Sam Smith opens up about teenage liposuction 'nightmare'
Sam Smith has shared a painful memory from childhood — undergoing liposuction at the age of 13 after being endlessly teased at school. The singer described their school years, especially moments like swimming classes and locker room changes, as a kind of personal hell.
“I had surgery on my chest when I was 13 years old, because I had a growing chest. There were all sorts of reasons why, but mainly, I was just getting so teased. I couldn’t go swimming in school, and getting changed in the locker room was hell.”
Speaking on the podcast hosted by Penn Badgley, Smith revealed that the decision to have surgery was deeply emotional but supported by their parents, who recognized how damaging the bullying had become.
“My parents were hugely supportive of the whole thing because they just saw how much it was crippling everything about me.”
In reflection, Smith described ongoing struggles with food and body image. Though the operation initially achieved its purpose, the recovery process turned out to be troubling due to the bandages used after surgery.
“The liposuction worked, but it was also a nightmare because they gave me a bandage.”
Author’s summary
At 13, Sam Smith underwent liposuction to escape relentless teasing, later calling the experience a nightmare despite their parents’ unwavering support.