Woman reveals she endured relentless abuse as child, believes plastic surgery is ‘only way I could live’. — SCMP
A 27-year-old Japanese online influencer has shared her journey of undergoing more than 20 cosmetic surgeries, spending approximately 24mil yen (RM718,248 or US$170,000) in the process.
Airi Hirase attributes her decision to the emotional scars left by childhood abuse, particularly from her mother, who constantly criticised her appearance, stating she resembled her father – a man who had betrayed her mother and left a legacy of debt.
Living with her mother in Ibaraki prefecture, Hirase has been fixated on the idea of plastic surgery as a means of escaping her painful past since the age of 15.
She received her first surgical procedure at 19 and has built a substantial following on social media, sharing before-and-after photos that highlight her transformation. She said she has had at least 20 procedures on her face and breasts.
With 1.1 million followers on Instagram and 300,000 on X, she has turned her experiences into content that resonates with many.
The influencer said she was bullied for her looks all through her childhood, and her peers called her ugly and said she “looked like a man”.
Hirase said she developed an inferiority complex, and was afraid of mirrors, even breaking some when she would lash out.
She revealed that she attempted suicide when she was in secondary school, but was saved by a friend who “sensed something was not right”.
Hirase expressed that she resolved to “become beautiful” at the age of 15 and began undertaking part-time jobs – such as assisting people with moves and serving as a security guard – when she turned 16 years old.
She left her mother’s home and rented an affordable, old one-room flat. During her busiest periods, Hirase juggled two part-time jobs and managed to survive on just four hours of sleep each day.
She saved about 10mil yen (RM299,906 or US$70,000) over eight years and invested that money in extensive cosmetic surgery, transforming her into a completely different person. She planned to pursue additional procedures as her income increased in the future.
Hirase stated she “did all this so that I could live”.
Her life underwent a dramatic transformation following her cosmetic surgery. In addition to becoming an influencer, Hirase has appeared on various reality TV shows and in fashion magazines.
Despite her satisfaction with her new appearance, she admitted to still struggling with self-confidence.
When interviewed by Shueisha Online about her feelings if her future children resembled her pre-surgery self, Hirase reflected that she likely would not have pursued cosmetic surgery had she not experienced abuse from her mother.
“I will never act like my mother. I will give my children a lot of love and care,” she said.
Chinese psychological counsellor Zhang Xiwen said on Douyin people with inferiority complexes tend to dismiss their value, no matter how successful they have become. She said they struggle to ignore the judgments of other people and focus on themselves.
“In order to love yourself, you need to accept yourself as you are,” she said.
One online observer commented: “Hirase is an extraordinary person. She can succeed in anything with her persistence and self-control.”
Another said she felt sorry for her: “She was a victim of her irresponsible parents, who passed their genes on to her and blamed her for that. I am glad that she found her way out.” – South China Morning Post
Those suffering from problems can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service at 03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392; Talian Kasih at 15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp; Jakim’s (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) family, social and community care centre at 0111-959 8214 on WhatsApp; and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur at 03-7627 2929 or go to befrienders.org.my/centre-in-
