MAFS' Samuel Levi defends decision to document 'painful' cosmetic surgery recovery: 'Nothing feels too personal'
WARNING: This video and article contains graphic content.
Married At First Sight star Samuel Levi has responded to fan questions about his decision to share his experiences with a recent cosmetic surgery.
Samuel, who starred on the New Zealand version of MAFS in 2018, underwent an upper blepharoplasty – also known as an upper eyelid lift – in early May 2025 and has documented his journey before, after and even during the surgery on social media.
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His unfiltered content includes updates on pain levels and healing, prompting fans to ask why he was being so open.
"Nothing feels too personal when I have a platform like this. Before going through this procedure, I spent months searching, researching and trying to find real insight," Sam wrote in a lengthy explanation.
Samuel explained why he's been openly sharing his surgery experience. Instagram @_samuellevi
"But there was barely anything out there – just scattered notes, vague comments, and honestly, it left me feeling frustrated and unsure about what to expect.
"That's exactly why I'm choosing to open up and share every part of this experience. Because if it helps even one person feel more informed, less scared, or more confident in their own journey, then it's worth it."
Samuel has documented his recovery each day since. Instagram @_samuellevi
Samuel said he'd already received more than one million views across TikTok and Instagram, and had an influx of comments from those impressed by his openness.
Ahead of his surgery, Samuel told followers he was "bloody nervous" about the procedure, which he was getting done to correct hooded eyelids.
He also filmed the entire surgery, which he was awake for and afterwards shared "not going to lie – it's pretty painful".
Since then, Samuel has done daily updates on his recovery, showing off the progress of his wounds, swelling and stitches.
"I can already tell I'm ballooning up a little bit. It's only normal though, I guess between day two and five you get worse – you get worse before you get better," he said during his a vlog from his second day post-surgery.
Samuel said he was looking forward to getting his stitches out in a couple more days and would continue to share as time went on.
READ MORE: MAFS' Beck Zemek announces she is pregnant after suffering devastating loss
Samuel alongside his ex, MAFS Australia's Liam Cooper. Instagram
"U are amazing! I love how real and raw this is!!! ❤️" one friend praised his content.
"I cannot wait to see a side by side before and after 😀 starting to look great already!!!" shared another.
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