and jawline for facial balancing," Turk told NewsNation’s Paula Froelich.


CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 20: Former first lady Michelle Obama speaks on stage during the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 20, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Delegates, politicians, and Democratic Party supporters are gathering in Chicago, as current Vice President Kamala Harris is named her party's presidential nominee. The DNC takes place from August 19-22. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Former first lady Michelle Obama speaks on stage during the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 20, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

San Francisco-based surgeon Corey Maas, MD, FACS, agreed but suggested that Michelle might have also used Sofwave—the ultrasound collagen-rebuilding therapy loved by the Kardashians.

“In recent photos, her skin appears tighter and more contoured, especially around the jawline and cheeks, leading to speculation about a facelift or other cosmetic enhancements," Maas noted.

"However, it’s also worth noting that she seems to have lost some weight, which can naturally enhance facial contours and define the jawline. Additionally, her hair is pulled back tightly in a ponytail, which can further accentuate facial features and give a subtle lifting effect," the expert noted.

“Overall, the changes (in Obama’s appearance) could be the result of a combination of minor cosmetic treatments, weight loss, and styling choices. In this attractive woman, small changes makeup and some weight loss can explain the differences we are observing," Maas added.

Michelle Obama launches podcast amid rumors of marital struggles

Michelle Obama has been busy taping episodes of her new podcast, which might explain why she skipped former president Jimmy Carter’s funeral.

According to Froelich, the former first lady was too tied up with her new project to attend—albeit she was never planning on showing up to Donald Trump’s inauguration, either.

The podcast, which premiered Wednesday, March 12, dives into Michelle’s marriage to former president Barack Obama and a star-studded guest list that includes Issa Rae, Tyler Perry, Seth Rogen, and Jay Shetty.

Of late, there have been rumors swirling about trouble in paradise between Michelle and Barack. The couple—married for 32 years and parents to daughters Sasha and Malia—has faced speculation about marital struggles.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 29: Former U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle close the O
Former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle at the Obama Foundation Summit on the campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology on October 29, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois (Scott Olson/Getty Images) 

Michelle didn’t directly address the rumors, but did open up to Craig about the first major test in their marriage—when her husband Barack decided to run for president.

"Being married to the president of the United States [is a] thing that none of us kind of banked on. We knew Barack was smart and ambitious, but, you know," she admitted, hinting at the immense pressure that came with his career.

Michelle confirmed that it was actually Craig who convinced her to back Barack’s campaign. “You talked me into supporting his run,” she reminded him. “He was smart enough to know that he needed to come to you and sell you on the idea. Because I was definitely like, ‘No, no way,’” she added.



 

Obamas face setbacks in their Hollywood hustle

While Michelle Obama is making waves with her podcast, she and her husband Barack have been trying to break into Hollywood. However, it hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing.

Their production company, Higher Ground, landed a massive $65 million Netflix deal, but it hasn’t delivered any hits so far.

Their most high-profile project—'Leave the World Behind' (starring Julia Roberts)—was savaged by viewers on Reddit, with some bluntly calling it "hot garbage," per NewsNation.



 

Other Netflix projects—like 'Later Daters', 'Ruston', and 'Your Mama’s Kitchen'—also failed to gain major traction.

And then there’s Michelle’s health-conscious soda brand, Plezi, which made headlines when she unexpectedly showed up dancing and shilling the drink at a Costco in Northern California.

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