Interview with Jan

We spoke to Jan Upfold, a market researcher, who has undergone cosmetic surgery on several occasions. Watch the video below to hear what she has to say. The interview featured in the print issue of ‘Big Picture on How We Look’ is also provided.

Read the transcript [PDF 52KB]
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What have you had done?
I had a full facelift from the chin upwards, including liposuction under the chin to redefine my jawline. I had my jowls lifted and tucked behind my ears, and the side of my face tucked back in front of my ears. Skin from my brow was pulled up and tucked under my hairline to remove my frown lines.

Then I had fat taken from my belly and injected into the mannequin (nose-to-mouth) lines on my face and above my top lip, to fill out the fine lines there. And I had Botox for my smile and frown lines. I will have to have the Botox and infills redone, for maintenance, every six months or so.

What made you want to have this done?
In my profession - I work as a market research interviewer - as you get older, as a woman, your opinion is less valued. Once you're 50 you become a bit invisible. The facelift makes me more marketable, employable, more worthwhile professionally.

It doesn't relate to wanting to get a man. I'm very happily married, and my husband loves the results. He likes showing me off to his friends.

How do you feel about the results?
Very happy. The vast majority of people who have facelifts want to look young. But my main criterion is just to look better. I look normal. Attractive, but ordinary.

People talk about a facelift making you look 'ten years younger'. Well, on a good day, in reality, I only look five years younger. You might think I was in my early 50s, when I'm nearly 58. If you want to look younger than that, you end up with the obviously lifted face, the horror stories.

What impact have the procedures had on your life?
It cost a lot of money, around £16 000 all together. Since this surgery, we've had no major fantastic foreign holidays. It's a choice, what you spend your money on. Some people choose a BMW. I chose my face.

My friends and lifestyle haven't changed. A facelift doesn't change your life. Feeling confident about yourself usually does.

Do you think too much emphasis is placed on appearance these days?
Yes, on appearance and stereotype. Young people have to wear the designated outfit or they're not cool. Certainly in the young it's unhealthy. That's where it starts.