Mihlali Ndamase addresses plastic surgery rumors, attributing her evolving look to the influence of social media filters instead of cosmetic enhancements.
Recently, beauty influencer Mihlali Ndamase expressed her frustration over ongoing allegations that her facial appearance has drastically altered due to surgical procedures. In a widely circulated video, she playfully ridiculed her audience for not understanding the effects of filters. The young influencer, known affectionately as “Mimi”, firmly denied undergoing any surgical enhancements on her face.
Ndamase humorously questioned whether her followers were unaware of how filters function. This remark preceded her inquiry about why viewers continuously comment on her TikTok videos with disbelief about her looks.
She claimed that social media filters typically enhance lip fullness, skin clarity, and facial contouring. Furthermore, Ndamase mentioned that she simply cannot connect with individuals who do not think critically.
While she denies having any facial surgical work, Ndamase has openly discussed certain non-invasive beauty treatments she has undergone.
A history of tweakments
In August 2021, she invested about R5 500 in lip fillers to achieve a fuller lip shape that she initially crafted using lip liner. However, after noticing negative public feedback, she decided to dissolve the fillers, describing the experience as excruciating in her October 2021 YouTube “Get Ready With Me” video.
In February of last year, she visited Turkey alongside her mother for a four-day dental makeover at Prime Dental. During this trip, she acquired 20 EMAC laminate porcelain veneers costing approximately R92 000 ($5 800). Although some critics were skeptical, believing her natural teeth looked fine, Ndamase defended her choice in a May 2025 YouTube Q&A, expressing her enthusiasm for her new smile and stating that she pursued the veneers purely for her enjoyment.
Aside from her acknowledged dental enhancements and previous lip fillers, Ndamase has not acknowledged any other forms of plastic surgery.
Rumors about her allegedly undergoing procedures such as a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), skin bleaching, breast augmentation, or additional facial surgeries have remained unverified. The influencer insists that any noticeable changes in her looks are due to makeup, lighting, weight changes, digital filters, and her cosmetic dental procedures instead of surgical enhancements.
The public response across platforms like X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook has mainly been filled with skepticism and mockery. Many users interpreted her filter explanation as an effort to trivialize evident structural changes. Over the months, numerous observers have pointed out that her lip and mouth shape appear permanently altered, with some noting that she finds it difficult to naturally close her mouth or looks nearly unrecognizable.
Commenters echoed statements about missing the former Mihlali, questioning whose face they were viewing, or sarcastically wondering whether celebrities should consult the public before making personal decisions.
