A woman who flew to Turkey for surgery after shedding 16 stone says her family worried she would become addicted to changing her face.
Leanne Wilson’s relatives desperately pleaded with her not to go through with the operation, telling her she would look “fake” or “like an alien”.
But the 40-year-old took the plunge and signed up for a deep plane facelift – a procedure which lifts and repositions facial tissues to create a more ‘youthful’ appearance.
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And despite the warnings, Leanne said it is the best thing she’s ever done.
Leanne managed to naturally drop an incredible 16 stone but says her confidence needed a boost after the weight loss left her with loose skin around her face and neck.
And she had already been to Turkey for a full tummy tuck and thigh lift.
“My main motivation for having the face lift was the excess, saggy skin,” Leanne, who is from Essex, told Need To Know.
“People would constantly ask me if I was okay because my face where it sagged always looked sad – and now it doesn’t.
“I felt uncomfortable, lacked confidence and felt old.
“My relatives tried to intervene and talk me out of it, they do not understand why I do these things and always worry I will end up addicted to surgery – which I am not.
“The biggest comment from everyone was that I was going to look fake, plastic or like an alien.
“I even got accused of having body dysmorphia.”
Leanne travelled to Izmir, in Turkey, on 6 January and had her surgery the next day.
She was joined on the trip by a friend, who also went to have one of her surgeries corrected.
They both flew home one week later.
And Leanne, who works as the CEO of a cosmetic and aesthetics wholesale supply business, could not be more thrilled with her results.
She said she recovered quickly as she opted for local anaesthetic for the three-hour long procedure.
She said she even worked remotely from her room the day after surgery.
And even her family and friends were impressed with the results.
Leanne said: “I woke up the next day feeling amazing, and really fresh because I did not have a general anaesthetic.”
“I am absolutely thrilled with the results.
“My family and friends are amazed and they have all said I was beautiful to them anyway but they love the result.
“They love how natural it looks and how happy I am.
“The surgery took around three hours as it was five procedures in one.
“I was awake the entire time as I had local anaesthetic – they don’t really do that in the UK but it’s the best option.
“I am beyond shocked at the difference I saw immediately – this was the best decision for me.”
In total, Leanne had a deep plane face lift, a necklift, a temporal lift and the skin around her eyes lifted.
It cost her £5,400 with the clinic Revitalize In Turkey under Professor Seyhan, which provided a full package including one-to-one aftercare during her week-long stay.
Back in the UK, she had enquired about the same procedure in London and was quoted up to £55,000.
The lowest cost she could find was £17,500.
But amid the popularity of plastic surgery in Turkey, Leanne has urged others to be very careful when assessing their options.
She has reminded people not to be fooled by what they see on social media and to remember that many influencers get their work done for free if they promote the clinic.
Leanne said: “My advice to anyone considering surgery abroad is to do your research on the company you choose and your surgeon.
“Look at their education, qualifications, watch them speak online at conferences you can find on YouTube, and get to know them.
“Also look at the aftercare you are being offered and how long they will look after you for.
“Consider if you can be seen and have consultations and aftercare in the UK – if not, that’s a red flag.
“After surgery, someone should also be with you at all times – are you just going to be dumped in a hotel and given a WhatsApp number to call in an emergency?
“Do not believe what you see on social media too as many profiles are fake.
“Also, if the price is too good to be true, that is most likely the case.
”Lastly, it is important to get dedicated travel insurance for travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery.”
Leanne is able to schedule a follow-up with the surgeon in six months time and if she feels she needs any tweaks, they will be included.
She said: “If you are deeply unhappy about something and a safe thing can be done to fix it, why not do it?
“I am so much happier now.”
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