A distinctive aesthetic trend is sweeping through Washington's political circles, with plastic surgeons reporting a significant shift in demands from Donald Trump's supporters and cabinet members.
The Rise of the 'Mar-a-Lago Face'
Dubbed the 'Mar-a-Lago face' after Trump's exclusive Palm Beach golf resort, this look has become increasingly recognisable among the former president's staunchest supporters. Professional attire and expensive jewellery now complement noticeably enhanced facial features, characterised by substantial filler use and cosmetic procedures.
Washington-based plastic surgeons confirm that a growing wave of Trump insiders are specifically requesting procedures to achieve this distinctive appearance. According to surgeon Troy Pittman, who spoke with Axios, the era of subtle cosmetic enhancement is fading. Clients now openly want to appear as though they've 'had something done', marking a departure from previous preferences for natural-looking results.
The Dangers of Extreme Procedures
Another DC surgeon, Anita Kulkarni, has expressed concerns about the safety implications of this trend. She warns that clients seeking additional filler and injections on top of already-treated faces risk developing what medical professionals term 'filler blindness'. This condition prevents individuals from objectively assessing their appearance, often leading to excessive procedures.
The phenomenon isn't limited to female clients. Pittman notes that men are increasingly opting for jaw filler and other masculinising procedures to achieve what they perceive as a younger, more virile, and masculine appearance.
Political Symbolism in Cosmetic Choices
Art history professor Anne Higonnet from Barnard College suggests this trend reflects broader political attitudes. She told Mother Jones that the dramatic transformations embody 'the idea that the surface of a policy is the only thing that matters'. Higonnet interprets these cosmetic choices as women performing a key aspect of Donald Trump's political persona.
The signature features of this aesthetic include immobile foreheads, dramatically filled lips often described as 'duck-like', and prominent cheek fillers. These characteristics have become staples of what surgeons identify as the new Trump era in Washington's appearance standards.
Medical professionals consider 'filler blindness' a subset of body dysmorphia, where individuals become obsessed with perceived physical flaws. The condition can lead to a cycle of continuous procedures as patients attempt to fix issues that often exist only in their perception, ultimately resulting in what's known in the industry as 'pillow face'.
The trend appears connected to longstanding preferences within Trump's orbit. A 2017 Axios report revealed that Trump expected female staff to 'dress like women' and demanded male employees maintain a 'certain look'. The Guardian observes that this 'certain look' has become increasingly extreme over time, with plastic surgeons struggling to accommodate the escalating demands.
Some Washington surgeons have begun turning away clients seeking dramatic filler and implants, citing both ethical concerns and the medical dangers associated with extreme cosmetic procedures.
