It’s funny how worked up people can get—especially online—when someone chooses to have a little “work” done.
As a cosmetic doctor (and as a woman), I’ve seen this firsthand.
There’s this odd stigma, as if enhancing your appearance is some kind of moral failure.
But honestly? If something about your face or body bothers you and you have the means to change it, why shouldn’t you?
Yes, beauty can feel like a luxury—because let’s face it, it kind of is.
Not everyone can afford it.
That old saying, “There’s no such thing as ugly, just poor,” is harsh, but there’s some uncomfortable truth in it.
From Working-Class Roots to the World of Aesthetic Medicine
I didn’t grow up surrounded by glamour.
I’m from Castleford, a working-class town in West Yorkshire.
But I was always ambitious.
I went from studying dentistry at Newcastle and Queen Mary University to training in the U.S. at George Washington University.
Somewhere along the way, cosmetic medicine caught my attention—thanks in part to a friend who roped me into a Botox and fillers course back in my mid-twenties.
What started as curiosity quickly became a calling.
By 26, I had my first tweakment. Now, at 43, I’ve experienced just about everything in the book—both as a doctor and a patient.
What I’ve Done—and What It Cost
If I’d paid out of pocket for all the treatments I’ve had over the years, the bill would be in the region of £170,000. Thankfully, working in the industry has its perks, so I haven’t had to shell out the full amount—but even so, it’s a hefty sum.
And that’s why many people try to cut corners.
I don’t endorse going to unqualified practitioners, but I totally get the temptation.
If you’ve seen what these treatments can do, the desire to look and feel better is strong.
You want to stretch your money as far as it’ll go.
My Confidence Didn’t Always Come Naturally
As a teen, I wasn’t what you’d call “the pretty one.
” While my friends were being asked out, I was often overlooked.
I was a size 12–14 in the era of stick-thin supermodels, and like many girls, I internalized that as “not good enough.”
It took years to shed that insecurity.
And even when I started my career as a dentist, those thoughts still lingered.
So when cosmetic injectables became mainstream, it felt like a revolution.
Finally, there was a way to have more control over how I looked—and how I felt about myself.
The Good, The Bad, and the Early Days of Fillers
Let me be clear: I would not recommend the kind of results I was thrilled with back in 2007.
It was the Wild West of aesthetic medicine.
My friend injected me with fillers, and the result? A lumpy, overly plumped face I now cringe to remember.
But at the time, I thought I looked amazing.
Thankfully, the field has come a long way.
We now aim for subtle, natural-looking results.
And I’ve made it a point to keep learning and trying new treatments—not just to stay on top of trends, but to understand what my clients go through.
So… What Exactly Have I Had Done?
Deep breath—here goes.
I’ve had Botox and filler injections in my face, lips, and neck consistently for 17 years.
I get skin boosters like Profhilo on my face, hands, tummy, arms, and even my bottom.
I’ve done laser and IPL treatments, ultrasound and radiofrequency for skin tightening, thread lifts, mesotherapy, carboxytherapy, and fat-melting injections.
I’ve had lip and brow tattoos, exosome microneedling, and yes—even labia fillers (which are exactly what they sound like).
I’ve undergone breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, chin liposuction, and even a Brazilian butt lift, which came with complications and pain I wouldn’t rush to repeat.
And lately? I’ve also been using Wegovy, the weight-loss jab.
After having my baby three years ago, I lost 27kg and still use a maintenance dose to keep the weight off.
Is It Excessive? Maybe. But There’s a Method to It
All of this adds up to around £10,000 a year, which might sound insane—but in my world, it’s not that rare.
I don’t do it all at once.
I’ve spaced it out, and I always aim for a natural, polished look.
People assume cosmetic doctors are walking billboards for plastic surgery gone wrong.
But actually, I keep things quite restrained.
Opening a clinic in Knightsbridge has only reinforced how important appearances are.
Patients choose me not just for my skills, but because they trust my aesthetic.
They want to look fresh, not fake.
The Reality of Beauty and Bias
We may not like it, but the world treats you better when you look put-together.
Studies show attractive people are perceived as more competent, more professional—and, in women’s cases, slimmer women are often viewed as being more “in control.”
It’s frustrating, but I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t matter in my industry.
If I show up looking exhausted and disheveled, people might not trust me to handle their face.
So yes, I put in the effort.
Because I know it gives me an edge.
It’s About Looking Like You, Just a Bit Fresher
Most of my patients don’t want to look 25 again.
They just want to look less tired.
More refreshed.
Like they’ve had a really good night’s sleep.
That’s the true appeal of tweakments—and most people have no clue how common and subtle these procedures actually are.
Sure, I get the occasional client chasing TikTok trends or demanding superhero jawlines.
And when I tell them no, it doesn’t always go well.
But the majority? They’re normal people wanting a quiet confidence boost.
Beauty on a Budget: My Advice
If money’s tight, I always start with the basics: good skincare is worth its weight in gold.
If you can budget a bit more, I recommend laser or IPL treatments paired with carefully placed Botox—you’ll see real results from that duo.
You can get great value for around £2,000 a year.
If you’ve got more flexibility, skin boosters like Profhilo can really elevate your glow.
I often advise out-of-town patients to find trusted professionals closer to home—it’s much more affordable outside central London.
Why the Judgment?
Still, no matter how carefully you approach cosmetic work, people will judge.
I’ve been told I’ve had too much done—and not enough.
My favourite insult? Someone once commented, “You look like you fry chips for a living.”
Hilarious, really—especially since my great-grandmother actually did work in a chip shop.
Maybe people feel duped when beauty enhancements make others look naturally polished.
But if it makes you feel good and you’re doing it safely and responsibly, who are they to criticize?