Woman, 51, Let Her Plastic Surgeon Husband Give Her a Dramatic Facelift. She Reveals the Hardest Part of Healing (Exclusive)

In a unique blend of personal and professional, Dr. Anthony Berlet, a plastic surgeon based in New York, performed a facelift on his wife, Kerry Berlet, which has since become a topic of interest in both their lives. Kerry, 51, who hosts a podcast titled **Once Upon a Surgery**, often interviews patients about their surgical experiences. However, it was her own reflection on her appearance that led her to consider cosmetic surgery.

As Kerry began to notice the signs of ageing, particularly through the lens of her podcast, she felt increasingly dissatisfied with her appearance. She candidly admitted that when she looked at her face at rest, she felt it looked “horrible.” The couple had previously discussed the possibility of a facelift, but Dr. Berlet had advised that it was not yet time. This year, however, his assessments shifted, leading him to suggest that some adjustments could be beneficial.

Kerry noted that Dr. Berlet had performed surgery on her family members before, including her mother and sister, but this particular surgery marked a significant moment in their relationship. Dr. Berlet was initially apprehensive about operating on Kerry, acknowledging that the stakes felt heightened since the patient was someone he loved deeply. Nonetheless, he had an unwavering confidence in his skills, affirming that his wife had no hesitation about being his patient.

The facelift procedure included a lip lift aimed at correcting the elongation of Kerry’s philtrum, and Dr. Berlet was meticulous in preserving her hairline to hide any potential scarring. Notably, since Kerry has fair skin, her scars were expected to be less conspicuous. The surgery was conducted while she was awake and under Valium, which enabled her to make minor adjustments during the procedure. Kerry described the experience as being in a “haze” while remaining aware of the surgical actions taking place.

The outcome of the surgery was pleasing, according to Dr. Berlet, who stated that Kerry’s recovery surpassed his expectations. He outlined a typical recovery timeline to patients, which he describes as being “restaurant ready” within two weeks and “runway ready” in three months. However, he remarked that Kerry was nearly “runway-ready” just two and a half weeks post-operation, an assessment she felt confident in as well.

During her recovery, Kerry adopted a diligent aftercare routine. She utilised techniques aimed at improving circulation, such as gentle massage to her bruises, coconut oil for her lips, and a mix of iced green tea baths and red light therapy. Remarkably, just three days after her surgery, she attended a masquerade party. Wearing a mask helped to cover some of her bruising, and she expressed that she felt confident enough to socialise.

Like many patients undergoing surgery, Kerry faced challenges during her recovery, particularly in adjusting to her sleeping arrangements. As a habitual stomach sleeper, she found it difficult to maintain an upright position, leading to an unfortunate incident where she faced swelling due to improper sleeping. To mitigate this discomfort, she resorted to using an airplane neck pillow, indicating her commitment to adhering to postoperative guidelines.

In the weeks following her facelift, both Kerry and Dr. Berlet expressed satisfaction with the results. Dr. Berlet remarked on his pride in the work he accomplished, noting that Kerry’s happiness was evident in her daily expressions of contentment and increased time spent admiring her transformation in the mirror. Kerry humorously recalled an early stage when she was confronted by her own swollen lips on the first day post-surgery, amidst humorous criticism from her adult children regarding her appearance.

From a surgeon’s perspective, Dr. Berlet confided that his concerns extended beyond aesthetics; he wondered how the facelift might alter his perception of Kerry. However, he has been pleasantly surprised, emphasising how stunning her improvements have been. Recently, while walking upstairs as Kerry descended, he found himself in awe, reflecting on her striking transformation and her renewed confidence.

In conclusion, the experience of Kerry’s facelift — spearheaded by her husband — showcases not only the personal side of cosmetic surgery but also the complexities that arise when loved ones take on such intimate roles. The Berlets’ story offers a glimpse into the emotional journey of surgery and the reinforcing bond it can create between partners, culminating in a shared sense of pride in the transformation and recovery process.