“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,” Sharlene Lee said, PerthNow reported.
The owner of Perth hair salon chain Circles of Hair hit back at critics of her decision to undergo facelift surgery in Thailand. Just under a week ago, footage showing her heavily swollen face less than 24 hours after the 13-hour cosmetic operation was published by Ms Lee.
Resting in her hospital bed next to her sister Mish Piazza, Ms Lee displayed noticeable black eyes and bruising. While this footage sparked an outpouring of backing from admirers and friends, the online commentary also featured remarks questioning the necessity of such an extreme procedure.
Vanity Accusations Rejected
“What people do to look younger!” one person said, while another labelled the recovery the “price of vanity”. Maintaining an upbeat attitude while documenting every step of her experience, the salon founder moved to explain her reasons.
“I absolutely loved myself before my face lift and I love myself even more today,” Ms Lee said in a subsequent video.
Operating salons in Fitzgerald and Subiaco, Ms Lee has spent over three decades building a successful career in the hair industry. She prides herself on empowering others through the beauty service she provides.
Investment in Personal Appearance
The business owner claimed that she, like many women, had spent much of her life putting others ahead of herself. She asked why people would question her choice to invest time and money into 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 continued.
“And ladies, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. You can grow older gracefully. You can have cosmetic surgery. You can do absolutely nothing. Every one of those choices is beautiful when it’s your decision,” Lee said.
Transparency Amid Social Media Negativity
Ms Lee pleaded for her followers to support women as opposed to question them. Despite facing detractors, the upbeat stylist promised to keep sharing her complete, unfiltered experience to maintain total openness.
“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.
Many have applauded her bravery but since 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 said.
Ms Lee Shares Her Emotional Recovery Process
Others claimed they’d also undergo the surgery if they “had the money”. One more posited: “If you look good, you feel good.”
According to Ms Lee, the 11-day period surrounding the operation—encompassing both pre-surgery preparation and post-operative recovery—was marked by adrenaline, nervousness, and anxiety. Having now had her stitches and bandages taken off, she anticipates that the remaining swelling and discomfort will gradually subside on their own.
Questions About Sharlene Lee's Surgery and Career
Where did Sharlene Lee undergo her facelift surgery?
Ms Lee underwent the 13-hour cosmetic procedure in Thailand, subsequently sharing footage of her swollen face and bruising from her hospital bed alongside her sister Mish Piazza.
How long has Sharlene Lee worked in the hair industry?
Ms Lee has enjoyed more than 30 years in the hair industry, operating salons in Subiaco and Fitzgerald under the Circles of Hair chain.
What was the duration of Ms Lee’s documented recovery window?
The documented journey spanned an 11-day period covering both before and after the procedure, culminating in the removal of her bandaging and stitches.
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