A London-based cosmetic surgeon, Dr Zayn Khalid Majeed, faced backlash after posting a video on social media that criticised the appearance of pop star Troye Sivan. In the two-minute clip, Majeed pointed out several “problem areas” in Sivan’s face, including shadows and “volume loss”, and suggested various cosmetic “improvements” the singer could consider, such as skin boosters and dermal fillers.
Sivan, who is regarded by many as a poster boy for the “twink” look – a term referring to younger, slim gay men with a boyish appearance – responded to the video by sharing a vulnerable essay on how it had heightened his long-held insecurities about his body. The singer even admitted to considering cosmetic surgery after watching the video.
After deleting the video and reaching out to Sivan to apologise, Majeed told BBC News that he “felt terrible” for upsetting the singer, and that it was never his intention to make him feel that way. The doctor said Sivan’s response was “incredibly raw and vulnerable”, and that he has since tried to make a more positive impact with his content.
Majeed acknowledged that he can “see how it came across” as unsolicited advice, and said he doesn’t want to contribute to the “negative beauty standards” that people face. However, he stated that he will continue to make videos analysing celebrity faces, as he believes there is an appetite for this type of content.
The incident has sparked a wider discussion about the impact of social media and cosmetic surgery content on body image, particularly among young people. Content creator Samantha Rizzo, for example, said she regrets getting Botox after being influenced by similar videos online, while Keelin Moncrieff finds the idea of changing one’s face “disturbing”.
As the cosmetic surgery industry continues to grow, experts warn that the availability of information and the pressure to conform to certain beauty standards can have profound effects on individuals’ self-perception and mental health. The case of Troye Sivan serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for greater sensitivity and responsibility when it comes to discussing and critiquing public figures’ appearances.
