“Look 30 Years Younger?” Woman Spent £18,000 Saved from Quitting Smoking on Plastic Surgery — Here’s What Procedures She Had

A woman in her 50s who saved £10,000 (about 18.5 million KRW) by quitting smoking has invested the money in plastic surgery and gained a noticeably younger appearance.

According to the UK’s Daily Mail on the 15th (local time), Jacqueline Warren (55), who lives in Essex, shared before-and-after photos on her TikTok account, calling it “the best decision I’ve ever made.” She said, “I want women over 50 to know it’s never too late to try changing yourself,” adding, “It’s important to love and take care of yourself.”

Warren explained that as she entered her 50s, her weight increased and her health deteriorated from smoking 40 cigarettes a day. In her 40s, she underwent two hip surgeries, both unsuccessful, resulting in chronic pain and difficulty moving. She was also diagnosed with prediabetes. Determined to see her grandchildren grow up, Warren made a life-changing decision by quitting smoking, adopting intermittent fasting, eating healthily, cutting out caffeine, and ultimately losing 22 kg.

However, rapid weight loss caused significant loss of skin elasticity in her face and neck, leading her to opt for plastic surgery. In April, at a specialized clinic in Turkey, she underwent a facelift, neck lift, nasal bone correction, facial fat grafting and repositioning using abdominal fat, among other procedures. Since then, Warren has been maintaining her results with regular dermatological treatments. She said, “I’m doing chemical peels, HydraFacial treatments, lymphatic massages, and my goal is to keep this face for as long as possible.”

Netizens responded with comments like “Confidence shines in her eyes,” “Such a remarkable transformation,” and “She looks at least 10 years younger.”

Facelift: Popular Among Women Over 50 for Smoothing Wrinkles

A facelift is a representative anti-aging surgery that lifts sagging skin by making incisions and tightening the tissue layers beneath. It involves peeling back various anatomical layers of the skin, pulling them in the desired direction, and repositioning to smooth wrinkles effectively. It’s particularly common among those over 50 with pronounced nasolabial folds, forehead wrinkles, or sagging jawlines. Recently, minimal incision techniques have become more common to reduce scarring, swelling, and numbness. However, facelift surgery carries risks such as nerve damage, altered sensation, and swelling.

A neck lift involves incisions from behind the ears down to the nape, tightening the skin and muscles while removing excess tissue. It is effective in reducing double chins and contouring the jawline. The surgical approach varies depending on the degree of skin aging and wrinkle location, so thorough consultation with an experienced specialist is crucial. Dr. Insoo Kirk of ONUL Plastic Surgery said, “More patients over 50 are seeking facelifts and neck lifts. Since these surgeries are complex and carry risks, it’s important to have a thorough discussion with your surgeon beforehand.”

Under-Eye Fat Repositioning and Grafting to Improve Sagging

Sagging under-eye fat is largely caused by aging. As the support membrane weakens, fat protrudes forward, causing puffiness, dark circles, and hollow tear troughs, which together create a tired and aged look. This condition is increasingly seen in younger people due to genetics, stress, and lifestyle.

Under-eye fat correction surgery can include fat removal, repositioning, or grafting. If only hollowing is a concern, fat removal may suffice. For a more natural look, fat repositioning spreads the fat evenly into the hollow areas to smooth the contour and can be done without removing fat. Fat grafting, which transplants fat harvested from the abdomen or thighs, can also be considered if needed.

Consistent Care Is Key to Maintaining Surgical Results

To maintain long-term effects after facelifts and fat repositioning, ongoing care is essential. Dr. Kirk recommends skin boosters, Botox for wrinkle prevention, and various lifting lasers for those over 50. He noted that while Warren undergoes chemical peels, “strong chemical peels are rarely done domestically,” and “milder peels mainly improve skin texture with minimal lifting effect.” Common peel treatments in Korea include glycolic acid-based GA peels and AquaPeel.