Paris Jackson has revealed that her past drug use has left a lasting mark on her body, leaving a visible and striking change in her appearance. In a social media video, which was reshared via a TikTok fanpage on November 9, the 27-year-old daughter of the late pop icon Michael Jackson shared her journey with a perforated septum.
"I realized I never addressed this and it can sometimes be very noticeable," she said, shining a light up her nostril to highlight the hollow cavity. "I have a really loud whistle because you can hear it when I breathe through my nose, and that is because I have what is called a perforated septum."
Paris explained that a perforated septum is "slightly different" compared to a deviated septum. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a perforated septum is a hole in the cartilage or bone between a person's nostrils, which can create a noticeable dip in the bridge of the nose. This condition can be caused by autoimmune diseases, drug misuse, exposure to chemicals, infections, injuries, or, in rare cases, tumors.
Paris admitted that she has been "living" with the perforated septum since she was about 20 years old. She confessed that managing it has been stressful, especially when in the studio. She noted that she "can stick a spaghetti noodle" through her nose and have it make an arch shape out the other.
The condition isn't serious and doesn't cause severe or life-threatening issues. It can be treated with an antibiotic ointment, a humidifier, or regular saline rinses, according to the Cleveland Clinic. A person struggling with a perforated septum can also get a prosthetic button or surgery if treatment is ultimately unsuccessful.
Paris added that she doesn't want to get "plastic surgery" to fix the issue because she's "almost six years sober." "You have to take pills when you do a surgery that gnarly," she explained. "And I don't want to f**k with that."
Earlier this year, Paris opened up about her sobriety journey and revealed she had hit the five-year milestone. "Hi, I'm pk and I'm an alcoholic and a heroin addict," Paris wrote via Instagram in January. "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."
Paris shared that because she made the decision to prioritize her wellbeing, she is in a better place mentally. "It's because I'm sober that I get to smile today," she continued. "I get to make music. I get to experience the joy of loving my dogs and cat. I get to feel heartbreak in all its glory. I get to grieve. I get to laugh. I get to dance. I get to trust. I feel the sun on my skin and it's warm. I've found that life keeps happening regardless of whether I'm sober or not, but today I get to show up for it."
