Going under the knife for beauty

Many African women are willing to have plastic surgery

Some women are prepared to go to any length to ensure they project the perfect image.

Modupe Ozolua, president and founder of Body Enhancement in Lagos, Nigeria, deals with African women and men on a daily basis who alter their appearance through plastic surgery.

She claims that most who come to her tend to seek breast enhancements, while older women go for breast reduction.

Others go for tummy tucks or liposuction particularly after childbirth.

Identity

"Some African Americans have an identity crisis," she told BBC World Service's Africa Live! programme.

I knew that part of the body wasn't how it used to be before and I could afford it and I did it Modupe Ozolua

"Some feel that they are not Africans. You have those that are in such desperation to associate themselves with Africa, they change their names and change everything about them so they feel that they belong somewhere.

"I am comfortable with the clothes that I wear. I like to wear my Guccis and Versaces and that doesn't make me less of an African.

"But again it is up to the person, individual to find their identity wherever they find it.

"People put such sentimental values on things. Wearing wrappers, having dreads, using cow fat on your face. But this is not going to make you a better person if you are not."

Wrinkles

Ms Ozolua has altered her body to improve her look by having breast implants and a botox injection in her face to slow down ageing wrinkles.

"It is all a matter of ageing gracefully," she said.

"I was always conscious of the fact that I was somewhat small chested. At the time I had the procedure done I was still living in Los Angeles, California.

"For people living in America especially in California, going to see a plastic surgeon is as routine as going to see a dentist and it is not such a big deal as people think it is.

"I knew that part of the body wasn't how it used to be before and I could afford it and I did it."

Despite the surgery Ms Ozolua says she has never looked back and she has no regrets.

"I am happy with myself that is all that matters to me," she added.