SZA Before Surgery: Grammy Winner’s Complex Journey With BBL
Grammy-winning artist SZA has ignited a candid conversation about cosmetic surgery after recently expressing regret about her Brazilian Butt Lift procedure. The 35-year-old singer, whose natural appearance once defined her early career aesthetic, has opened up about the physical and emotional toll of body enhancement in an industry that often prioritizes specific beauty standards.
In a revealing November 2024 interview with British Vogue, the “Kill Bill” hitmaker spoke with surprising frankness about her post-surgery regrets. “I’m so mad I did that s**t,” SZA admitted, explaining that she “gained all this weight from being immobile while recovering and trying to preserve the fat,” according to Newsweek.
This confession marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about beauty standards in the music industry, especially for women of color who face unique pressures around body image and presentation.

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The Natural Beginnings That Fans Remember
Before her rise to international stardom, SZA (born Solána Imani Rowe) was known for her natural aesthetic and casual style. Early in her career, the St. Louis-raised artist presented an unvarnished image that matched her raw musical approach.
When she first emerged on the scene around 2011, SZA’s look was defined by her natural curls, minimal makeup, and relaxed fashion choices. This authentic presentation resonated with fans who appreciated her rejection of industry beauty standards.
According to International Clinics, SZA’s early appearances showcased “her easygoing and unorthodox style” characterized by natural curls and sparse makeup application, an approach that defied conventional beauty standards of the entertainment industry.
The Pressure Cooker of Fame
As SZA’s star rose with her critically acclaimed album “Ctrl” in 2017, so did the scrutiny around her appearance. The transition from underground artist to mainstream success brought increased attention to her looks, with social media users and entertainment outlets analyzing every aspect of her changing appearance.
This intensified spotlight coincided with subtle changes in her presentation, sparking speculation about possible cosmetic enhancements. While fans debated these changes online, SZA remained largely silent about specific procedures until recently.
Dr. Brandon Richland, a plastic surgeon who has analyzed celebrity transformations, notes that artists like SZA face “immense pressure” to conform to certain beauty ideals, explaining that “comparing her 2014 photos with recent images, it’s clear SZA’s transformation aligns with industry standards,” as reported by Richland MD.
SZA’s nose job is pissing me tf off, like why the need to even do plastic surgery? pic.twitter.com/oPhZQOutNp
— CHUBBZz (@mcflurry_z) February 10, 2025
The Self-Motivated Decision
What makes SZA’s story particularly compelling is her insistence that the decision to undergo a BBL was driven by personal desire rather than external pressure. “I always wanted a really fat a** with less gym time,” she previously told Elle magazine, emphasizing that she “didn’t succumb to industry pressure.”
Instead, SZA attributes her choice to her “own eyes in the mirror,” highlighting an important nuance in discussions about body modification – the complex interplay between personal agency and societal beauty standards.
This perspective challenges simplistic narratives about celebrity plastic surgery, revealing the complicated relationship many artists have with their public image and personal satisfaction, as highlighted by Power 98 FM in their coverage of her surgery revelations.

Mixed Emotions About Results
Despite expressing regret about undergoing the procedure, SZA has maintained a nuanced view of the outcomes. “I love my butt. Don’t get me wrong. My booty look nice,” she acknowledged in the British Vogue interview, displaying the complicated feelings many have after cosmetic procedures.
This ambivalence reflects a broader reality for many who undergo cosmetic surgery – satisfaction with physical results can coexist with regret about the process, recovery, or necessity of the procedure itself.
The “Good Days” singer’s approach suggests a pragmatic acceptance of her choices, telling British Vogue, “It’s something that I wanted. I’m enjoying it. I love shaking it,” even while wishing she had prioritized mental health over physical transformation, according to The Independent.
Toward Holistic Wellness
SZA’s recent revelations point to a shifting focus toward comprehensive wellbeing over physical appearance. “I need to get my f**king mental health together,” she candidly stated, suggesting a more holistic approach to self-improvement.
This evolving perspective aligns with her musical trajectory as well. In the same interview, she revealed that her upcoming third studio album, “Lana,” represents a shift toward “making music from a more beautiful place. From a more possible place versus a more angsty place.”
According to Hip-Hop Vibe, SZA’s journey illustrates the importance of prioritizing “psychological and mental health” alongside physical appearance, a focus she’s pursuing moving forward in her career.

Beyond the BBL: Other Procedures and Denials
While SZA has confirmed her BBL, she has consistently denied other rumored procedures, particularly facial surgeries. “I heard I had a facelift, I heard I had a nose job, I heard my teeth were fake,” she told The Wall Street Journal, expressing frustration with the constant speculation.
The singer has previously attributed apparent facial changes to weight fluctuations rather than surgical intervention. In a 2018 Teen Vogue interview, she explained that her nose appeared different because her “entire face changed” when she gained weight.
This mix of confirmation and denial reflects the complex relationship many public figures have with privacy, authenticity, and the right to make personal choices without public scrutiny, as noted by Capital FM in their coverage of her statements.
As SZA continues to evolve both musically and personally, her openness about cosmetic procedures offers a valuable window into the real experiences behind celebrity transformations. By sharing both her satisfaction with results and regrets about the process, she provides a nuanced perspective that goes beyond typical narratives of either complete satisfaction or total regret.
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