For decades, fans, enemies and detractors of Barry Manilow have vehemently contested whether or not the legendary singer has cosmetically changed his appearance. This is not surprising, given that snapshots of him over the years show a significant difference in his facial features.
Even plastic surgeons insist Manilow got a job. In a 2012 article for Orange County Registerplastic surgeon Dr. Tony Youn gave his expert note on Manilow, and agreed that he had performed some of the surgery. “Facial plastic surgery can create a very natural appearance when the goal is to take someone off 10 to 20 years. And when we start going past 25, 30 or even 40, people start to look fake,” Dr. Yoon added. (Side note: Facelifts are one of the few… Most expensive plastic surgery options.)
Manilow is well aware of the plastic surgery rumors that haunt him — and the “melting face” taunts he suffers from — and he applauds profusely every time they appear.
During a guest appearance on “The Jonathan Ross Show” in 2014, Manilow pointedly said, “I look my age,” adding shortly afterward, “This is 70-year-old me.”
He seems to have succeeded, with or without surgeries
In 2026, Manilow participated Instagram Reel mainly focused on updating the audience about his latest music release. Commenters were generally supportive, although some resorted to familiar digs about his changed features. Someone compared him unfavorably to actress Lisa Rinna (known for her show… Effects of lip fillers). Another said: It hurts me to see the distress in your face.
Why do we believe Manilow’s assertion that he has not repeatedly transformed himself through plastic surgery, despite persistent skepticism from the public (and from board-certified specialists like Dr. Gary Motycki, who meticulously analyzed Manilow’s changing face in a comprehensive, photo-informed study) YouTube separation)? One reason may be that he has admitted to trying age-defying procedures in the past.
For example, Manilow admitted in an interview with Irish newspaper The Independent that he once underwent a treatment for sagging facial skin, but was unsuccessful in maintaining the results (via Orange County Register). He was also candid about trying Botox injections, saying he didn’t like the result.
What does Manilow say about the way his skin feels extraordinarily smooth? In the same interview, he blamed taking steroids to treat a joint condition. While you’re on steroids, “your face explodes and looks weird,” Manilow explained. Some steroids can cause a moon face, a sign of significant swelling that adds roundness to the lower half of the face (and one of the effects that… Taking prednisone every day can affect your face).
