Plastic surgery is not uncommon—every now and then, you hear of people opting for procedures to alter their noses, enhance their lips, or simply add a fresh glow to their faces. However, Jessica Alves, formerly known as Rodrigo Alves, went far beyond the ordinary. Through more than 70 procedures, she transformed her appearance into that of a human Barbie doll.
It’s perfectly normal to feel a desire for self-improvement or to want to make changes to your appearance. But no matter what you decide to do, always remember that beauty comes in many forms, and you’re capable of incredible things just as you are.
Jessica Alves took the concept of transformation to a whole new level, redefining her image entirely.
Jessica Alves: A Journey of Transformation
The story of Jessica Alves begins in early 2020, when she publicly came out as transgender during an interview with The Mirror.
“I’m known as Ken, but inside, I’ve always felt like Barbie,” the 36-year-old revealed. “I finally feel like the real me—glamorous, beautiful, and feminine.”
From the day she came out as transgender, Jessica Alves began living authentically as herself, using “she” and “her” pronouns and embracing her true identity.
Coming Out as Jessica
Jessica underwent hormone treatments that gave her feminine hips and transformed her body further to align with her identity. With blonde hair extensions, false eyelashes, and a D-cup bra, she completed her outward transformation. In July, she announced she would officially go by the name Jessica.
“For years, I tried to live my life as a man. I had fake six-pack abs and fake arm muscles put in, but I was lying to myself,” she admitted. “I’m a woman and have always had a feminine brain. Now my body matches my mind.”
Jessica’s journey into the public eye began long before her transition. She appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018 and released a song titled Plastic World with Italian plastic surgeon Giacomo Urtis. Today, Jessica has over a million Instagram followers and has previously worked as a flight attendant.
Jessica Alves: From Childhood to Transformation
Jessica Alves, formerly Rodrigo Alves, was born on July 30, 1983, in São Paulo, Brazil, to a British father and a Brazilian mother. Even as a young child, Jessica expressed her individuality. Her grandfather supported her by buying her dolls and encouraging her to dress as she wished, allowing her to explore her identity freely.
Jessica’s fascination with dolls, combined with an upbringing that embraced self-expression, set the foundation for her unique journey. Advocates might argue that an ideal childhood is one where a child isn’t forced to conform to societal norms but is instead encouraged to follow what feels right for them. For Jessica, this freedom became the spark for a lifelong journey of self-discovery and transformation.
“Growing up, I was very feminine. I loved playing with dolls and wearing my mum’s dresses and heels,” Jessica Alves shared, reflecting on her childhood. However, her teenage years were a time of deep insecurity.
“I hated my appearance, especially my nose,” she admitted. “Whenever I laughed, it made my nose look wider, and I couldn’t stand it. My family often made comments about my nose, questioning where I inherited such an unattractive feature. That criticism was the driving force behind my decision to address it first.”
Jessica moved to London to attend the prestigious London School of Economics. In 2004, she underwent her first plastic surgery, marking the beginning of what would become a life-changing obsession.
“I was never fully satisfied after an operation, and I’m still not,” she confessed.
A Lifetime of Surgeries
Over the past 20 years, Jessica has undergone more than 100 cosmetic procedures. Her surgeries have included multiple nose jobs, Botox, fillers, pec implants, jaw and leg liposuction, calf shaping, a fake six-pack, arm fillers, and even the removal of four ribs. She also underwent a “cat-eye” lift and a hair transplant. In total, she has spent over half a million dollars on these transformations.
Initially, as Rodrigo, Jessica aimed to become the male version of a Ken doll. Today, she aspires to embody the Human Barbie.
Despite her relentless pursuit of perfection, the journey has come with serious risks. In April 2016, Jessica experienced necrosis—skin tissue death—following a rhinoplasty. A hole began to form in her nose, and her septum detached. Struggling to breathe, she sought emergency treatment in Malaga, Spain, where doctors warned that the infection could spread, potentially causing gangrene and severe facial damage. Jessica received antibiotics intravenously every eight hours to combat the life-threatening condition.
“I can’t breathe through my nose, and I feel terrible. It has collapsed,” she revealed at the time. “I’ve scheduled a consultation in London, hoping surgery can fix this as soon as possible.”
Painful Recovery and Ongoing Challenges
Jessica faced another painful ordeal after undergoing a chemical peel in Spain. The procedure, which involved applying an acid solution to her face to reveal fresh skin beneath, left her skin feeling like it was burning. “My face looked red and felt raw,” she said. “I had to stay indoors with heavy sun protection.”
Despite surviving these challenges, Jessica encountered further complications in 2019 after her 11th rhinoplasty. Her nose began to collapse once again. The surgery, meant to correct a previous Botox procedure, only exacerbated the problem.
A Complex Journey
Jessica Alves’s transformation from Rodrigo to Jessica has been marked by both triumphs and trials. Her relentless pursuit of an idealized appearance has made her a global figure, but it has also highlighted the dangers and challenges associated with body dysmorphia and extreme cosmetic procedures. Through it all, Jessica remains determined to embrace her identity, even as she navigates the physical and emotional tolls of her journey.
From Rodrigo to Jessica Alves: A Journey of Transformation
“The results of the surgery were satisfying at first, but now I need another procedure because my nose is sinking, and I’m honestly scared,” Jessica told The Daily Mail. “Each surgery becomes riskier, and I worry that doctors may not be able to fix my nose permanently.”
Over the years, Jessica Alves has gained international recognition for her striking and ever-changing appearance. While public opinions about her extensive body modifications vary widely, the most important thing, she emphasizes, is her comfort and happiness with herself.
Jessica has always felt a strong connection to her feminine side. However, it wasn’t until a photoshoot last year that she made the definitive decision to transition.
“Within a month, I was diagnosed with gender dysmorphic disorder and offered the option to begin the appropriate medication to transition,” she told the New York Post in January. “Before, people stared at me because I looked androgynous and strange as a man. Now, I hope they see me as a beautiful woman.”
Embracing Her True Self
Jessica committed fully to her transition, undergoing several significant surgeries. She had her Adam’s apple and six-pack implants removed and opted for procedures like breast augmentation and injections in her knees, hips, and feet, costing her around $35,000. Additionally, she underwent facial feminization surgery and began hormone therapy.
Speaking on the British show This Morning in July, Jessica explained that she was nearing the end of her surgical journey. “I still need two or three surgeries to complete my transition. After that, I swear I’m done with plastic surgery for good,” she said. “There’s only so much the body can take. Each procedure is terrifying, but it’s necessary for me to become the person I truly am.”
Jessica, now 41, plans to undergo a penile inversion and testicle removal as the final steps in her transition.
“I love everything about being a woman,” she said. “I enjoy going to salons, getting my hair, nails, eyebrows, and eyelashes done. Shopping for dresses, wearing high heels, and sexy lingerie—it’s all part of who I am now.”
Challenges and Continued Transformations
Jessica has faced significant challenges with her surgeries, particularly her repeated nose jobs. Having undergone rhinoplasty in Brazil, Colombia, Iran, the U.S., and Istanbul, she continues to struggle with breathing issues. Just a few weeks ago, she underwent yet another nose surgery to address these complications.
Through all the surgeries and scrutiny, Jessica remains determined to live authentically. Her journey has been a blend of bravery and resilience, showcasing her unwavering commitment to becoming her true self despite the physical and emotional challenges.
Many doctors declined to perform the surgery, uncertain how to address her unique case. Finally, Jessica found a surgeon in Istanbul who used cartilage from her ear to reconstruct her nose. Now, she can breathe normally again.
Jessica shares glimpses of her life and transition journey on her Instagram, offering fans an intimate look at her experiences. Despite all she has endured, her posts radiate happiness, which, ultimately, is what matters most.
Covered in Bandages After Her Fifth Facelift
Fast-forward to 2024, and Jessica Alves remains steadfast in her quest to refine her appearance. In October, the 41-year-old TV personality left a Turkish hospital after undergoing her fifth facelift, a procedure known as a “ponytail facelift.” This minimally invasive surgery tightens the skin on the face and neck by placing staples along the hairline.
According to The Daily Mail, Jessica opted for the surgery after dissolving her previous dermal fillers, which left her with nearly four inches of excess skin on her face. The procedure removed five inches of skin, significantly improving its elasticity.
“If I pinched my skin, three or four inches would come off in my hand,” Jessica explained. “It was very elastic, like rubber, so the doctor removed five inches.”
Images of Jessica, seated in a wheelchair and covered in bandages with a headscarf, quickly went viral, capturing attention worldwide. The startling scene highlights the lengths she continues to go in her pursuit of self-expression and confidence.
