From health scare to explant: Lalla Hirayama advocates for authenticity and breaks beauty stereotypes
South African media personality Lalla Hirayama has always been graceful and honest with her fans. Recently, she has made headlines for her candid revelations about her recent health scare and subsequent personal transformation.
Hirayama’s story serves not only as a wake-up call for women to prioritise their health but also to rethink society’s obsession with beauty and perfection.
A health scare that hit close to home
Earlier this week, Hirayama took to Instagram to share her diagnosis of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia, Grade 3 (CIN III) — the most severe precancerous stage of cervical abnormalities.
In her heartfelt post, she urged women to prioritise their health, saying: “Ladies, if you haven’t gone for your Pap smear recently, please don’t leave it for too long.”
CIN III is a condition that, if left untreated, can progress to cervical cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it remains a significant cause of mortality among women globally.
Regular Pap smears, which help detect abnormal cell changes early, are crucial in reducing this risk. Hirayama’s public disclosure is a reminder that early intervention can make all the difference.
A journey beyond physical health
Following the initial post, Hirayama shared an update on her well-being, revealing that she underwent two surgeries in just four days. While the first surgery was unexpected, the second — a breast explant —w as a long-awaited personal decision.
Her reflections on Instagram offered a rare and raw glimpse into her evolving mindset.
She shared: “Before I moved to Stellies and walked away from a life and world I worked so hard to be part of, I had been wrestling with feelings of inauthenticity and severe depression.”
Hirayama described shedding the layers of a past self that had been shaped by societal expectations, materialism, and an unhealthy relationship with her body.
Her decision to remove her breast implants marked a symbolic and physical step toward reclaiming her authenticity.
The pressure of unrealistic beauty standards
According to Hirayama, her breast augmentation at the age of 19 was rooted in a desire to conform to societal ideals of beauty — being “sexy, more feminine, and more appealing to the male gaze”.
However, over the years, she realised that these ideals only deepened her insecurities, contributing to a cycle of depression, panic disorder and a distorted relationship with her body.
Her decision to undergo an explant aligns with a growing movement of women reclaiming their autonomy from societal pressures.
The rise of breast implant illness (BII) awareness, coupled with a broader cultural shift toward body acceptance, has empowered many women to question the necessity of cosmetic enhancements.
Hirayama’s reflections acknowledge the duality of her journey: “I am grateful for my breast implants — even with the negative. It played a role in my life’s journey; the good, the bad and the ugly.”
Her balanced perspective is refreshing and relatable. Rather than condemning her past choices, she views them as part of her growth and evolution.
Hirayama’s story also touched on a broader issue: the role of social media in perpetuating unattainable beauty standards. Platforms like Instagram have often been criticised for fostering toxic comparisons and unrealistic ideals.
Filters, editing apps, and curated feeds can distort our perception of beauty, leading to mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.
However, her vulnerability shows how social media can also be a space for healing and empowerment. By sharing her story, she is dismantling the “perfect” façade and encouraging her followers to embrace authenticity.
Her words, “Slowly I am coming back to my natural self,” strike a chord in a world that often prioritises appearances over genuine well-being.
The importance of regular health checks
Amid her personal revelations, Hirayama’s message about cervical health remains paramount. Pap smears and HPV vaccinations are powerful tools in the fight against cervical cancer.
Yet, according to the South African Medical Journal, many women in South Africa still face barriers to accessing these services, including stigma, lack of awareness, and limited resources.
Hirayama’s advocacy highlights the importance of breaking these barriers through education and open conversations.
The former Vuzu presenter’s journey is part of a larger conversation about authenticity, self-acceptance, and the pressures of living in a materialistic, image-driven society.
She added on Instagram: “I’ve shed a lot of layers of my old self, physically and mentally”.
As she continues to navigate her path, Hirayama’s story reminds everyone that growth is not linear. Some days may feel like steps backwards, but the journey is ultimately about progress, not perfection.