Zuri, a 29-year-old TikTok influencer based in New York City, understood well how expensive plastic surgery can be in the U.S. Instead of opting for a costly domestic rhinoplasty—which averages $7,637 nationally—she decided to combine her surgery with travel abroad.
Choosing Mexico during a “Spring Break Special,” Zuri paid $4,900, about $200 less than the usual offer, significantly less than the typical U.S. cost. This choice allowed her to save money while also visiting a new destination.
Why Mexico Over the Philippines?
Zuri’s cosmetic goals were very specific. She wanted a “Barbie nose” that suited her unique facial structure. As a woman of color, she was careful about choosing the right doctor because she felt that many surgeons might not be experienced with black facial anatomy.
While initially considering the Philippines—known for rhinoplasty using implants—she opted for Mexico because her surgeon used rib cartilage to craft a natural look, rather than implants.
The Surgery and Initial Reaction
After surgery, Zuri noticed her nose tip was slightly upturned and narrower than before. When she first saw the results, she described the tip as looking “very piggy.”
Sharing her experience on TikTok five weeks after the procedure, Zuri faced mixed reactions. Some fans praised her new nose, but many commented on the upturned tip, drawing comparisons to Michael Jackson’s famously pointy nose.
Turning Criticism into a Compliment
Rather than taking offense, Zuri embraced the comparison.
“Michael Jackson is a legend. To be compared to an icon, I take it as a compliment,” she told People.
However, the ongoing criticism did cause her to question her decision briefly.
“I cried a lot at first. I didn’t cry, it didn’t come to that, but it made me question what I had done.”
She reminded herself that online negativity comes from strangers, and focused on self-affirmation.
Healing and Acceptance
Zuri continued to document her recovery on YouTube. Seven weeks post-surgery, she noticed the nose tip was beginning to droop and soften, bringing her closer to the look she wanted.
At that point, she fully accepted her new nose and realized she had achieved her “Barbie nose” dream.
Advice for Those Considering Surgery
Reflecting on her experience, Zuri offers wisdom for anyone thinking about cosmetic surgery:
“People are not going to like anything you do, and you’re not going to please everyone. If you’re confident and have done your homework, don’t care about the haters. Live for yourself. Be strong and stop giving in to negativity.”
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