By Bahar Etminan
I turned 51 and I still like my face. But I’d be lying if I said I haven’t noticed the cultural shift. From Kris Jenner’s widely discussed facial transformation reportedly performed by New York surgeon Dr Steven Levine, to subtle shifts in appearance among women like Lindsay Lohan, Christina Aguilera, Demi Moore and Anne Hathaway, it’s clear that the conversation around ageing and how we choose to manage it has changed.
Add to that a decade of trying lasers, threads and injectables, and I found myself genuinely curious. Is facial surgery a path I might consider?
So I started asking questions. Over the last six months, I’ve had private consultations with four highly qualified Australian practitioners: Dr Michael Zacharia, Dr Amira Sanki, Dr Jack Zoumaras and Dr Joseph Hkeik. Each agreed to share their insights and approach to surgery as part of my personal research journey.
I was also influenced by Dr Lily Vrtik, President of the Australasian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), who spoke at our recent Ageless Radiance Club event in Brisbane. She addressed the growing trend of travelling overseas for cosmetic surgery and highlighted the importance of appropriate qualifications and continuity of care.
For now, I’m still learning. I’ve taken this process seriously with referrals, assessments, and mental health screening, as required by Australian law. I’m not here to promote surgery. What I am sharing is a personal exploration of what’s involved.
Dr Jack Zoumaras, who performs deep plane facelifts and neck procedures, explained that structural ageing often becomes more noticeable between the late 40s and early 50s. “There are bursts of ageing,” he told me, referencing a study from The Lancet. “You can coast for years, then suddenly notice more marked changes.”
For me, someone who records weekly podcasts in HD, creates video content and operates in an image-conscious industry, the shift in my face felt amplified. Dr Zoumaras broke down the anatomical changes that can occur post-menopause: bone density loss, reduced ligament support, and redistribution of facial fat. The distinction between lifting skin and addressing underlying structure was a key learning. “A facelift should restore, not reinvent,” he said. “The best results reflect your own features, just from a previous time.”
He also acknowledged that rapid weight loss from GLP-1 medications (commonly referred to in media circles as contributing to “Ozempic Face”) can create facial hollowing, particularly in women navigating hormonal shifts and collagen decline.
Crucially, he flagged the psychological impact of recovery. “It’s not the physical discomfort that’s hardest, it’s the emotional adjustment,” he said. “You wake up with swelling, dressings, drains. It can be confronting.” His advice was clear: think carefully, prepare properly, and make sure you have strong support in place.
Interestingly, he noted that more patients are coming in having reached the limit of what non-surgical treatments can offer. “Injectables and devices work for a while, but eventually some people are looking for longer-term structural results.”
He also spoke about a rising category of younger women seeking aesthetic enhancement, not correction. Some work in beauty, media or adult industries and are requesting features tailored to camera or stage work. This is not about reversing ageing. It is about curating image.
Dr Michael Zacharia, echoed many of these points and stressed the importance of pre-surgical preparation. “If you’re thinking about surgery within six months, stop all injectables,” he advised. “You want clean anatomy for proper assessment and surgical planning.” He also integrates wellness protocols including nutrition, sleep, light therapy and movement into his surgical preparation.
Dr Zacharia was particularly clear about planning: multiple consultations, detailed conversations and clarity about expectations. “Surgery is not a quick fix,” he said. “It’s a serious decision that requires commitment and understanding.”
Dr Amira Sanki, a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, took a more conservative view. During our consultation, she challenged the idea that surgery was appropriate for me at all. “Bahar, your face still has so much structure and vitality,” she told me. Her approach focuses on natural ageing, minimal intervention and educating patients about alternatives like SMAS lifts for subtler refinements.
Dr Joseph Hkeik an aesthetic physician, brought the conversation back to skin. “Healthy, radiant skin can delay the desire for surgery,” he said. “Treatments that stimulate collagen and improve skin texture are a powerful first step.” His practice is grounded in long-term planning and gradual results that align with each patient’s goals.
A shared thread across all four doctors was caution, empathy and transparency. Each also voiced concern about medical tourism and the risks of undergoing surgery overseas where continuity of care may be compromised. Dr Lily Vrtik, poke directly to these risks in Brisbane, noting that post-operative complications like infection are not uncommon when proper aftercare is lacking. She also advised researching surgeons thoroughly via the ASAPS website and ensuring all procedures are performed by accredited professionals.
This process is not cosmetic in the casual sense. It is medical. It is structured. And it is expensive. In Sydney, a deep plane facelift by an experienced specialist can cost between $30,000 and $35,000. The recovery can take weeks and often involves multiple procedures, from neck lifts and blepharoplasty to laser and fat grafting, all depending on individual needs.
And no, I haven’t booked in. I’m not endorsing surgery. But I am documenting a journey that many women my age are quietly considering. This is not about vanity. It is about choice, autonomy, and being fully informed.
Because maybe, like me, you’re looking in the mirror and asking what comes next. And maybe, it’s time we talked about it.
What I Learned About Facelifts (That You Probably Won’t See on TikTok)
1. You now need a referral.
Elective cosmetic surgery in Australia requires a GP referral and a mental health screening to ensure you’re emotionally prepared.
2. No injectables six months before surgery.
Fillers, threads and biostimulators can interfere with surgical planning and outcomes.
3. Technique and timing matter.
There’s no one-size-fits-all. Younger patients might benefit from shorter scar lifts. Others may need deep structural work.
4. Recovery is not just physical.
Swelling, bruising and emotional ups and downs are common. Support and planning are essential.
5. Skin is the first frontier.
Improving skin quality can be just as impactful as structural changes. It might delay the need for surgery altogether.
Bonus Tip: Research Your Surgeon. Ensure they are accredited and listed with the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). Visit www.asaps.org.au for verified information.
Disclaimer
This article is based on the personal experiences and research of the author and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified and accredited medical professional before making healthcare decisions. Inclusion of named practitioners is not an endorsement and no payment or benefits were received.
