Adriana Lima Says She Was ‘In Shock’ After Seeing Those ‘Unrecognizable’ Photos Of Herself On The Red Carpet That Sparked Surgery Rumors—’That’s Not Me’

Adriana Lima made a memorable appearance on the red carpet last month, dressed in a chic black-and-red mini dress and sheer tights, which left many of her fans mesmerized. However, some fans found it hard to recognize the iconic supermodel, 42, after she stepped out at the Los Angeles premiere of The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes, as her “face” seemed distinctly “different” from ever before.

Rumors surrounding her altered look have sparked speculation among her fans in the weeks since, with many speculating about the possibility of plastic surgery, a facelift, and fillers. Despite initially dismissing claims of plastic surgery and responding to fans who criticized her “swollen” and “unrecognizable” appearance, Lima ultimately acknowledged her surprise at her own appearance after viewing photos from the event in a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar Arabia.

Adriana Lima Reacts To November 2023 Photos Of Her Face That Ignited Surgery Rumors

The mom of three told the outlet: "I was in shock when I saw [the photos]. I was like, ‘That’s not me.’ Everything was strange because I don’t see myself like that. I still don’t see myself like that … you can see yourself differently."

Lima went on, adding: "I didn’t get offended or anything, though — I was laughing. The point is, I am not 16 years old. I started modeling at 16 but I will never be 16 again. I’m 42, and I’m the happiest I’ve been; the happiest with myself. I embrace my age and I will not change for anyone."

The next day following the red carpet premiere, she took to Instagram to put an end to the rumors and discussions surrounding her physical appearance.

The beauty and style icon uploaded a selfie without wearing any makeup, showing off her natural glow and wrote: "The face of a tired mom of one teenage girl, two preteens, one active boy, a 1 year old learning to walk, and three dogs… thanks for your concern."

Lima is a mother to two daughters, Valentina, 14, and Sienna, 11, whom she shares with her former spouse, Marko Jarić. The pair had tied the knot in 2009 and were together for five years before announcing their separation in 2014.

The legal proceedings for their divorce concluded in 2016. Subsequently, Lima began a new love story with film producer Andre Lemmers in 2021.

In February 2022, the couple announced their pregnancy, and they welcomed their son, Cyan, in August of that year. Lima, accompanied by Lemmers, also 42, along with her two daughters and Lemmers' children Miah and Lupo, attended the aforementioned Hunger Games prequel film premiere.

In the same Harper's Bazaar Arabia interview, Lima expressed her concerns about the potential impact on her children due to the recent wave of public criticism targeting her appearance.

"My concern about this is not for me, it’s for my children because they were with me, they saw me and then this stuff comes out," the Brazil native said.

Lima added: "I don’t want them to feel the pressure to look a certain way because of other people. If they do that to me, how will they be safe? And the truth is, I don’t think anyone is safe because people are always criticizing."