Plastic Surgery Rumors Haunt Barry Manilow — But What Has The Singer Really Said About Aging?

For decades, fans, frenemies, and detractors of Barry Manilow have hotly contested whether or not the legendary crooner cosmetically changed his appearance. And it's not surprising, given that snaps throughout his years show a dramatic difference in the contours of his face.

Even plastic surgeons insist that Manilow has had work. In a 2012 article for The Orange County Register, plastic surgeon Dr. Tony Youn gave his expert observation on Manilow, agreeing that he'd had some surgery. Dr. Youn added that "facial plastic surgery can create a very natural appearance when the goal is to take 10-20 years off someone. When we start to go after 25, 30, or even 40 years, then people start looking fake." (Side note: Facelifts rank among some of the most expensive plastic surgery options.)

Manilow is well aware of the plastic surgery rumors that haunt him — and the taunts that he suffers from "melted face" — and he pretty much claps back every time they surface.

During a guest appearance on "The Jonathan Ross Show" in 2014, Manilow pointedly said, "I look like my age," adding a little later that "this is me at 70."

In 2026, Manilow shared an Instagram reel mainly focused on updating the public about his latest music release. Commenters were generally supportive, although some resorted to familiar digs about his changed features. One unfavorably compared him to actress Lisa Rinna (known for exhibiting the effects of lip fillers). Another said, "It hurts me to see the tightness in your face."

Why believe Manilow's assurance that he hasn't transformed himself repeatedly with cosmetic surgery, despite persistent doubt from the public (and from board-certified professionals like Dr. Gary Motykie, who meticulously analyzed Manilow's changing face in a comprehensive and photo-informed YouTube breakdown)? One reason might be that he's admitted to trying age-defying procedures in the past.

For instance, Manilow acknowledged in an Irish Independent interview that he once underwent treatment for sagging facial skin, but was unsuccessful in maintaining the results (via The Orange County Register). He was also candid about experimenting with Botox injections, saying that he didn't like the outcome.

What does Manilow say about the way his skin seems to be unusually smooth? In the same interview, he put the blame on taking steroids for a joint condition. Manilow explained that while you're on steroids, "your face blows up and looks odd." Some steroids can cause moon face, a reference to significant swelling that adds roundness to the lower half of the face (and one of the effects that taking prednisone every day can have on your face).