Sam Smith on Early Liposuction and Childhood Struggles
Sam Smith spoke openly about having liposuction at just 13, sharing how childhood bullying and insecurity led to the decision. The singer revealed that their parents fully supported the surgery, though it ultimately did not provide lasting emotional relief.
Growing Up in Cambridgeshire
In a conversation with actor Penn Badgley on the Podcrushed podcast on November 5, Smith reflected on their youth in Cambridgeshire. When asked about their experiences growing up queer, Smith explained that body image, rather than sexuality, was the main source of distress.
“For me, it was always my weight. My queerness was something that I could handle, and I could have a grasp on it. But my weight as a kid was the hardest thing for me in school, and weirdly the thing I probably got teased the most about,”
Decision to Have Surgery
The Grammy-winning artist described how constant teasing pushed them toward surgery at a very young age, undergoing liposuction on their chest.
“I had surgery on my chest when I was 13 years old because I had a growing chest. There was all sorts of reasons why, but mainly that I was just getting so teased. I couldn’t go swimming in school, and getting changed in the locker room was hell. So I got liposuction when I was 13 years old.”
Family Support and Long-Term Impact
Despite being very young, Smith had their parents’ full support for the operation. However, the artist admitted that the procedure didn’t solve the underlying issues tied to self-image and acceptance.
Author’s Summary
Sam Smith’s story highlights the deep emotional impact of childhood bullying and sheds light on how early insecurities can shape lifelong self-perception.