This blunder happens to Gerard Joling after a facelift
If even your own phone ghosts you, you know your facelift has done its job a bit too well — or just a little too enthusiastically. Gerard Joling experienced a TOO funny moment this week with the facial recognition of his iPhone. It got completely confused after his recently refreshed look — aka his facelift. Yep, facial recognition literally said: “Sorry, but who are you?” In a video on Instagram, we see the singer fumbling with his manager Wino Omtzigt, while the phone no longer recognizes Gerard's face. “After that facelift, no one recognizes me anymore!”, says Gerard. And honestly? Mood. After a dose of mild panic, the screen finally opens. “Not that much has happened,” says Gerard with a grin.
View this post on Instagram
The man behind the makeover: Drs. Joost Staudt
Gerard Joling's facelift was performed by Drs. Joost Staudt, a highly sought-after top doctor at Bergman Clinics (you know, the place where half of famous Netherlands goes for a little “refresh”). Joost once started his medical studies in Groningen, did internships in Curaçao (jealous), and was eventually trained as a plastic surgeon at the AMC, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, and the Red Cross Hospital. Since 2008, he has been officially allowed to call himself a plastic, reconstructive, hand, and aesthetic surgeon — hello mouthful. His specialty? Nose corrections, facial surgery, and breast enlargements. But the best part: he is known for not just doing everything you ask. His motto? “Ensuring a realistic expectation.” In other words: no weird expectations, just a prettier, more natural you. Here Joost shares the before and after of his procedures.
A risky choice: the Deep Plane facelift
Gerard went all-in with a Deep Plane face-neck lift. Sorry, this sounds very complicated and it might be a bit: with this procedure, the deeper skin layers are tightened for a fresh, lifted face. But uh… such a deep plane is not without risk. Nerve damage? Paralysis? It could have happened that Gerard could never sing his iconic high notes again - AAAH, DISASTER! Fortunately, everything went well and the result was exactly what he hoped for.
Public: shocked and impressed
When Gerard showed off his new face, half of the Netherlands fell off their chair. In Even Tot Hier, they even said he looked “completely wrecked” - ouch. Media critic Victor Vlam thought: hmm, maybe a step too far? But Gerard himself? He thinks it's great. Reactions on his Instagram? ”I think you look beautiful” and ”You remain a cheerful and handsome man” are being responded to, so his followers are -how could they not– totally fans.
And that costs how much?!
Okay, honestly: Gerard Joling did not put in his Insta story what exactly he paid for his “new face”. But if we snoop around at Bergman Clinics, where he went under the knife with Dr. Joost Staudt, we know that a regular facelift starts around €2500 there. But — and this is important — Gerard did not go for a basic treatment. No, he went for a full deep plane face-neck lift (think of it as the Rolls-Royce of facelifts). That variant? You quickly pay a small €3700 or more for it. But hey, then you also get something. Or in Gerard's case: then your iPhone no longer recognizes you.
Gerard’s previous ‘finishing touches’
This facelift was of course not Gerard’s first beauty visit. No way. Earlier he already got Botox (“just to get rid of that frown”) and a small hair transplant. “It’s all together, you know,” he laughs. “A little prick here, a bit of hair there… and you’re ten years younger again.” Love him, what a mood.
Popular procedures among celebrities: the big five
Okay, Gerard is certainly not the only one who seeks a little help. These are the favorites among celebrities (and secretly also among non-celebrities):
Botox – The oldie but goldie. Often done before even a wrinkle is visible. Gerard? Been there, done that. Here are all the facts and myths about Botox.
Fillers – Not just for lips. Think also about boosting cheekbones or getting rid of dark circles. Hello, fresh face.
Eyelid correction – Ideal for those who hear every day: “Wow, you look tired…” while you just slept for twelve hours. Not ready for such a procedure with mega scary consequences? Here you can find the best eye cream (”botox in a bottle”).
Facelift – The ‘big treatment’. Especially popular among celebrities 50+, although people in their forties are also increasingly joining in (doesn't have to be younger). Tighter jawline, no hamster cheeks: say check.
Nose correction – Usually subtle. Not a completely different nose, but just a bit nicer, narrower, or straighter. Drs. Staudt? Check, this is the specialist in this. Sometimes the nose can also be adjusted with filler.
And the trend? It’s moving towards “less is more”. Not that people ask what you’ve had done, but rather say: “Wow, you look good!” Without knowing why. Because honestly: isn’t that what everyone wants?
This is how you get a glow-up without needles (yes, it’s possible)
Okay, we totally get it: not everyone is ready to go under the knife or the needle. But do you still want that fresh, “just back from a super relaxing retreat in Ibiza” vibe? No worries: it can also be done without a procedure - phew. First things first: hydration is key. Drink enough water (yes, sounds boring, but your skin will really thank you). Invest in a good vitamin C serum and an SPF, because protection = rejuvenation. Here you can find the best. Facial rollers and gua sha are your new BFFs; enjoy massaging and draining lymph for that radiant skin. And don’t forget: sleeping is the best free beauty secret ever. Add a bit of self-tanner, and you’re all set. These 5 self-tanners are really super nice.
Tom Cornelissen
