Jessica Alves: From Rodrigo to Human Barbie

Plastic surgery isn’t uncommon, but Jessica Alves took it to extreme levels. Once known as Rodrigo Alves, she transformed her appearance into that of a human Barbie doll.

Embracing Change

It’s normal to feel unhappy with your body at times. However, the key is to remember that you are beautiful, capable, and worthy of amazing things, regardless of public opinion. For some, surgery is an attempt to alter their looks. Jessica Alves, however, decided to completely recreate her appearance.

The Transition

Jessica’s journey began in early 2020 when she came out as transgender. “I’m known as Ken, but inside I’ve always felt like Barbie,” she told The Mirror. At 36, she finally felt in tune with herself—glamorous, beautiful, and feminine.

From that point forward, Jessica used “she/her” pronouns and went by the name Jessica. She had hormone injections to develop feminine hips and now sports blonde hair extensions, fake eyelashes, and a D-cup bra.

The Struggle to Find Her True Self

“For years, I tried to live my life as a man,” she explained. “I had a fake six-pack and fake muscles, but I was lying to myself. Now, my body matches my mind.”

Jessica has been a public figure, appearing on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018 and releasing a song called Plastic World with Italian plastic surgeon Giacomo Urtis. She also has over a million Instagram followers.

Early Life and Influences

Born in São Paolo, Brazil, on July 30, 1983, Jessica was raised by a British father and Brazilian mother. From a young age, she was encouraged to express herself freely, playing with dolls and dressing however she wanted. This upbringing sparked her fascination with dolls.

“I was always very feminine,” she recalled. “I loved playing with dolls and wearing my mum’s dresses and heels.” However, during her teenage years, she struggled with body image issues, particularly her nose, which she found “wide.”

The First Surgery

In 2004, while studying at the London School of Economics, Jessica underwent her first surgery. This marked the beginning of an addiction to altering her physical appearance. “I was never completely satisfied after an operation, and I still am not,” she admitted.

A Series of Surgeries

Over the next 20 years, Jessica underwent over 100 surgeries. These included nose jobs, Botox, liposuction, calf shaping, breast augmentation, and even rib removal. She spent more than half a million dollars on these procedures. Eventually, her classmates couldn’t recognize her, and it was clear she was struggling with body dysmorphia.

Initially, Jessica aimed to become a male version of the Ken doll, but her focus shifted to becoming a human Barbie. This pursuit has been dangerous at times.

Dangerous Health Complications

In 2016, Jessica was hospitalized with necrosis, a condition where skin begins to die. Her nose started to collapse, and she had trouble breathing. Doctors warned that the infection could spread to her face, possibly causing gangrene.

Despite the risks, Jessica pushed forward. “I can’t breathe through my nose and feel terrible. It has collapsed,” she said at the time.

Surgery After Surgery

In 2019, after her 11th rhinoplasty, Jessica’s nose began to collapse again. “The results were pleasing at first, but now I need another surgery. I’m scared,” she confessed. Each surgery became riskier, but Jessica was determined to continue.

The Transition Continued

In 2020, Jessica transitioned fully. She had her Adam’s apple removed, underwent breast augmentation, and had injections to alter her knees, hips, and feet. “I still need two or three surgeries to complete my transition,” she said.

Finding Happiness

Jessica now feels comfortable in her body, saying, “I love everything about being a woman—getting my nails done, wearing dresses, and high heels.” She shared her journey with her Instagram followers, showing her ongoing transformation.

The Latest Surgery

In October 2024, Jessica underwent her fifth facelift. Following the dissolving of her previous dermal fillers, her face had loose skin, which she addressed with a “ponytail facelift.” The procedure, which involved tightening her face and neck skin, was minimally invasive but shocking. “It was very elastic, like rubber,” she explained, noting that five inches of skin were removed.

Jessica’s journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs. While opinions about her surgeries are mixed, the most important thing is that she is happy with who she has become.