Beauty Founder Chriselle Lim Details Regret Over Cosmetic Enhancements, Revealing It Took ‘Years’ to Recover from Eyelid Surgery

**Chriselle Lim Reflects on Her Evolving Relationship with Cosmetic Surgery**

Influencer and beauty entrepreneur Chriselle Lim has opened up about her experiences with cosmetic surgery in a recent post on her Substack, titled “Off the Grid.” In her detailed account published on 23 March 2024, Lim reflects on her journey with aesthetic enhancements, sharing insights into how her perspective has shifted since becoming a mother of two daughters.

The 40-year-old former fashion stylist began her foray into cosmetic procedures at a young age, undergoing her first eyelid surgery at merely 16. In her latest post, she discusses having fewer surgeries in her 20s and 30s than during her teenage years, although she does express some regrets about the choices she made. “Looking back… there are regrets. But there are also lessons I wouldn’t trade,” she noted introspectively.

Lim stresses that her current mindset is no longer about “chasing perfection.” She has embraced the philosophies of longevity and intention, stating, “Knowing when to stop is crucial.” This evolution in her thinking is rooted in personal growth and the desire to foster a healthy self-image, particularly in the context of motherhood. As she puts it: “More than anything, I’ve learned the importance of loving yourself at every stage of your life.”

In her Substack entry, Lim candidly discusses the pitfalls of excessive reliance on cosmetic procedures, especially with Botox and fillers. She began using fillers while in college and soon realised that the journey could lead to a “slippery slope.” Reflecting on her experience, she stated, “I was always ‘conservative’… but over ten years, even conservative adds up.” Consequently, Lim has opted to dissolve the fillers she had previously chosen, stating, “For the first time in a long time, I saw my real face again. And I actually loved it.”

Lim’s quest for enhancement did not stop there; she also sought medical assistance for under-eye puffiness, opting for a procedure that smoothed the area using her own body fat. “If I’m being honest… I wish I had done this sooner instead of trying to ‘fix’ things with filler for years,” she conceded.

In 2022, Lim underwent a second eyelid surgery, intending to rectify drooping skin from the first operation. She candidly shared her traumatic experience, recalling that post-operative complications led to a painful recovery that lasted nearly two years. “I was swollen for almost two years,” she expressed, though she now feels at peace with the final results.

Another cosmetic procedure Lim embraced was the addition of veneers, which she described as having subtly altered her appearance and her confidence. “These tweaks… they can give you a little lift, but they will never fix the core of who you are. That work is yours,” she acknowledged. Lim emphasised the importance of mindset and self-acceptance, asserting that personal happiness should not depend solely on external appearances.

Additionally, in a previous Substack post from 9 March 2024, Lim discussed undergoing breast augmentation at the age of 21. Reflecting on this procedure nearly two decades later, she considers the future implications—pondering whether she might need to replace or remove her implants. “I’ve actually been considering removal lately,” she revealed, hinting at her uncertainty about the aesthetic results due to the natural changes her body has undergone.

Significantly, Lim’s transformation in thought surrounding beauty and self-image has been profoundly influenced by motherhood. “I wish I had been kinder to myself… My hope is that I can raise them to feel confident and comfortable in who they are,” she remarked, recognising the importance of fostering open dialogues about beauty standards and the societal pressures women face.

In sharing her journey, Lim hopes to inspire others to appreciate their own beauty without getting caught up in the pursuit of unattainable ideals. As she continues her exploration of self-love and acceptance, many are likely to resonate with her journey, finding solace and encouragement in her honest reflections on beauty, identity, and the ever-evolving nature of self-care.