Kris Jenner’s got a new lewk and it’s all anyone’s talking about.
First, let’s start with some fast facts. Kris Jenner’s reps confirmed she had “recent work” done by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Levine. But in true Kardashian-Jenner fashion, the type of “work” she underwent remains a mystery (her team didn’t divulge any details). In addition, the true nature of her results are also a mystery.
Here’s the thing: The viral Instagram photos of her are highly curated. That’s not to say her new look isn’t incredible. But it’s not exactly the full picture. After all, I’ve seen how the Kardashian-Jenners operate in real life. While attending two industry events last year, I observed the theatrics up close: they had studio lights propped up in front of them to give them the best lighting possible, their glam squads stood nearby, they had their own photographers, and they even had a teleprompter set up for them to read off a script about how much they appreciated everyone attending. This is a family that has total control of their image, even at non-important gatherings. So, I’m always skeptical of anything they post. And Kris’s latest photos are giving…meticulously produced and curated.
But despite all of that, I can’t deny that Kris Jenner looks phenomenal. She’s 69 and appears at least 15 to 20 years younger. It’s like she unlocked a new breakthrough in plastic surgery. So, it’s worth celebrating, right????
But somehow, it feels wrong.
Somehow, it feels wrong to me that there isn’t a cure for Endometriosis or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)—but there’s various vaginal rejuvenation procedures at our disposal.
Somehow, it feels wrong to me that there isn’t a cure for breast cancer—but there are newer, faster, more natural-looking options for breast augmentation surgeries.
Somehow, it feels wrong to me that there aren’t many resources to help women navigate menopause—but nothing beats Botox to help stop those pesky night sweats and random hot flashes.
Somehow, it feels wrong to me that U.S. maternity leave is practically Medieval—but hey, there’s always a mommy makeover to get rid of the fupa.
Somehow, it feels wrong to me that women can’t have safe abortions—but tummy tucks are ranked third in the top five most common cosmetic surgical procedures.
Somehow, it feels wrong to me that women’s health is still understudied and underresearched—but the aesthetics field is thriving.
Somehow, it feels wrong to me that women are losing their rights every. single. day—but with so many plastic surgery advancements, at least we have the “power” to remain fuckable and youthful, amirite???
Listen, I don’t fault Kris for succumbing to the pressures of a rigid beauty standard, one that her family helped perpetuate, might I add. I don’t fault her for spending her money however she wants. I don’t fault her for using the resources and access to industry leaders she has at her disposal. I also don’t fault her for wanting to look her best.
But at the same time, I can’t sit here and be like, all of these choices are a step in the right direction for women. It makes me sad. And it makes me feel as though the most powerful woman in the world, who can masterfully spin the narrative, change culture, and redefine beauty ideals, is reinforcing the notion that a woman’s worth lies in her looks.
Loved this read. Interest, advancement, and resources go where the money flows, and anti-aging in women has always been a money maker. Another reason it’s so important to keep grant funding flowing towards our research institutions whose interest aren’t fueled by popularity, or pocket-lining, but by progress.
I appreciate the nuance here.