Once reserved for the rich, the brave, or the overly airbrushed, aesthetic “tweakments” are now firmly in the mainstream. But entering this world can be overwhelming—especially when you’re about to hit a milestone birthday. At 59, I decided to embrace a few well-researched, subtle procedures in the hope of becoming a more radiant, confident version of myself. A year later, at 60, I no longer rely on filters—and I feel better than ever.
Finding confidence in subtle changes
As a fashion PR and content creator in my 50s, I was always aware of the pressure to look polished. I spent years on Instagram, scrolling past younger influencers and wondering if I could still hold my own. Yet for the longest time, I avoided tweakments. I didn’t want a frozen forehead, exaggerated features or, worse, to look like someone else entirely.
My hesitation was grounded in the cautionary tales of the past—Leslie Ash’s infamous filler disaster still lingered in our collective memory. But the industry has come a long way. The modern approach focuses on subtlety, balance, and enhancing natural beauty. At 57, I dipped my toes into this world with a light touch of “baby Botox”—and I haven’t looked back.
I wasn’t chasing youth, exactly. I simply wanted to look more refreshed: like myself, only better. As my 60th birthday approached, my concerns about deepening marionette lines, dark circles, and tired skin grew. Filters and FaceTune were useful digital allies, but real life still mattered more. I began to open up about tweakments with close friends—many of whom had tried Botox, Profhilo, lash extensions, and even filler—and they looked fantastic. Encouraged by their experiences and driven by a desire to align how I felt on the inside with how I looked on the outside, I decided to explore further.
The gateway treatment: baby Botox
My initial consultation was eye-opening—and not entirely in a good way. One practitioner warned that I’d left Botox too late. Rather than lifting my eyes, they claimed it might weigh my forehead down. Thankfully, a second opinion at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic in London painted a more hopeful picture.
Dr. Matthew Jarvie-Thomas recommended a gentle, precisely placed dose of baby Botox—around my crow’s feet, between the brows, and at the top of my forehead. The procedure was quick and subtle. A few days later, the results began to appear. My frown lines softened, my under-eye wrinkles faded, and people started asking, “What’s your skincare secret?”
The transformation wasn’t dramatic, but it was powerful. I felt renewed—more confident in client meetings, at fashion launches, and during industry events. Best of all, I could finally ditch filters on social media. I embraced my age with pride, celebrating 60 with a new attitude and a fresh face.
The collagen stimulator: Sculptra
Next on my tweakment journey was Sculptra—often dubbed the “grow-your-own facelift.” Unlike fillers, Sculptra works by stimulating your body’s natural collagen production. It appealed to me because the results are subtle, progressive, and long-lasting—perfect for someone hoping to counteract droopy jowls and deep smile lines without looking “done.”
Again under the care of Dr. Jarvie-Thomas, I focused on areas of volume loss—specifically the temples and jawline. The treatment involved numbing cream and a series of injections, but was surprisingly comfortable. There’s no downtime, though you do need to massage your face five times a day for five minutes over five days. Gradually, over the next three months, I began to see a lift and improved texture. My skin looked brighter, more resilient. With two sessions at £425 each, it wasn’t cheap, but the two-year longevity and natural look made it an excellent investment.
The eyebrow revival: Erase and refresh
A well-shaped brow is transformative—but after a botched microblading job years ago, I had given up on achieving my ideal arches. Fortunately, I found my way to Shavata Singh at Harvey Nichols, whose expertise in brow architecture changed everything.
First, we had to erase the old pigment. Using laser removal, Shavata gently broke down the faded tattoo while minimising skin trauma. It wasn’t painful, just mildly uncomfortable, and required a bit of patience—two sessions, spaced six weeks apart.
Once the old pigment was cleared, Shavata used a bespoke microblading technique to design the perfect “siren” brow. I requested high arches to open up my eyes and soften my face, and that’s exactly what I got. The healing was minimal—I just had to keep them dry for a week and use micellar water to cleanse.
At £1,500 for the “Erase and Refresh” package, it’s a significant commitment. But the result—brows that frame and lift the entire face—is worth every penny. Maintenance is minimal; I just get occasional threading touch-ups. No more filling in with pencil or tinting every few weeks. It’s an empowering change.
The science facial: Polynucleotides (a.k.a. the “fish sperm” treatment)
The name might raise eyebrows, but this high-tech facial—formally known as the Polynucleotide treatment—uses DNA extracted from salmon-trout to rejuvenate skin. A favorite of Jennifer Aniston’s, it intrigued me, especially after seeing friends achieve glowing, youthful complexions.
At The Ardour clinic in Marylebone, Dr. Paris administered the treatment using a cannula to gently deliver the polynucleotides into the middle layer of my skin, including under the eyes, along the upper lip, and even the neck.
Over three sessions (each £450), spaced six weeks apart, the effects built gradually. By the third month, the results were evident: improved tone, reduced lines, and a luminous quality I hadn’t seen in decades. For the first time in 40 years, I felt confident going makeup-free. Even my mother commented that I didn’t look a day over 30—though admittedly, she may be a little biased. If you’re seeking deep hydration and radiance, polynucleotides are an excellent option. But for visible lifting and structure, I’d still pick Sculptra.
Investing in yourself
The tweakment world can be daunting, especially when you’re over 50 and navigating the aesthetic landscape for the first time. But for me, these carefully chosen treatments have been more than skin-deep. They’ve given me back a sense of control and confidence—without sacrificing authenticity. At 60, I don’t want to look 30. I want to look like the best version of myself. And that’s exactly what these treatments have helped me achieve.
My advice? Do your research, find trusted practitioners, and focus on what makes you feel good. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s empowerment.
