‘People were asking me if I was pregnant’
‘I’d love to be the UK’s Kim Kardashian’ TOWIE star Yazmin Oukhellou opens up about the deep-rooted insecurities that led her to undergo dangerous surgery
Despite her enviable looks, TOWIE’s Yaz Oukhellou has been open about having surgery to enhance her appearance, including most recently jetting to Turkey to have high-definition liposuction and a Brazilian bum lift.
When we giveYaz, 26, a call, she’s recovering from her £3,000 surgery with her co-star boyfriend James Lock.
“I’ll be honest, it was traumatic – I’m still sore to touch,” explains Yaz. “I hadn’t really seen how dangerous the [bum lift] procedure was until after I had it done.”
Since rekindling their romance last year, the loved-up star says James has been her rock.“At first, James thought I was losing the plot,” Yaz reveals.“But I had him with me every step of the way.”
Here, the reality star opens up about how trolls led to her going under the knife and her dreams of starting a family…
Hi Yaz! Can you talk us through the procedures you’ve had done?
I had laser liposuction and BBL [Brazilian bum lift]. They took out the fat from my tummy and put it onto my hips. Brazilian bum lifts killed one in 3,000 people who underwent them in 2018.
Did you know about the risks?
I hadn’t really seen how dangerous it was until after I had it done. People were sending me messages on Instagram, saying,“Yaz, this is so dangerous – what have you done?!” And I didn’t realise.
How are you feeling after surgery?
They were big procedures. It was something that I didn’t really look into as much as I should have to see how much of an effect it would have on me. But I feel so much better in myself. It’s still sore to touch a couple of months after. It’s quite traumatic. It’s not something I’m encouraging people to get, but it’s made me feel better.
Were you scared when you went into surgery?
Going under is quite nerve-racking. You’ve got to think about whether you’re being selfish, because I’ve got family and friends who all care about me. I was really nervous. Everything went really smoothly. I’m very OCD, so when they told me about the aftercare I’d need to do at home I went above and beyond.
What other surgery have you had before this?
My boobs and my nose.
What led to you having even more work done?
Definitely my own insecurities. Coming into this industry has been quite difficult. I know we all say not to listen to trolls, but it’s really difficult not to. This time around people were commenting on my photos and asking if I was pregnant. I was making out like it didn’t bother me, but it did. I’m always trying to be positive and build up other women’s self-esteem. Whereas I think I should be looking at my own, because self-esteem has been an issue from a young age. I now need to realise that I can’t fix everything with surgery. I need to fix myself within.
Would you say a big reason for you getting this surgery was down to trolling?
If I wasn’t in this industry, I don’t know if I’d have got it done.
What was James’ reaction to you wanting a bum lift?
He said I was silly and that I didn’t need it. But luckily I did have him there every step of the way. Now he’s seen a real change in me, so he’s happy. But at first he thought I was losing the plot! He’s pleased with the results, but he loved the version of me before.
Do you think you’ll feel more confident on TOWIE now?
Yeah. But I need to take into consideration that I’ll probably get trolled for what I’ve done. But I feel a lot better in myself.
Have you got any concerns about the aftermath of your surgery?
The only worry is that I want to start trying for a baby in the next couple of years. I don’t think it will affect pregnancy, but stretching my skin again will affect my body shape.
Have you spoken to James about having kids?
Yeah, we have our names ready! The only clue I’ll give you is they’ll both begin with L, so they go nicely with Lock.
Could we be hearing wedding bells soon?
I hope so! I’ve taken James to 10 different ring shops, pointing out the ones I like [laughs].
Would you have any more cosmetic work done now?
Well, everyone knows what I’m like. I’m always open and honest, so never say never. I’d definitely put more research into it though. But for the moment, I’m happy in myself and I think I’ve had enough!
Are you hoping to rival Kim Kardashian?
Oh, 100%! I’d love to be the UK’s Kim Kardashian. But I wouldn’t get a bum quite as big as hers!