Ashley Stobart, a UK-based influencer, entrepreneur, and co-host of the Nip Tuck podcast, recently underwent a facelift at the age of 34, sparking a conversation about cosmetic procedures and societal beauty standards. Stobart’s decision, driven by years of facial filler use and subsequent skin sagging, highlights the growing trend of younger women seeking such procedures.
Stobart’s journey began at 18 when she started receiving facial fillers. It wasn’t until her third pregnancy, with increased water retention and facial swelling, that she realized the extent of filler accumulation. This realization prompted her to dissolve all the fillers, but it left her with significant skin sagging, particularly around her jaw and mouth.
“Seeing my reflection was a shock,” Stobart told PEOPLE. “I realized how much filler I’d accumulated over the years and thought, ‘What have you done to yourself?'” Dissolving the fillers resulted in loose skin that could be pulled centimeters away from her face. After consulting with multiple surgeons who declined to operate due to her age, Stobart found a surgeon who understood her concerns and performed a full facelift. She felt a full facelift was the “best option” to address the severe sagging.
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While traditionally associated with older women, facelifts are increasingly being considered by younger demographics. This trend is partly influenced by social media and its portrayal of often unrealistic beauty standards. Dr. Lara Devgan, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, emphasizes that anatomy, not age, is the crucial factor when considering a facelift. Dr. Devgan notes that social media platforms, with their filters and editing tools, contribute to a culture where individuals may feel pressured to undergo unnecessary procedures.
Stobart’s decision was initially met with skepticism from some close to her. However, she defends her choice, stating, “I’m a grown woman, and this was my decision.” She also notes that the positive results have since silenced those initial doubts. Stobart describes feeling “surprisingly calm” going into surgery due to her complete trust in her surgeon. The recovery process, lasting two to three weeks, was smoother than anticipated, allowing her to quickly return to work on her product line and podcast.
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Stobart’s openness about her facelift experience on social media has garnered overwhelming support, especially from millennial women. Many appreciate her honesty and transparency regarding the realities of surgery and fillers. Stobart calculates that at the height of her filler use, she was spending tens of thousands of pounds annually on treatments, many of which were discounted or free due to her industry connections.
Now filler-free, Stobart champions skin health through her skincare brand, Cosmetic Consult, and her podcast. She emphasizes transparency around cosmetic procedures to manage expectations and debunk myths surrounding surgery and treatments. “By being open about my experiences, I hope to help others make informed decisions and understand what’s really involved, both physically and emotionally,” Stobart explains. Her goal is not to discourage but to ensure that individuals approach these procedures with a full understanding of the risks and benefits.
