My money, my body Women say spouses can’t stop them from doing body enhancements

Two social media personalities say women should not have to tell their partners about every body enhancement they undergo, particularly when they are footing the bill themselves.

They insist that cosmetic procedures are about feeling good about themselves, building confidence and creating opportunities to strengthen their personal brands.

“If my partner didn’t pay for it, I don’t think they need to know,” declared 25-year-old aspiring event promoter Britney ‘Tahija’ Perry.

Another influencer, who has undergone lip, cheek and chin fillers, a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), liposuction and breast reduction, was equally blunt.

“Man can’t handle the truth. Just like how dem nuh fi know your body count, them nuh need fi know what you do to your body,” she said. “Your body is your body. You don’t have to answer to anyone for it. If you want go under the knife ten time, then do it.”

Perry, who recently underwent a BBL and 360-degree liposuction, said she had wanted to undergo the procedures since she was 20.

“I started my health journey two years ago, so I lost 60 pounds. I was 260 pounds. And then I got my heart broken, so then I went to the gym because I wanted that comeback body,” she said. “I went, I lost 60 pounds, and then I decided that I wanted to do a little enhancement. So it’s nothing drastic. It’s just a little shape out, curve out, because mi never born with it.”

Perry said she underwent the surgery at Janus about two weeks before the interview, describing the procedure as a way to achieve the figure she desired while preparing for her next business venture.

“I’m launching my business soon, which is Nera Lour, a gym line, so I think I did an investment into the business by doing the body, so when I’m doing marketing, I’ll look curve out,” she explained. For her, the enhancement is not simply about attracting male attention or conforming to a particular beauty standard. It is also about presenting herself in a way that aligns with the brand she is building. Perry also has plans to expand her presence in areas such as entertainment and fashion.

“I’m looking towards partnering with a few stores for the fashion part because I have to look good. I want to get into modelling and being an ambassador for a brand for Carnival,” she told THE WEEKEND STAR. “Doing this body enhancement is really about opening a lot of doors to different opportunities.”

Perry said she did not involve many people in her decision because she wanted to avoid criticism and discouragement. Perry disclosed that she was dating someone when she underwent the procedure and that the person welcomed the results. Her friends and family have also expressed appreciation for her new look.

However, she does not believe every cosmetic procedure should be kept secret, particularly when the changes are more pronounced or could have implications for a couple’s future. Perry acknowledged that some enhancements could go too far, especially when women feel pressured to achieve a particular appearance, for example with facial fillers.

“I think some of the girls are doing it too much and I do blame social media a lot because everyone wants to have this particular look.”

Although Perry maintains that her own decision was independent of social media pressure, she admitted that online platforms have helped shape the beauty standards many people chase. Still, she recognises that the attention generated online can be useful when channelled towards personal and professional development.

The second influencer said she too has faced criticism since beginning her body-enhancement journey.

“A nuff time people bring me down, and people always have something fi say. When I just did my body, mi hear seh mi a sell mi body and all sorts a negative things,” she said. “When I started with one, mi see seh mi can do my body to my liking, and if me want take off or add on, I can. You nuh haffi tell them nothing.”

Alicia Henry, master nurse injector and founder of Signature by Cosmetic Nurse Alicia, said she is open about her enhancements, adding that a woman does not owe her partner a list of everything she has done to her face or body. She opined though that if it involves shared finances or the woman needs support during recovery, then a conversation makes sense.

“But informing your partner and asking permission are two different things. Being in a relationship doesn’t mean giving up ownership of your body.”