Turning 50, Deborah was committed to her health and fitness but had begun to notice unwelcome ageing changes. Aesthetic injectables were starting to change her appearance rather than address her facial ageing concerns. In our latest episode of Konfidence with Alex Karidis, she explains why she decided that it was the optimal time for a facelift.
Alex: Now, here is just a little bit of background. Deborah, you’ve been working with me in my practice for many years. In fact, it would be safe to say that you’re really my right-hand person here. So, you have first-hand experience with surgery, and also, you’ve had surgery yourself.
Deborah: I’ve also worked with many patients and surgeons, and I’ve seen a lot of things and, yes, I have had surgery myself. That perspective gives you somewhat of an advantage compared to other patients, but that’s not to say, and I share this, that I was very nervous myself, particularly on the day of the operation.
I used to work in health and fitness and am quite a fit person. I spent a lot of time looking after my body and felt my face ageing more quickly than my body.
I thought the bottom of my face had started to look like my mum’s, and I had skin laxity that injectables couldn’t improve. I had started to put on less makeup, look at myself less, and spend less time on my appearance.
So, we discussed my concerns and felt a facelift would address them. But it wasn’t an immediate decision. There’s a lot of guilt around it because you think, what if something happens to me? I’ve got children. It’s a financial consideration. It’s time off work. There’s the healing process.
But I met one of our patients who’d had a lower facelift four years previously. She said, “I’ve never looked back.” Making that decision was pivotal for her, and it inspired me.
LISTEN TO DEBORAH’S STORY IN FULL ON OUR PODCAST >
Choosing your facelift surgeon
Alex: Did you ever think, what if I look unnatural? Because I think a lot of people have seen some bad plastic surgery around, and that’s imprinted into their psyche, and there’s a natural aversion to the surgery. Did that ever cross your mind at all?
Deborah: I don’t think so because I’ve seen your work. I trust you. That was not on my radar at all.
Alex: That was an advantage that, unfortunately, most people don’t have. They are often trying to find their way in the dark, and you don’t know who’s honest and sincere.
LISTEN TO DEBORAH’S STORY IN FULL ON OUR PODCAST >
My facelift transformation
Alex: In the months afterwards, did you say to yourself every now and again, I think that looks good, I’m happy I did this?
Deborah: Absolutely! And it was so subtle as well.
When people say, “Oh, you don’t look old enough to be a grandmother,” or that I look younger than my age, I just say thank you very much. It is really lovely, and it’s a great secret to have.
LISTEN TO DEBORAH’S FACELIFT EXPERIENCE IN FULL ON OUR PODCAST >
