When Zuri, the creator of TikTok, decided it was time to undergo a rhinoplasty, she looked beyond the high prices of local procedures in the U.S. and set her sights on a more affordable option abroad. Aware of the hefty costs in New York City, where rhinoplasty can easily exceed $7,600, Zuri turned her attention to Mexico, where the price tag was far more reasonable—and serendipitous timing meant it could be incorporated into a planned trip.
In April of this year, Zuri opted for a “Spring Break deal” on her operation, paying just $4,900, a discount from the usual $5,100. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average rhinoplasty cost in the U.S. stands at $7,637, making Mexico an enticing alternative for those seeking quality care at a more accessible price.
“I had always wanted to adjust my nose since I was a child,” Zuri shares with PEOPLE. “It felt like everything was coming together when I finally had the time and money to do it and felt brave enough to follow through.”
As a person of color, Zuri was particularly discerning about the doctor she chose, knowing that Black women’s facial structures require specialized attention. She did extensive research to ensure that the doctor would be able to achieve the right results, especially considering her desire for a “Barbie nose” that would still align with her unique features.
Zuri initially considered traveling to the Philippines, where facial features might blend well with her own, but ultimately ruled it out. “In the Philippines, they use implants to build a bridge, but I wanted something more natural,” she explains. “I wanted my rib cartilage used instead.”
Her chosen Mexican doctor used rib cartilage to shape the narrower bridge and slightly tilted tip she desired. At first, Zuri was a bit surprised by how her nose appeared, feeling it had a slightly “pig-like” upward tilt to the tip. However, after more research, she learned that the tip would naturally drop over time, a common characteristic of rhinoplasty procedures.
When she shared her journey with her fans on TikTok five weeks later, the response was overwhelming. While some praised her new look, many commented on the shape of her nose, comparing the tip to that of the late Michael Jackson. The reaction sparked widespread discussion, but Zuri took it in stride.
“I love MJ. Okay? Michael Jackson is a legend. To be compared to an icon, I’ll take it as a compliment,” she says with a laugh.
Rather than shy away from the comparisons, Zuri leaned into the jokes, even incorporating Michael Jackson-related content into her social media. She says she was unfazed by the criticisms, choosing instead to embrace the humor and celebrate the legendary pop star.
Zuri’s rhinoplasty story is a testament to how social media can play a role in shaping public perception, allowing influencers to take control of their narratives, even in the face of unexpected reactions. And while her “Barbie nose” may have had its initial quirks, Zuri is now confidently flaunting her new look, comfortable in the knowledge that the tip will settle and her decision was ultimately a step toward personal empowerment.
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