News Anchor Reveals Facelift
Under the knife: Popular Houston news anchor reveals facelift
Even though summer is a slow time in the TV news business, not many anchors take an entire month off. But longtime Channel 2 anchor Bill Balleza was on vacation all of July — and he has a good reason.
"Years ago, Marvin Zindler told me that I would one day decide to have plastic surgery, and although I silently disagreed with him at the time, it turns out he was right."
Television blogger Mike McGuff has revealed that Balleza, who anchors the 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts on KPRC, has had an extensive face lift.
On his Facebook page, Balleza told readers:
"For reasons that are entirely personal I decided to do something about my appearance.
I am now 65 and a few years ago began noticing that my face and neck were sagging. Over the past 18 months or so I made some nutritional changes that resulted in my losing about 25 pounds.
The weight loss made the sagging in my face and neck even worse so I decided to have a lower face lift. I did not have any work done on my eyes, but the normal swelling that follows a lower face lift did make the area around my eyes puffy, and the swelling is taking longer than anticipated to abate.
I could have waited a few more weeks for the swelling to fully resolve but I really wanted to return to the job I love.
It is possible that the swelling will be around for a few more weeks and I am hoping that our viewers will indulge me during this period.
Years ago, Marvin Zindler told me that I would one day decide to have plastic surgery, and although I silently disagreed with him at the time, it turns out he was right.
For my part, I believe it was the right decision, and I truly hope that folks agree with me."
Early reaction has been favorable. The nearly 200 comments on Balleza's Facebook page are supportive. Here's one example:
You're an on- camera talent in front of many people every day, not an accountant or plumber. So if anyone has a right to a little plastic enhancement, you certainly qualify at the top of that list. Wishing you a speedy full recovery soon:-)"
Although it's a fairly common secret that many TV personalities have undergone plastic surgery — wouldn't you if you appeared in HD on 52-inch screens every night? — most news anchors and reporters have been tight-lipped about cosmetic procedures. So it's refreshing to see Balleza be so open about his recent trip under the knife, although it remains disconcerting to me that our society doesn't find beauty in wrinkles and sagging skin.
It also makes one wonder if Balleza's surgery will show up during the next sweeps period?
Feges BBQ is in the running for Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year. Photo by Robert Jacob Lerma