It’s not exactly a new thing for Hollywood celebrities to have cosmetic surgery-after all, fame comes with the kind of pressure that makes you want to chase that perfect look. But what about athletes?
As much as they’re known for their raw, physical prowess, the world of sports is increasingly seeing a trend of athletes taking the scalpel route, whether it’s for vanity, recovery, or even performance enhancement.
While many athletes work tirelessly to improve their skills, some also take a trip to the surgeon’s table to enhance their appearance or repair damage done by the brutal nature of their sport. Take Simona Halep, for example. The Romanian tennis star made headlines not just for her skill on the court, but for undergoing breast reduction surgery at the age of 17.
Let’s dive into a list of athletes who have gone under the knife and the reasons behind their decisions-whether for looks, performance, or recovery.
1. Wes Welker (Hair Restoration Surgery)
Wes Welker, the former NFL wide receiver, faced the all-too-common battle of hair loss at a young age. Like millions of men, he felt self-conscious about his thinning hair and chose to undergo a hair restoration procedure. This surgery involves transplanting hair follicles to the thinning areas of the scalp, and Welker now boasts a full, thick head of hair.
2. Didier Drogba (Cosmetic Dentistry)
In 2011, Chelsea’s Didier Drogba collided violently with Norwich’s goalkeeper, suffering damage to his teeth. The Ivorian striker required cosmetic dentistry to restore his smile. Thanks to the surgery, Drogba not only healed physically but also looked great, posing for photos with a new, perfect set of teeth as Chelsea went on to win the cup double that season.
