Khanyi Mbau has once again set social media buzzing after showing off the results of her latest cosmetic surgery.
In August 2024, the actress and reality TV star revealed she had traveled to Mono Clinic in Izmir, Turkey, where she underwent a blepharoplasty — a procedure that removes excess skin from the upper eyelids and reduces puffiness from the lower eyelids.
Making her first public appearance since the procedure at the launch of Netflix’s Meet The Khumalos this past weekend, Khanyi’s new look immediately drew a lot of attention — and criticism — online.
On X (formerly Twitter), many users shared their opinions, with some questioning her decision to alter her appearance.
One person wrote, “I’m not hating. If anything, I love her, but all those procedures to look like this? This woman was born beautiful. I don’t know if it’s insecurities or what, but she didn’t need all those procedures.”
Another added, “I’m convinced loving and doing unnecessary plastic surgery is a sign of a mental health issue.”
Someone else shared, “Khanyi Mbau’s situation makes a strong case for criminalising ‘beauty’ surgical work. This is a violation of children that the person has, violations of your parents & society. ‘My body, my rules’ cannot work if it affects other people in your life. Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu.”
Others were more blunt, with one person commenting, “This facelift was not worth it, she actually looks older.”
While many online believe Khanyi may be struggling with self-esteem issues, she has made it clear in the past that she sees beauty differently. Previous speaking o TshisaLIVE, Khanyi explained that she views beauty as a personal journey and a form of self-expression — not something defined by others.
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. One’s beauty is not physical but a deep sense of self. Beauty is unspoken truth through the physical. It is one’s choice to express in any way they want. Over the years, my expressions have changed as I mature. I see myself in different ways due to my exposure to different cultures, places and experiences,” she said.
Khanyi added that cosmetic surgery is part of her freedom to express who she is.
“Cosmetic surgery is an expression of freedom of self-expression. I am not of this body, it only houses my soul. It’s my character that should define my values, not what I look like. Confidence is not being boxed by the norms.”
She also shared that her message to others is about self-acceptance and empowerment. For Khanyi, if anyone chooses to have surgery, it should be for personal reasons and not because of outside pressure.
“I have a very strong support structure. I am not defined by what I see in the mirror but what I feel when I close my eyes or lie alone in the dark. That’s what my true self is. I have women gaining confidence through my brave choices, encouraging them to also explore and live out their wildest dreams.
“I do what I love and it serves me. It waits for me to command what’s next.”
Khanyi Mbau’s look at the Netflix's Meet the Khumalos premiere has taken social media by storm, just months after she revealed she had undergone blepharoplasty surgery.
Her openness about having cosmetic procedures remains a hot topic, drawing both praise and criticism from the… pic.twitter.com/4fT03ByuhE
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) April 9, 2025I’m not hating. If anything I love her but all those procedures to look like this?
This woman was born beautiful I don’t know if it’s insecurities or what but she didn’t need all those procedures🤦♀️😵💫😑
— ❤️Mama❤️ Tshimologo❤️ (@TakatsoLisbeth) April 9, 2025
