Why Caroline Stanbury Chose a Facelift in Her 40s

Caroline Stanbury, star of “Real Housewives of Dubai,” has always been open about her beauty regimen. At 48, after years of relying on fillers, she decided it was time for a more permanent solution. This decision led her to undergo a facelift, a choice she believes many should consider, even in their 40s.

Facelifts, once a staple in Hollywood during the 80s and 90s, seemed overshadowed by less invasive treatments like Botox and dermal fillers. These treatments saw a significant rise in popularity, with web searches for Botox-style treatments increasing by 31% and lip filler queries by 78% between 2011 and 2016. By 2016, the number of facelifts in the UK had fallen by 44% year on year, and last year, Botox and dermal fillers accounted for 90% of all cosmetic procedures.

However, there’s been a recent uptick in facelift inquiries, particularly among women in their 40s. In a media report, plastic surgeon Nora Nugent said that she noticed a 20-30% increase in consultations for facelift and neck lift surgeries among this demographic. The reason? Younger facial tissues retain the lift effect longer, offering a more natural and lasting rejuvenation.

Last year, Caroline Stanbury underwent a facelift, choosing a “natural” approach. This involved removing 6mm of skin from her eyelids and three inches from her neck and face. “I always live by the motto, ‘If you don’t like something, fix it,’” she says. For Caroline, the goal was to maintain her youthful appearance. “What’s the point of getting a facelift at 70?” she asks, highlighting the advantages of undergoing the procedure at a younger age.

While fillers were Caroline’s go-to for years, she realized they were starting to distort her natural features. “They are great when you are young, but you get to a certain point and can’t go further,” she explains. Over time, fillers can make the face appear overly round. Caroline recommends dissolving them periodically and starting over to avoid this issue.

Inspired by a friend’s successful facelift, Caroline met with a surgeon. Despite her fears of drastically changing her appearance, she took the plunge, spending £27,442 on a deep plane facelift. This procedure significantly improved her jawline definition and reduced the appearance of jowls and loose skin around her neck. Importantly, she wanted her children to still recognize her, ensuring the results were natural.

While facelifts are generally safe when performed by qualified surgeons, they do come with risks. These include reactions to anesthesia, infection, hematoma, scarring, nerve injury, and asymmetry. Thus, it’s crucial to weigh these risks against the potential benefits and to choose a reputable surgeon.