Paris Jackson, daughter of the late music icon Michael Jackson, has shared a stark physical reminder of her past struggles with substance abuse. In a candid TikTok video posted this week, the 25-year-old revealed she lives with a permanent perforated septum resulting from previous drug use.
The Physical Toll of Addiction
Jackson began her TikTok video by discussing a dream about appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she imagined conversing about American food additives and their connection to mental health. The conversation then took a personal turn as Jackson addressed her nearly six-year sobriety journey.
Using her phone's flashlight to demonstrate, Jackson showed viewers the visible hole in her nasal septum. "I have what is called a perforated septum, slightly different from a deviated septum. And that is what you think it's from," she explained, directly linking the condition to her history of drug use.
A Conscious Choice Not to Repair
Despite the physical inconvenience, Jackson revealed she has chosen not to undergo plastic surgery to correct the perforation. Her reason stems from her commitment to sobriety - she expressed concerns about the aftercare process, which typically involves taking pain medication.
"I don't want to get plastic surgery to fix it because I'm almost six years sober," Jackson stated, highlighting the careful considerations those in recovery must make regarding medical treatments that could potentially trigger relapse.
Living With the Consequences
The performer shared that she first developed the condition at age 20 and described the challenges it presents, particularly when singing in the studio. Jackson characterized dealing with the perforated septum as "a bitch" for her musical career, noting the noticeable whistling sound when she breathes through her nose.
In a striking visual demonstration, Jackson revealed the extent of the damage by mentioning she can "stick a spaghetti noodle through the hole in her nose" - a vivid illustration of the permanent physical consequences of her past substance use.
Balanced Perspective on Recovery
While Jackson stopped short of dictating others' choices, she offered a clear warning based on her personal experience. "Don't do drugs, kids. Or, I mean, do. Everyone is going to have the experience they need to have with life," she said, acknowledging individual autonomy while adding, "But I don't recommend it, because it ruined my life."
This isn't the first time Jackson has publicly celebrated her sobriety milestones. In a January Instagram post, she marked five years clean from all drugs and alcohol, writing: "Today marks 5 years clean & sober from all drugs and alcohol. To say that I'm thankful would be a poor euphemism. Gratitude hardly scratches the surface. It's because I'm sober that I get to smile today."
Jackson's openness about both the physical and emotional aspects of addiction recovery provides a powerful example for others facing similar struggles. Her story underscores that while sobriety brings profound benefits, some physical consequences of substance abuse can remain as permanent reminders of the journey.
