Kailyn Lowry Gets Real About Plastic Surgery and the Battle with Body Dysmorphia

Kailyn Lowry, best known for her time on Teen Mom 2, has always been open about her personal journey, including the highs and lows of motherhood, her relationships, and her struggles with mental health. But in a recent Instagram video, the 32-year-old reality TV star took a deep dive into something that has long affected her: body dysmorphia and the mental health challenges she has faced in the aftermath of undergoing plastic surgery.

In a heartfelt and emotional Get Ready With Me Instagram Reel posted on January 6, 2025, Lowry spoke candidly about the toll that body image struggles have taken on her. She shared her raw emotions as she opened up about her breast reduction surgery and the psychological struggles she has faced ever since. The video has sparked a broader conversation around mental health and body dysmorphia, shining a light on how these issues affect many people, even those in the public eye.

“I had a very, very emotional morning, mainly just when I was taking a shower,” Kailyn began. Her vulnerability was evident as she continued to speak about the impact of her decision to undergo surgery and how it has affected her mental well-being. “I pray that my kids never struggle with their body images enough to mutilate their bodies to be skinny,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “I think a little nip and tuck in terms of a nose job or a boob job is OK but to go through this to be skinny is [a] mental illness, truly. And I say that with the most respect to anyone going through it.”

A History of Struggling with Body Image

Lowry’s body image issues are not new. The reality star has been open about her challenges with self-esteem and how these struggles have played a part in her decision to undergo cosmetic surgery. Last month, she revealed that she had undergone a breast reduction procedure. This revelation comes on the heels of her ongoing exploration of her mental health and how it intersects with her perception of her body.

For many, the idea of cosmetic surgery is deeply personal, and it can be a tool for empowerment and confidence. However, Lowry’s candid conversation reveals that even something meant to improve one’s self-esteem can lead to complex emotional and psychological struggles. While Kailyn has shared that she feels “good” physically following the surgery, it is clear that she has been wrestling with a profound sense of mental unrest in its aftermath.

The former Teen Mom 2 star shared that the surgery has been an emotional journey for her, not only because of her own mental health but also because she is deeply concerned about the impact that body dysmorphia could have on her children. As a mother of seven, she reflects on the responsibility she feels to model healthy body image for her children, particularly her daughters.

“I’m struggling this time around. I don’t know if it’s ’cause I have a daughter now … not just my daughter, my sons too, I don’t want them to experience this level of body dysmorphia,” she explained. “Like, I was basically willing to go to any length and do this over Christmas break to be skinny—even if that meant my fiancé, Elijah, couldn’t be there for me.”

Lowry’s words reveal the painful extent to which she was willing to sacrifice, even her most cherished moments, to alter her appearance. This sacrifice speaks volumes about the depth of her struggle with body dysmorphia, a disorder in which a person becomes obsessed with perceived flaws or defects in their appearance, often leading to excessive and sometimes harmful attempts to “fix” those imperfections.

Tempted to Go Further

During her recovery, Lowry reflected on how the psychological pressure to alter her body was so strong that she found herself considering additional procedures. “I was going for a breast reduction and then I was like, ‘Oh, I should just add some lipo 360, add some tummy tuck in … my scars were fine,’” she recalled. She admitted to almost going further under anesthesia, tempted by the notion of achieving a “perfect” body.

Her confession revealed the mental toll these thoughts can take on someone battling body dysmorphia. Despite her desire to undergo more procedures, she acknowledged that her fiancé, Elijah Scott, couldn’t be there to support her throughout the process, which led her to reconsider adding any further surgeries. “I realized I shouldn’t have put Elijah through all of this ’cause he couldn’t be there for me the whole time.”

For Lowry, this was a wake-up call. Although she was physically recovering from the surgery, she realized that the emotional scars and the psychological journey would take much longer to heal. The guilt of prioritizing her appearance over the needs of her family was a burden that weighed heavily on her.

The Struggles with Mental Health

While Lowry may be physically recovering from her breast reduction, it is clear that the emotional and mental healing will take much longer. In her Instagram post, she admitted to having “a rough time mentally” and expressed the struggle of putting on a brave face despite the turmoil inside.

Her decision to speak out about her mental health challenges is both courageous and important. It’s easy for outsiders to judge someone based on their outward appearance or public persona, but Kailyn’s willingness to be vulnerable about her mental health offers an important reminder that mental illness and body dysmorphia do not discriminate. Even those who seem to “have it all” can face deep, unseen struggles.

Before concluding her video, Kailyn gave a heartfelt message to her followers: “Think once, think twice before you get plastic surgery,” she warned, encouraging others to truly evaluate the mental and emotional reasons behind their decisions. “I hope everyone has a happy new year.”

Support from Fans and Followers

The outpouring of support from her followers following the post was immediate and heartfelt. Many shared their words of encouragement, with one fan commenting, “You’ve always looked great! At any size you’re just a gorgeous woman.” Another fan wrote, “You birthed literally 7 beautiful tiny humans, your body is incredible. I’m sorry you felt pressured to have to fix it. I hope you can learn to love your body, I know your children did.”

As a mother of seven, Lowry’s body has gone through many changes, from pregnancy to weight fluctuations, and now, plastic surgery. Her children, however, love her for who she is, no matter her size or appearance. For many of Kailyn’s followers, her story is a reminder that self-worth should never be tied to one’s physical appearance. As she continues to heal both physically and mentally, Lowry’s journey serves as a poignant example of the complexities that surround body image and the struggles that many people face when dealing with mental illness and body dysmorphia.

Her openness about her experience is a powerful reminder that, while cosmetic procedures can improve physical appearance, they can never truly solve underlying issues of self-worth and mental health. It is essential that we all learn to embrace and love ourselves, flaws and all, in order to heal from the inside out. Kailyn Lowry’s journey is one that will undoubtedly continue to resonate with many, offering hope and encouragement to those facing similar struggles.