The Bachelor New Zealand star Nazanin 'Naz' Khanjani has candidly revealed she's ready to stop her pursuit of perfection after undergoing a string of high-risk surgeries, most notably the notorious Brazilian butt lift (BBL) last year.
Speaking exclusively to Newshub, the former Dancing With The Stars contestant said that in the wake of her latest procedures - surgeries she said have drastically altered her appearance - she's now ready to stop going under the knife, at least for the immediate future.
Khanjani has long been open about her cosmetic procedures, including her breast enhancement surgeries, rhinoplasty and aforementioned BBL, after which she was hospitalised due to significant blood loss.
She has also spoken candidly about the "nasty comments" she was subjected to following her stints on the small screen - admitting the torment was what initially led her down the path of 'tweakments' and later, plastic surgery.
"Initially what led me to cosmetic work is the bullying I'd received after becoming a public figure. People would say nasty comments like 'you look like a man'. It started from botox and fillers to eventually getting surgery for a more permanent result," Khanjani told Newshub following her latest - and potentially last - cosmetic endeavours.
"Unlike some people out there who are influenced by comparing themselves to others or social media trends, I did these procedures for my own reasons, without any pressure - so I know when to stop."
Most recently, the former reality TV star returned to Turkey to undergo a temporal lift and neck lift, performed by Dr Ali Çetinkaya - the same surgeon who completed her BBL - at his clinic in Instanbul on May 26.
Despite being thrilled with the results, Khanjani admitted the procedures have altered her appearance dramatically - prompting her to reconsider undergoing any further work to ensure her parents are still "able to recognise" her.
According to Khanjani, however, her family are supportive of her decision to go under the knife, with her parents even travelling to Turkey to look after her post-surgery.
"Of course, they have always said I am beautiful just the way I am, but they are also very open-minded and understanding of why I got these procedures," she added.
According to the Auckland Plastic Surgical Centre, a neck lift is performed to remove excess skin and fat from the area while tightening the soft tissues for a more contoured appearance: results can include a sharper profile and more youthful appearance. The procedure is typically performed on patients with sagging skin - recommended for those aged 40 and over - either due to ageing or significant weight loss. It's also usually done in combination with a facelift.
A temporal lift, also known as a lateral brow lift or 'mini brow lift', is designed to arch the brows up at the outer corners to provide a more 'lifted' look, helping to combat any drooping or sagging of the skin associated with ageing. The surgery typically involves a small incision hidden in the hair, through which the surgeon will raise the outer third of the brow and forehead. As per the New York Center for Facial Plastic and Laser Surgery, people can heal from this less invasive procedure over a weekend.
"I'm very happy with the outcome thanks to my talented surgeon. He was able to enhance my beauty whilst maintaining a natural look. I feel so beautiful all the time now," Khanjani said.
"Right now, I'm finished with getting cosmetic surgery and the reason for that is because the procedures I've had done within the last few years have been areas I've wanted to change after all the bullying. Now it's done, I'm satisfied and happy."
Khanjani's decision to stop, or at least, slow down her pursuit of rectifying her perceived flaws comes at a time where cosmetic surgery is in the public interest more than ever before, largely due to social media. Once a topic many would choose to shroud in secrecy, many celebrities and influencers alike are now openly speaking about their cosmetic work. While for some the transparency may help to foster a sense of trust and relatability with their audience, for others their honesty helps to break down the systemic promotion of unattainable beauty standards across social media - showcasing the reality behind many 'coveted' features and why people, particularly impressionable young people, shouldn't be comparing their physical appearance to that of their idols.
A study published in January this year found a significant increase in public interest in both surgical and nonsurgical aesthetic procedures after Instagram began gaining popularity in April 2012. The rising popularity of cosmetic procedures has been attributed by some researchers to the use of filters on the likes of Instagram, while others have cited the ability for surgeons to create an online brand where they can visually demonstrate their results to potential patients.
Another study released in 2021 found that the increased use of Zoom calls during the pandemic led to an increase in the number of individuals interested in surgery, especially above-shoulder procedures, due to the consistent observation of themselves on the screen.
And "knowing when to stop", as Khanjani said, is not always easy: it's been well-documented that people can become addicted to the effects of plastic surgery.
According to Medical News Today, people with an addiction to cosmetic surgery may wish to continually alter their appearance by undergoing many procedures, but never being satisfied with the results. Addiction may stem from a psychological disorder, such as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). In 2017, research published in the International Journal of Women's Dermatology recommended that any candidates for cosmetic procedures should undergo preoperative BDD screening tools, and advised practitioners to establish working relationships with mental health colleagues.
According to a 2020 review examining cosmetic surgery addiction in South Korea, there is a link between seeking out cosmetic surgery and a person's body image, self-esteem, psychological factors and individual tendencies. In a separate 2019 study, it was found that people are also more likely to undergo cosmetic surgery procedures if they have negative self-views when looking at social media; spend longer hours on social media platforms; and view material related to cosmetic surgery on social media.
But for Khanjani, the decision to put a stop to cosmetic procedures - at least for the meantime - was not a difficult one, she asserted.
"For me personally, it's not hard to stop as I'm comfortably and easily stopping now. However, there are people out there who can get addicted and that's unfortunate and dangerous. Regardless, everybody is responsible for themselves," she said.
"Everybody has their reasons for change and at the end of the day, it's your body, your choice, you are allowed to do what you wish with it. If you're happy, that's the main thing - don't spend your life trying to please others."
Offering her advice to others considering a cosmetic surgery or going under the knife, Khanjani reiterated that any and all procedures should be done for yourself - not for anyone else.
"The biggest advice I would give other women wanting to undergo similar cosmetic procedures would be to ensure the reason they're wanting to get it done is purely for themselves, and not to jump on a social media bandwagon, for boys, or to compete with others," she told Newshub.
"It's serious, it's a big decision to make; so please make sure you're 100 percent ready mentally and physically, health wise, before jumping under the knife."
Khanjani also frequently urges her fans and followers to do their research rather than booking in with the first available surgeon, noting that failing to do so may result in a botched job and cost more in the long run.
"A downside to having cosmetic surgery can be having a bad surgeon which can lead to botched results. If someone is considering cosmetic surgery, I always advise them to do their own research and really take their time in finding a good surgeon... worry about the location and price later."
All in all, Khanjani said she is satisfied with her results and is now feeling at peace with her appearance. When asked if she is content, she responded: "Heck yes, I'm happy!"
"The next time I may consider surgery will possibly be after I've had kids or when I'm much older," she added.
"I'm so content and feel like the most beautiful woman on earth right now. I can't stop taking selfies."
