Barbra Streisand Resists Pressure for Nose Job in New Memoir

Barbra Streisand, the 81-year-old singer and actress, is sharing her experience of standing up against societal pressure to get a nose job.

Throughout her illustrious career, Streisand faced criticism about her facial features, particularly the “bump” on her nose.

In her recently released memoir, titled “My Name Is Barbra,” she candidly discusses the constant comments she received.

Streisand reveals that several people had advised her to undergo a nose job and dental work to enhance her appearance.

However, she questioned whether her talent alone should not be enough.

Moreover, she considered the potential pain and cost of the procedure, as well as the uncertainty of finding a trustworthy surgeon who would adhere strictly to her desired changes.

While she admits contemplating a minor adjustment to straighten and refine her nose slightly, she ultimately decided against it.

One of the main reasons Streisand chose not to proceed with a nose job was the potential risk to her voice.

As a singer, she understood the importance of preserving her unique vocal abilities.

She writes, “No.

It was too much of a risk.

And who knew what it might do to my voice?

Once a doctor told me I had a deviated septum… maybe that's why I sound the way I do.”

Streisand also expressed her fondness for long noses, citing Italian actress Silvana Mangano as an example of someone who exuded beauty with a similar feature.

Streisand humorously admits that at times, it seemed like her nose received more attention than her accomplishments.

Reflecting on a 1964 cover story in Time magazine, she recalls feeling upset over how the writer described her face.

While the phrase “This nose is a shrine” appeared flattering, the subsequent description of her face as “long and sad,” with a resting expression resembling that of a hound, was far from complimentary.

Streisand admits that even after all these years, she remains hurt by such insults while finding it difficult to fully accept praise.

In her memoir, Streisand also shares an incident from the cover shoot for her 1974 album “The Way We Were.”

She noticed something peculiar about her facial features in the final product and discovered that her nose had been photoshopped without her consent.

Surprised by this alteration, she voiced her displeasure to the art department at Columbia Records, promptly requesting the restoration of her distinctive bump.

Streisand emphasizes her ownership over her appearance, making it clear that if she desired a change, she would have sought professional help herself.

Streisand's refusal to conform to societal beauty standards is commendable.

Despite not fitting the “conventional image” of a Hollywood star during her rise to fame, she succeeded as a movie star.

Her asymmetrical face, notable nose, and big mouth did not hinder her career trajectory.

Streisand's resilience and talent allowed her to overcome the pressures of conformity and achieve greatness in the entertainment industry.

TODAY.com has reached out to Columbia Records for comment on the incident mentioned in Streisand's memoir.