Getting Real on Retoke: Filipino Celebs Who've Had Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery used to be a hush-hush topic, especially among Pinoys. But times have changed and so have the conversations around retoke. These days, it’s no longer a taboo to get cosmetic procedures done, much less talk about it.

Many celebrities who have had plastic surgery recently have openly shared their experiences, owning their stories of transformation. Keep reading to learn more about the beauty enhancements they got on their own terms. 

Since joining a reality TV competition show to get her break in the industry, Arci Muñoz has always stood out, not just for her talent, but also for her evolving beauty. Over the years, she’s been no stranger to retokada rumors, but she has since addressed the buzz point-blank. When asked by a reporter about the viral photos of her showing a noticeably slimmer nose, Arci pointed out there was no need to deny anything – she did nothing wrong and didn’t commit a crime.

What she had done: Arci had been rumored to have a nose job, which she neither hid nor apologized for.

The key takeaway: Arci’s self-assured stance sends a strong message. Why should you feel ashamed for something you did for yourself? Making changes to feel better in your skin is a personal choice and it’s nothing to feel bad about.

Known for her powerhouse vocals and her equally powerful personality, Angeline once made noise for posting on her Instagram about being a “proud retokada.” While the public tends to regard celebrity cosmetic procedures as a big deal, she doesn’t see why it's an issue. For the singer, it's all in a day’s work. Looking good is part of a celebrity’s job.

What she had done: In a now-deleted post, the singer and actress herself has admitted to having undergone eyelid surgery, arm liposuction, belly liposuction, Thermage, and breast reduction.

The key takeaway: Undergoing cosmetic changes doesn’t always mean you’re insecure. It can also be about choosing the path of changing your looks as part of your transformation journey. If it’s about making you feel better about yourself, why not do it?

Chie isn’t one to hide behind the spotlight, especially when owning up to her choices. She’s spoken about having cosmetic enhancements and how she’s learned to love her petite but fit body. In her own social media account and media interviews, she’s always been firm about her stance: There’s nothing wrong with doing what you can to boost your confidence and make you happy. 

What she had done: She underwent a rhinoplasty to fix a scar on her nose that she’s had since she was born.

The key takeaway: It’s empowering to make that big decision for yourself. Chie shows that confidence doesn’t come from others’ approval but from knowing what you want and going after it.

Lifestyle content creator, blogger, podcaster, and many things in between, Kryz Uy once revealed in a vlog episode how she used to be insecure about her monolids. In the video, Kryz recounted how she used to be teased for her Chinese-looking features and how it led her to feel bad about herself.

What she had done: Kryz underwent double eyelid surgery (twice!) to change her monolids.

The key takeaway: In her vlog, Kryz talked about how changing your looks doesn’t mean you don’t love yourself or what you’re born with. For her, it’s really more than looking better – it was also about changing what made her feel unattractive and healing that part of her past. 

Alodia, known for bringing video game characters to life through cosplay, shared how she wanted to achieve an hourglass shape and feel more at ease in the corsets she often wears for her costumes. While she’s generally on the thinner side, she mentioned stubborn areas like her puson.

What she had done: She underwent 360° liposuction to sculpt her figure and enhance her silhouette.

The key takeaway: Surgical enhancements aren’t always about “fixing” flaws. They can be a way to take ownership of your image and show up in the world on your own terms.

If there’s one thing to take away from these stories, it’s that the most important glow-up is feeling good about yourself, with or without retoke. Whether you’re all-natural or have chosen a bit of help along the way, beauty is deeply personal and confidence looks different on everyone.

Feeling good in your own skin can start with self-care or investing more in what makes you feel good. When you build a routine that makes you feel good inside and out, your glow will show.

Start with daily essentials that are hardworking and effective. Get smooth and shiny locks with Cream Silk Triple Keratin Ultimate Repair & Shine Serum Conditioner to help you achieve artista-like hair. It has 30x collagen serum to give you long-lasting, anti-frizz protection. Try the Dove Beauty Bar Gentle Exfoliating for a mild cleanse that leaves skin feeling soft and revitalized. For a bright, megawatt smile, the Closeup Multivitamins+ toothpaste is your go-to for a thorough clean and all-around freshness.

As more Pinay public figures come forward with their experiences and views on retoke, the more the conversations shift from vanity to making a choice, owning your confidence, and being open to evolving beauty standards.