Airi Hirase, a 27-year-old woman from Ibaraki, Japan, has revealed that she has undergone over 20 cosmetic procedures to transform her appearance, spending more than 26 million yen (£135,000). Hirase, who was bullied for her prominent teeth and wide nose as a child, said the drastic makeover has helped her “improve her life” and gain over a million Instagram followers. She now feels like she has “a new identity” and is no longer haunted by her difficult past.
Hirase began her cosmetic journey at the age of 19, after years of feeling suicidal due to the bullying and emotional trauma she endured. Her appearance was also criticized by her mother, who said Hirase resembled her absent father, who had left the family in debt. Determined to change her life, Hirase worked tirelessly for eight years, saving up 10 million yen (£52,000) while taking on physically demanding jobs such as a mover and security guard.
Despite the dramatic transformation, Hirase admits that she still occasionally struggles with self-confidence. She shared her story with local media, explaining that her new look helps her move forward and distance herself from her painful childhood experiences. “I know people say beauty is superficial, but my appearance was always a reminder of the hurt I had gone through in the past,” she said. “Now it is no longer a reminder of those times. I feel like I can think about my future.”
While Hirase’s transformation has gained her significant attention, her story comes amid warnings from medical professionals about the risks of multiple cosmetic procedures. Experts, including Adam Searle, a former president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), have highlighted the dangers of undergoing too many procedures at once, which can lead to complications such as infections and prolonged time under anesthesia.
In recent years, an increasing number of people, including Brits, have sought out cosmetic procedures abroad, often attracted by lower costs. However, BAAPS has raised concerns about the quality of care and aftercare in countries with less stringent regulations.
What do you think – would you risk going abroad for serious cosmetic procedures like this?
