If You Don't Have Anything Nice to Say ...

View from Irvine Plastic Surgery Center
Photo by Donald Altman, M.D.

I applaud Ashley Judd for having the courage to address reports that inferred she had undergone cosmetic surgery as the star’s face appeared “puffy."

Like many plastic surgeons I am often asked to provide my input as to whether or not a celebrity has received a cosmetic procedure.   Just because someone is in a position to make a judgment doesn't make it the right thing to do, especially when the action only causes harm to all participants.

Given the recent headlines regarding Ashley Judd, I thought I would share the email below, which took place between me and a journalist several weeks ago.

At the end of the day, Ashley Judd is just a very talented individual, who like the rest of us, just wants to have some peace of mind.  We should respect her right to privacy, and as she has stated so eloquently, “change the conversation.”

As plastic surgeons, it might be more appropriate if we kept some of our thoughts and discussions within the context of our academic circles.  As a society, we should all resist the temptation to judge others by their appearance. 

Maybe Thumper had it right ...

Donald Altman, M.D.
Irvine, California