A WOMAN has shared how she was bullied for her “Toucan” nose so decided to save up for a nose job – and the results have changed her life.
Devyn Aiken, 30, a paralegal in Philadelphia, shared a series of videos on TikTok about the procedure, which cost her £8,700.
Speaking to People, Devyn shared: “I was bullied a lot, especially in middle school, and it was just from guys.
“They would call me all type of mean names like bird, Toucan Sam, so much mean stuff … I was like, ‘Oh, my goodness. This is all they talk about — my nose. So if I change that, what can they talk about?'”
Thankfully she didn’t feel “ugly” but just that she had a “huge nose that I hated”, which she felt grew noticeably larger during her tween and early teen years.
She added: “The earliest I can remember wanting a nose job was 14. I asked my mum, ‘Can I have a nose job?”
Typically most doctors won’t operate on a face that isn’t developed yet, and Devyn said it took her years to save up for the surgery – which she admitted was a “straight-up vanity” project.
Deciding to take action at 30, she booked in for rhinoplasty with plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Ginsburg in November 2024 after researching numerous clinics.
In total it cost her $11,000 (£8,700), which she feels is well worth the money.
Devyn has now racked up 63,000 followers thanks to her TikToks documenting the journey.
Far from feeling any shame for getting surgery, she felt like an honest account of the recovery and results could be helpful to others.
Thankfully her family were supportive of her dream every step of the way and just wanted her to be happy.
Before the surgery, she recalls being ill with nerves and “vomited all night”, resulting in her sleeping on the bathroom floor.
Thankfully the surgery was a success, and although it’ll take a full year for her swelling to fully decrease, Devyn shared how it has already changed her life.
The earliest I can remember wanting a nose job was 14. I asked my mum, ‘Can I have a nose job?’
Devyn Aiken
She revealed: “I just feel so happy every time I look in the mirror. It’s literally life-changing … Now I can just shop in peace. I can go out in peace and I don’t have to worry if someone’s making a comment. I feel relieved.”
Two months on, Devyn also got lip filler to boost her confidence even more.
What are the risks of getting surgery abroad?
IT'S important to do your research if you're thinking about having cosmetic surgery abroad.
It can cost less than in the UK, but you need to weigh up potential savings against the potential risks.
Safety standards in different countries may not be as high.
No surgery is risk-free. Complications can happen after surgery in the UK or abroad.
If you have complications after an operation in the UK, the surgeon is responsible for providing follow-up treatment.
Overseas clinics may not provide follow-up treatment, or they may not provide it to the same standard as in the UK.
Also, they may not have a healthcare professional in the UK you can visit if you have any problems.
Source: NHS
And it seems her followers have been equally impressed with her new look.
One person wrote under one of her transformation videos: “You look amazing! I completely understand why you had it done.”
Another added: “It looks so good & so natural. You’re beautiful, before & after.”
In the UK, rhinoplasty costs £4,000-£7,000 and there were around 1,950 procedures in 2023.
