Former TV and film star Amanda Bynes has addressed rumours surrounding her “new look.” Bynes revealed in a TikTok video that she recently underwent eyelid surgery. This comes shortly after the star announced her latest project, a podcast, which has marked her official return to the spotlight since her conservatorship concluded last year.

In a recent TikTok video, Bynes clarified speculations about her appearance and confirmed her cosmetic eyelid surgery. Emphatically expressing her satisfaction with the decision, the actress  asserted: “It was one of the greatest things I could’ve ever done for my self-confidence, and it made me feel a lot better in my skin.” The She’s The Man star was incredibly open about the surgical procedure, which removed skin folds in the corners of her eyes.

https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaamandaamanda1986/video/7311461218122812715

Setting the record straight, Bynes explained “I don’t have those skin folds anymore.” The actress also used her podcast, called Amanda Bynes & Paul Sieminski: The Podcast, as an opportunity to share her positive experience, aiming to combat societal judgments: “Nobody cares anymore if people have face tattoos. It shouldn’t matter,” she declared during the first episode of her podcast, which featured tattooist Dahlia Moth.

In the TikTok video, Bynes also addressed concerns about her paparazzi shots, emphasising the impact of lighting on her perceived image. Acknowledging the common challenge faced by celebrities in unflattering outdoor lighting, Bynes stated: “Paparazzi pictures are taken outside, and the sunlight is usually really harsh and bright on my skin, even though I’m only 37 and I don’t even look old.” Bynes candidly discussed the intricacies of dealing with external scrutiny, highlighting scars on the right side of her face that might not be noticeable under certain lighting conditions.

To provide context to her statements, Bynes indicated that she aimed to showcase the contrast in her appearance under different lighting: “I’m going to take you outside to show you how terrible I can look in a certain light. I’m sure people have seen from me in movies and me in paparazzi pictures.” The actress was forthright about the challenges posed by varying lighting conditions and offered a glimpse into the strategies she employs to present her best self under these circumstances.

Hearing her speak, my heart truly went out to Bynes. It’s challenging to exist in a society that ruthlessly scrutinises every aspect of one’s appearance, a society that normalises the concept of having to create a video explaining why your face might look different or why you’re putting on weight.

While not all of the details are known, Bynes has made it public knowledge that she’s suffered both with her mental health and substance abuse. Moreover, it’s been extensively documented that the former TV star has been in and out of mental health facilities over the years. According to TMZ, Bynes last checked into a facility in Orange County in July 2023.