Overview

• Jocelyn Wildenstein, nicknamed 'Catwoman' for her feline-like appearance from extensive plastic surgery, died on December 31, 2024, from a pulmonary embolism caused by phlebitis.
• Her dramatic transformation and denial of surgery became a symbol of the cultural obsession with cosmetic procedures, which have surged in popularity in recent decades.
• Experts suggest Wildenstein's case reflects the challenges of body dysmorphic disorder and the ethical dilemmas faced by aesthetic surgeons in treating such patients.
• The global cosmetic surgery market continues to grow, with a 19% increase in procedures in the U.S. from 2019 to 2022 and projections of reaching $94.5 billion by 2032.
• Wildenstein's life and death serve as a cautionary tale about the psychological and physical risks of extreme surgical modification in pursuit of unattainable ideals.