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Image: Nicole Kidman, 1997; 2009

Beauty

Fading stars or better than ever? How famous faces are aging

Dr. Tony Youn, a Michigan-based plastic surgeon, weighs in on which celebrities have spent too much time under the knife and who is aging gracefully.

/ 28 PHOTOS
Madonna, 1/28/1985

Singer Madonna attends the premiere of \"Nine\" at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York, on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009.

Madonna, 51

In 1985 (left) and 2009

We asked msnbc.com contributor Dr. Tony Youn, a Michigan-based board-certified plastic surgeon who has been featured on "Dr. 90210" and runs a popular celebrity cosmetic surgery blog, to weigh in on how these famous faces are aging.

Dr. Youn, who hasn't treated any of those featured, shares his observations:

Is the Material Girl made of plastic? Almost. Madonna looks much younger than 51. Her cheeks are full, her neckline is sharp, and there are no wrinkles to be found. I believe she's had a facelift, Sculptra injections to her cheeks, multiple laser treatments or chemical peels, Dysport injections and possibly an eye lift.

1967:  American actress and activist Jane Fonda as the space siren in the film 'Barbarella'

Actress Jane Fonda  attends the 63rd Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 7, 2009 in New York City.

Jane Fonda, 72

In 1967 (left) and 2008

Jane Fonda was recently quoted as saying she attributes her looks to 30 percent sports and nutrition, 30 percent genes, 30 percent good sex and 10 percent plastic surgery. With her sharp jawline, elevated brows, and wide-open eyes, this 72-year-old-star, in my opinion, has had a facelift, browlift, and eyelid lifts. I’d estimate her looks are from 30 percent genes, 20 percent sports and nutrition, and 50 percent plastic surgery. It takes more than Jane Fonda’s workout to look this good for this long.

Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty Sighting at Dulles International Airport - January 19, 1977

Jack Nicholson (L) and Raymond Nicholson (R)  attend the Los Angeles Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs game at the Staples Center on January 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.

Jack Nicholson, 72

In 1977 (left) and 2009

When it comes to steering clear of plastic surgery, Jack Nicholson is “As Good As It Gets.” He is aging gracefully, with nary a sign of the plastic surgeon’s knife. While many of his younger peers are injecting vials of Botox, Nicholson’s wrinkles are deep, natural, and untouched. Good thing, too, since too much Botox would make him look like his “Batman” character, the Joker. Now he just looks like an older, wiser and distinguished Hollywood star.

Andie MacDowell, 1992

 Andie MacDowell works in the garden at the celebration of 100 years with citywide volunteer day hosted by Loreal at Various Locations on June 4, 2009 in New York City.

Andie MacDowell, 51

In 1992 (left) and 2009

Unlike many 50-year-old actresses and models, Andie MacDowell appears to be completely natural, except for maybe a touch of Botox here or there and possibly skin tightening laser treatments such as the Cynosure laser facial. Her face is smooth and likely reflects a lifetime of avoiding the sun, taking care of her skin, and undergoing preventive treatments.

11 SEP 1993:  BRUCE JENNER AND HIS WIFE AT THE OPENING OF THE US SOCCER HQ AT MISSION VIEJO, CALIFORNIA.

Bruce Jenner arrives at the Aces & Angels Celebrity Poker Party at The Playboy Mansion on July 11, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California.

Bruce Jenner, 60

In 1993 and 2009

Bruce Jenner reportedly underwent a botched nose job and partial facelift back in 1984, leaving him looking, in my opinion, feminized and unnatural. He subsequently underwent a revision facelift on his reality program “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and looks a whole lot better. His jawline is sharper and he doesn’t look quite as operated on. But why does he still look a bit strange? It’s likely because his nose is still too thin and his eyelids are far too open for a 60-year-old man. He proves my belief that it’s better to do plastic surgery right the first time, than try to fix it later.

Cindy Crawford, 1990

Cindy Crawford arrives at the UNICEF Ball held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on December 10, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California.

Cindy Crawford, 43

In 1990 (left) and 2009

The prettiest woman of the past two decades still looks amazing. Cindy Crawford is really a Super Role Model for aging gracefully. She looks barely five years older than she did in the early 1990s. Her skin remains flawless. She may have had some minor skin tightening treatments such as the new eMatrix by Syneron, but other than that it appears her looks are due to TLC and not the OR. If only we could all age like her!

Clint Eastwood, 1965.

 Director Clint Eastwood attends the 14th annual GQ Men of the Year Party at the Chateau Marmont Hotel on November 18, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.

Clint Eastwood, 79

In 1965 (left) and 2009

Clint Eastwood looks too tough to have had plastic surgery. Because 90 percent of plastic surgery patients are women, these techniques can sometimes make men look a bit effeminate and unnatural. Eastwood exhibits many of the signs of a man who has resisted the knife: a low brow, loose skin under his neck and terribly sun-damaged skin. The only procedure I believe he may have had is an upper eyelid lift. His upper eyelids actually appear heavier and more hooded back in 1965 than they do today. But even if I think he may have had plastic surgery, I wouldn’t dare tell him.

22 Sep 1985, Kenny Rogers Sings at Farm Aid 

and April 10, 2006

Kenny Rogers, 71

In 1985 (left) and 2006

Kenny Rogers has admitted to gambling with an eyelid lift - and losing. His plastic surgeon reportedly removed too much upper eyelid skin, causing him to look permanently surprised. He also appears to have had a browlift, further accentuating his possible botched eyelid work. He is a good example of the need for plastic surgeons to be very conservative when operating on men. Unfortunately, he doesn’t look anything like the country legend used to be.

Courtney Cox, 1996

Actress Courtney Cox arrives at TV GUIDE Magazine's Hot List Party at SLS Hotel The Bazaar on November 10, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.

Courtney Cox, 45

In 1996 (left) and 2009

This cougar has done everything she can to stay looking young. Courtney Cox is clearly “Friends” with a plastic surgeon. In addition to possible chemical peels like the Obagi Blue Peel, she also appears to have had her lips plumped up, likely with a filler such as Juvederm. Her cheeks also appear a bit fuller, which could be due to fat grafting or Sculptra injections. Her skin is so smooth and flawless, I bet she’s received millions to try the skin care product she represents, Kinerase. Finally, in my opinion, her forehead exhibits the smoothness that only Botox or Dysport can provide.

ca. 1979 --- Diane Keaton 

Diane Keaton attends the annual SeaChange Summer Party to benefit Oceana at the Cahill Estate on July 18, 2008 in Laguna Beach, Calfornia.

Diane Keaton, 64

In 1979 (left) and 2008

Diane Keaton looks like a normal 64-year-old woman. Her eyelids are getting heavy, her neckline is a bit loose, and her hair is graying. While I wouldn't say she looks young for her age, she remains an attractive woman. I doubt she's had any work done at all. At least she looks better than her "Annie Hall" co-star Woody Allen!

1996, Lincoln Square, New York, New York, USA --- 1996-New York, NY: Actress Ellen Barkin is shown as she attended the premiere of the movie \"The Fan\" at a Sony Theater in New York.


Actress Ellen Barkin attends a special screening of \"A Single Man\" hosted by The Cinema Society and Bing at MOMA on December 6, 2009 in New York City.

Ellen Barkin, 55

In 1996 (left) and 2009

Ellen Barkin looks better than 99 percent of 55-year-old women. Is that because of genes, preventive skin care, or plastic surgery? I would bet a bit of all three are involved in keeping this Golden Globe-nominated actress looking young. Her brows appear higher today than they were back in 1996. This could be due to an endoscopic browlift. Her eyelids also look more open than they did 14 years ago, possibly due to upper eyelid lifts. Her skin is extremely smooth, and may have had help from skin tightening treatments such as the Cynosure Smartskin Laser. Also, do her lips appear that they are getting larger with time, possibly due to lip injections such as Prevelle?

George Clooney  in ROSEANNE - \"Radio Days\" - Season One - 11/29/88

Actor George Clooney arrives at the UNICEF Ball held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on December 10, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California.

George Clooney, 48

In 1988 (left) and 2009

George Clooney is the type of man women love but men love to hate. Unlike many of the celebs in this slideshow, the question of whether or not he’s had plastic surgery is not “Up in the Air.” He looks as good as he does without any plastic surgery. Although many blogs have accused Clooney of undergoing a nip here and a tuck there, I see no sign that he’s had any work done at all. He’s one example of a person aging like fine wine. And he’s a darn fine actor, too.

Jessica Lange, 1976

Jessica Lange, 60

In 1976 (left) and 2009

Jessica Lange’s appearance seems to have changed drastically over the past couple years. This is most evident in her eyebrows, which are more arched than most runway shoes. I would bet that a combination of Botox and an overdone brow lift are to blame. Her eyelids are also excessively tight for a woman her age, a possible consequence of upper and lower eyelid lifts. Her cheekbones also appear higher than they were back in 1976, and may be the result of cheek implants. Overall, I think this Academy Award winner would still look like a winner if her brows were a bit lowered.

Joan Van Ark 1987

Actress Joan Van Ark arrives at Children Uniting Nations' 9th annual awards celebration and viewing dinner held at the Beverly Hilton hotel on February 24, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.

Joan Van Ark, 66

In 1987 (left) and 2008

Joan Van Ark unfortunately looks like a wax figure version of herself. Her skin is too tight, her lips look overly plumped, her eyebrows are too high, and her jawline is excessively sharp. I would attribute her unnatural appearance to multiple deep chemical peels, lip implants, a browlift, upper and lower eyelid lifts, a facelift, Botox and filler injections.

Moderation and using a surgeon who’s a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are the keys to looking good with plastic surgery. I doubt she’s followed these rules. At least her hair looks fabulous.

circa 1992:  Headshot of American actor Al Pacino smiling in front of a light blue backdrop, early 1990s. 

Actor Al Pacino poses during a photocall for the Jon Avnet's film \"Righteous Kill\" on September 15, 2008 in Paris, France.  (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

Al Pacino, 69

In 1992 (left) and 2008

Does “Scarface” have any plastic surgery scars on his face? I would guess yes. Al Pacino appears to have undergone a conservative upper eyelid lift, as demonstrated by the lack of extra skin on his upper eyelids. Because he appears to have limited any work he’s had done, this Academy Award winner looks great. He’s aging gracefully, just like his performances in “The Godfather” movies.

1995, Closeup portrait of American actor Susan Sarandon, 1990s. 

Actress Susan Sarandon is interviewed prior to a screening of Bernard and Doris at the Time Warner Center Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008 in New York.

Susan Sarandon, 63

In 1995 (left) and 2008

Although Susan Sarandon recently split up from her much younger beau, Tim Robbins, this 63-year-old has always looked as young as him. Like a handful of other serious actresses of her generation, she appears to have resisted the plastic surgeon’s knife and looks great due to a combination of good genes and great skin care. Her skin is smooth, but not overly smooth, and she has all the wrinkles of a woman her age, just not in excess. Even in her sixth decade of life, this timeless beauty looks good enough to play Thelma OR Louise.

Johnny Depp, 1990

 Johnny Depp attends the European premiere of 'Public Enemies' held at The Empire Leicester Square on June 29, 2009 in London, England.

Johnny Depp, 46

In 1990 (left) and 2009

Johnny Depp is one of those guys that make looking good seem easy. He has stringy hair, doesn’t shave, wears funky glasses and he still looks better than 99 percent of men his age. Although there are rumors that Johnny Depp has had plastic surgery, I strongly doubt he has. He shows the wrinkles of a man his age. His great bone structure (high cheek bones and strong jawline) contribute to his youthful appearance. Johnny Depp may be a lot of things, but he is no plastic surgery junkie.

Julie Christie, 1965

Julie Christie, 68

In 1965 (left) and 2008

Is Academy Award-winning actress Julie Christie really 68? You wouldn’t know it, given how great she looks. In my opinion, Christie, is one of the best examples of good plastic surgery in Hollywood. I believe she’s had her eyelids done, a facelift, and fat injections to her cheeks. These procedures can result in the sharp neckline, youthful eyes, and soft cheeks that she displays with such glamour. The fact that she is a classic Hollywood talent only adds to how fantastic she looks. Her plastic surgeon should get his own Academy Award.

Michael Douglas 1976

Actor Michael Douglas attends the Michael Kors Spring 2010 fashion show at the tent at Bryant Park on September 16, 2009 in New York, New York.

Michael Douglas, 65

In 1976 (left) and 2009

Is Michael Douglas desperately trying to keep up with his younger wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones? Douglas appears to have undergone a facelift or two in addition to an upper eyelid lift. Several years ago photos circulated across the Internet of him with what appeared to be stitches from a possible facelift. So why does he still have loose skin under his jawline? Well, since guys have thicker, more sun-damaged skin than women, the tightness of a facelift does not last as long for them. That may explain why, even after having what I believe are two facelifts, Douglas still looks a bit aged. But what would you expect from a 65-year-old man trying to keep up with a gorgeous 40-year-old wife?

Meg Ryan, 12/10/98 NEW YORK CITY YOU''VE GOT MAIL PREMIERE 

Meg Ryan arrives to the New York premiere of her film \"Serious Moonlight\" Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009. 
Meg Ryan arrives to the New York premiere of her film \"Serious Moonlight\" Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Stuart Ramson)

Meg Ryan, 48

In 1998 (left) and 2009

America’s sweetheart has become almost unrecognizable in recent years. Meg Ryan’s lips look excessively puffy. I believe they’ve been enhanced with a permanent implant, such as Gortex. This substance can cause the lips to look big, stiff, and unnatural. They’re usually placed by threading it through the lips via small incisions. She also appears to have possibly had cheek implants, causing her to look a bit bulgy. The good thing is that both lip and cheek implants are completely reversible, taking only a 20-minute surgery. If she really wants big but natural-appearing lips, I would recommend that she remove whatever implant she may have, and replace it with fat.

Meryl Streep, 1980

Nov. 10, 2009 photo, actress Meryl Streep arrives for the premiere of \"Fantastic Mr. Fox\" in New York. Streep was nominated for two Golden Globe awards for best actress in a motion picture comedy or musical for her roles in the films \"It's Complicated,\" and \"Julie & Julia,\" Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009.  The Golden Globe awards will be held Jan. 17 in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Meryl Streep, 60

In 1980 (left) and 2009

When you are as good of an actress as Meryl Streep, you don’t even need to consider having plastic surgery. Streep may not be the youngest-looking actress, but who cares? She’s one of the few aging Hollywood actresses who doesn’t seem to have any problem developing wrinkles, loose skin and even some early jowls. While I bet she’s getting some nice mild chemical peels, such as the AFA Clay Peel, I doubt that she’s doing anything more than these ‘lunchtime’-type treatments. Kudos to her.

Nick Nolte, 1994

Actor Nick Nolte arrives for the  'Changeling' at the Palais des Festivals during the 61st International Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2008 in Cannes, France.

Nick Nolte, 68

In 1994 (left) and 2008

I don’t believe Nick Nolte has had any plastic surgery - he looks rugged, masculine - even grizzy - but completely natural. His eyelids are sagging, his forehead is creased, his face is gaunt and his skin is sun-damaged. While I wouldn’t say he’s aging gracefully, I would say he’s aging naturally.

Nicole Kidman, 1997

Nicole Kidman makes an appearance on NBC's \"Today\" show to talk about her new movie \"Nine\" in New York, on Monday, Dec. 14, 2009.

Nicole Kidman, 42

In 1997 (left) and 2009

Nicole Kidman’s face appears to be morphing by the month. Some days I think she’s had her lips plumped, other days I think she’s had her forehead Botox’ed. Overall, I believe she’s had both of these treatments, in addition to injections of filler such as Sculptra into her cheeks.

In some people, aggressive Botox injections can create an overarched eyebrow, which I’ve called a Botox brow. While I don’t see it in this photo, I’ve seen it in others, including one on my blog www.celebritycosmeticsurgery.blogspot.com. In my opinion, less is more for Kidman.

Olivia Newton John, 1980

Olivia Newton-John attends a press conference announcing the team that will join her on a 21 day walking trek through China for the Great Walk to Beijing charity appeal at the Hilton Hotel on February 19, 2008 in Sydney, Australia.

Olivia Newton-John, 61

In 1980 (left) and 2008

It appears that ‘80s beauty Olivia Newton-John is “Hopelessly Devoted" to a cosmetic injectables. Her face looks unnaturally plumped up, possibly due to fat grafting or injections of Sculptra. Her lips appear to be enhanced as well, likely due to a filler such as Restylane or Juvederm. Her forehead is very smooth, excessively so for a woman who is 61 years old.

Priscilla Presely in Memphis, Tenn., on Feb. 5, 1968. 

Actress Priscilla Presley arrives at the premiere of \"Legally Blonde The Musical\"  at the Pantages Theatre on August 14, 2009 in Hollywood, California.

Priscilla Presley, 64

In 1968 (left) and 2009

If Elvis could see Priscilla Presley now, he’d be “All Shook Up.” A couple years ago, she admitted to undergoing silicone injections from a phony doctor causing her to have a terrible result. Today she doesn’t look anything like the classic beauty she was just 15 years ago. Her skin is so smooth, it almost looks like it has a waxy sheen, a possible result of excessive laser treatments. Her lips and cheeks appear over-plumped, possibly with fat or another filler. Her forehead is excessively taut, maybe the result of too much Botox.

Sharon Stone, 1994

US actress Sharon Stone attends a press conference in Tokyo, Japan, 20 November 2009. Stone is in Tokyo to promote her line of men's jewelry she designed with Damiani, Italian jewelry company. Part of the sales proceeds will go to support health efforts in Africa. Giorgio Damiani, Vice President of Damiani Group accompanied Stone in Tokyo.

Sharon Stone, 51

In 1994 (left) and 2009

Why is Sharon’s face as smooth as a Stone? While I don’t believe she’s had any actual plastic surgery, it is quite possible that her youthful appearance may be aided by medical grade skin care, such as La Roche Posay, with some chemical peels or laser treatments, like the Jessner’s Peel. She is aging very gracefully, with none of the obvious alterations of many of her Hollywood peers. In fact, she’s aging so well, maybe we’ll see a “Basic Instinct 3.”

Sheryl Crow, 1996

Singer Sheryl Crow attends the launch of VEVO, the world's premiere destination for premium music video and entertainment at Skylight Studio on December 8, 2009 in New York City.

Sheryl Crow, 47

In 1996 (left) and 2009

All Sheryl Crow wants to do is have fun and avoid the plastic surgeon's knife. She looks great, especially for a 47-year-old breast cancer survivor. Her skin is clear and smooth, and she doesn't show any obvious signs of plastic surgery. She is aging very gracefully. I have one recommendation for Sheryl: Do not "Soak Up the Sun." Stay in the shade and wear sunblock to continue looking as good as you do.

Sylvester Stallone 10/23/1986

 Sylvester Stallone  attends the \"Jaeger-LeCoultre Glory To The Filmmaker Award\" press conference at the Palazzo del Casino during the 66th Venice Film Festival on September 12, 2009 in Venice, Italy.

Sylvester Stallone, 63

In 1986 (left) and 2009

Sly Stallone looks like he’s gone a few rounds with a plastic surgeon. His eyebrows are excessively arched, causing him to resemble Cruella De Vil. This may be due to a brow lift. His eyelids are also tight, with nary a sign of loose skin. His jawline is also way too sharp for a man who is 63 years old. These features could be caused by an eyelid lift and a facelift, respectively. His cheeks also appear higher than they used to be, a possible consequence of silicone cheek implants.

All this possible plastic surgery is making him look strange - and a bit like Satan. I believe this would be a good time for him to throw in the plastic surgery towel.

Reader poll: Which celebrity do you think is aging best?

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