Perth Salon Owner Defends Facelift After Online Backlash Over Thailand Surgery
Sharlene Lee, owner of Perth hair salon chain Circles of Hair, has defended her decision to have a facelift in Thailand after social media users questioned why she did it. She says she loved herself before the surgery and loves herself more now.
A Perth salon owner hits back at online critics after sharing images of her swollen face following a 13-hour facelift in Thailand. Sharlene Lee, who owns the hair salon chain Circles of Hair, said choosing cosmetic surgery does not mean a woman dislikes herself.
Late last week, Lee posted vision of her face less than a day after the operation. She had black eyes and bruising and lay in a hospital bed with her sister, Mish Piazza.
Support and criticism
Friends and followers sent a flood of support. Many comments also asked "Why?" she felt the need for such a drastic operation.
"What people do to look younger!" one person wrote. Another called the recovery the "price of vanity".
Lee answered in a later video. "Please stop assuming that when a woman chooses to have cosmetic surgery, it means she doesn't love herself. Because I find that really sad," she said.
"I absolutely loved myself before my face lift and I love myself even more today."
Her case for choice
Lee has worked in the hair industry for more than 30 years. Her salons are in Subiaco and Fitzgerald.
She said she, like many women, had spent much of her life putting others first. She asked why people would question her choice to spend time and money on her own appearance.
"I didn't have a facelift because I was unhappy with my life. I had it because I wanted to feel a little fresher, a little bit more rejuvenated, and because it was something I chose for myself and only for myself," she said.
She added that women can grow older gracefully, have cosmetic surgery or do nothing at all. "Every one of those choices is beautiful when it's your decision," she said. Lee urged followers to support women rather than question them.
Sharing the recovery
Lee said she will keep documenting the whole process in the interest of transparency. "I'm putting my whole journey because I wanted to show the real, the raw, and the authentic of having a facelift with my slanted lip and all," she said.
Some followers praised her bravery but warned that social media can be cruel. "Your choice but when you put it on social media you're open to positivity & negativity!" one person wrote.
Others said they would have the surgery too if they "had the money". One commenter wrote: "If you look good, you feel good."
Lee described the 11-day journey before and after the procedure as filled with nerves, anxiety and adrenaline. Her bandaging and stitches are now removed, and she hopes any lingering pain and swelling will continue to ease.
