Natalia Cassel
Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift with Stem Cell-Enriched Fat Transfer to the Face, Mini Lower Blepharoplasty and Upper Blepharoplasty
At the age of 53, this patient wanted to look as vibrant and energised as she felt, without changing the features that made her look like herself. Seeking a natural, refreshed appearance rather than a dramatic transformation, she underwent a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift with Stem Cell-Enriched Fat Transfer to the Face, Mini Lower Blepharoplasty and Upper Blepharoplasty with Mr Tunc Tiryaki.
Here, she shares her experience of the decision-making process, her recovery and the subtle yet transformative results in her own words.
"Natural results were non-negotiable, which is why choosing the right surgeon was so important."
When did you first start considering a facelift? What were your key concerns?
I hadn't initially set out to have a full facelift. My main concern was my eyelids, which had gradually become heavier, making me look much more tired than I actually felt.
When I met Mr Tiryaki, he didn't just focus on my eyelids. He looked at my face as a whole and explained how a more comprehensive approach could achieve a much more natural result. It wasn't an instant decision. I went away, thought about it carefully, and after about 24 hours, realised that if I was ever going to do it, now was the right time.
I also thought about my mother, who had a facelift at a similar age in the 1970s. She had an excellent result for the time, but surgery has evolved enormously since then. Today's techniques, particularly regenerative treatments, are on another level. I wanted to make the most of those advances and put myself in the best possible hands.
How did your concerns affect your confidence?
It wasn't something that dominated my life, but it was always in the background. I still felt youthful and energetic, yet my reflection didn't quite match how I felt, particularly because I work in the worlds of fashion, luxury and the arts, where I'm often on camera or in photographs.
It's that quiet awareness that gradually chips away at your confidence. You don't necessarily realise how much you think about it until you no longer have to.
Did you have any fears before surgery?
Absolutely. My biggest fear was looking like I'd "had work done". I never wanted to look different. I simply wanted to look like a fresher, more rested version of myself.
What made you choose Mr Tunc Tiryaki?
His results immediately stood out to me because they are so understated. People still look like themselves, just refreshed and more defined. Nothing looks obvious or overdone.
I was also drawn to his pioneering work in regenerative medicine and stem cell-assisted facial rejuvenation. It felt like a much more modern, intelligent approach than traditional facelift surgery.
On a personal level, I was also incredibly impressed by his humanitarian work, helping victims of war through reconstructive surgery. That told me a great deal about the kind of surgeon and person he is.
Why did you choose the Cadogan Clinic?
For me, the surgeon came first. Once I'd chosen Mr Tiryaki, the location naturally followed.
That said, the Cadogan Clinic has an outstanding reputation and has been at the forefront of plastic surgery for many years. It felt like exactly the right environment for my treatment.
How did you feel on the day of surgery?
Surprisingly calm.
I felt completely confident in my decision and very well looked after by the entire team. Knowing I was in experienced hands made all the difference and eased much of the anxiety I had expected to feel.
How was the first stage of your recovery?
The first few days definitely require patience. I didn't sleep particularly well on the first night and had some rather surreal dreams afterwards, which I later learnt can happen following anaesthesia.
Even so, I never felt worried. I trusted the process and felt reassured throughout my recovery.
I actually managed to enjoy a relatively normal Christmas just two weeks after surgery, and a week later, I had family staying with me. Looking back, I was surprised by how quickly I was able to return to everyday life.
How were you feeling six weeks after surgery?
By six weeks, I really felt like myself again, only fresher and more rested.
Everything was settling beautifully and although I knew healing was still ongoing, I could already see how natural the result was becoming.
When did you really begin to appreciate the results?
By three months, I was delighted with the outcome. The changes were subtle, elegant and completely in keeping with what I'd hoped for.
What I've learnt is that a facelift isn't an overnight transformation. It's a gradual process. Nearly five months later, everything continues to improve. My eyelids have healed beautifully, though I still have a little residual numbness in places and some sensitivity behind my ears, which is perfectly normal.
Each month seems a little better than the last.
How was your overall recovery?
My recovery was much easier than I expected.
It certainly requires patience, and you have to follow the aftercare advice carefully, but I found the whole experience much smoother than I'd imagined.
I also took my time returning to exercise. I practise yoga and spinning, and instinctively felt it was important not to put unnecessary pressure on my face too early in the healing process. I waited around two to three months before returning to more intensive exercise, simply allowing everything to settle properly.
How would you describe your results?
Exactly as I'd hoped and I am delighted.
I still look like me, just fresher, healthier and more defined. Friends have commented that I look well, but no one has been able to pinpoint exactly why, which is the biggest compliment I could receive.
Has the procedure changed how you feel about yourself?
Yes, but in a very quiet way.
I don't spend time thinking about my appearance anymore because it simply feels in harmony with how I feel inside. It's removed a background distraction I hadn't fully appreciated was there.
That brings a wonderful sense of confidence and freedom.
What advice would you give to someone considering a facelift?
Take your time and choose your surgeon very carefully.
A great facelift shouldn't change who you are. It should preserve your character while gently restoring a fresher version of yourself.
Be honest with yourself about why you're doing it, ask plenty of questions, and when you find a surgeon you genuinely trust, have confidence in that decision. For me, that trust made all the difference, and I couldn’t be more delighted with my results.
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