When it comes to the pursuit of their dream bodies, even the most stunning women in the world sometimes need a little help. Beauty queens Catriona Gray, Celeste Cortesi, and Michelle Dee recently opened up about undergoing various beauty procedures—including liposuction—at Belo, proving that self-care comes in many forms. And guess what? There's absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Gone are the days when cosmetic procedures were whispered about in secret. These queens are leading the conversation with honesty, reminding us that body positivity isn’t just about loving your body as is—it’s also about making empowered choices that help you feel your best.
READ: Filipina Beauty Queens Open Up About Getting Liposuction
Catriona Gray
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray revealed that for her, toning and tightening were the goal. “For my personalization of the Body Reset Program, I did a lot of Onda, Exilis, EmSculpt— because again, toning and tightening was really my goal, and I even tried liposuction for the first time here at the back of my arms.”
Dr. Vicki Belo chimed in, sharing that Catriona’s arms were slightly bigger in proportion to the rest of her body. But for Catriona, the experience was about more than aesthetics—it was about feeling comfortable in her own skin. “It was really nice to be educated, to be guided through what I could expect. You could just see that that's just a little thing that I did, and I'm able to carry myself in a certain way because I feel that translates to confidence for me.”
Celeste Cortesi
For Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi, the decision to get liposuction on her arms was a last-minute call before heading to the global stage. “So it was during Miss Universe before I left for the US. She suggested that I should be doing lipo on my arms because that’s where I really deposit all my fats. It was always on the back of my arms as well.”
Belo recalled the conversation vividly. “Yeah, it was two weeks before going to Miss Universe. You know, she’s so funny, she says, Doctora, I have no confidence. I cannot compete because my arms are big.’ I said, ‘How much time do you have before the contest?’ And she said, ‘Two weeks.’ And I said, ‘Two weeks? That’s really like the minimum [healing time]. But I said, okay, two weeks.’ So she did it awake. That’s how we went to the clinic. And then she just laid down.” The doctor was surprised that Celeste was healed in three days.
Michelle Dee
Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee echoed a sentiment that many can relate to: Sometimes, no matter how much you diet and exercise, stubborn fat just won’t budge. “You know, especially after I won Miss Universe Philippines, grabe, my waistline was maybe up to 27. Yes, I did get lipo in my back, specifically around my waist. And yeah, just a very small portion.”
She emphasized that she didn’t take the decision lightly. “As you grow, I’m sure a lot of us will realize that we have stubborn areas. And I didn’t just go to Doc and say, ‘I want the perfect body right away.’ Of course, I tried my best to lose weight. And then it became really stubborn. And you just need that extra love. I needed that Thermage, I needed the EmSculpt, I needed the Onda. Kasi tumatanda naman na rin tayo so you really need the assist.”
The results speak for themselves. “So if you just put my winning photo and my Miss Universe competing photos, you really see a big difference in my body. Yes, there’s Belo love in between.”
Kudos to these queens for being honest! There’s no shame in getting a little help—whether it’s through diet, exercise, treatments, or even surgery. What matters is that every choice is made with confidence and self-love. If a little “Belo love” helps someone feel like their most radiant self, then more power to them.
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