Swan Huntley, a Los Angeles-based writer and illustrator, is reflecting on a transformative journey that has intertwined her professional life with her personal history. At 43, she recently opted for a cosmetic procedure to address what she described as a “lizard-like quality” to her neck, seeking the expertise of long-time friend and now plastic surgeon, Dr. Safa Elizabeth Sharabi.
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The roots of their friendship trace back to their childhood in San Diego, where they met at Muirlands Middle School. Both women participated in a seminar programme they affectionately dubbed the “semi-nerd programme”. Their bond deepened while working together at Gap Kids in La Jolla, creating memories that have lasted a lifetime. Huntley reminisced, “I remember later, in high school, looking at a page of our AP Biology textbook about photosynthesis and thinking, I absolutely cannot compute this. I copied Safa’s homework a lot in that class.”
Fast forward to adulthood, and the two women have maintained a strong connection. Huntley, feeling dissatisfied with the appearance of her neck, reached out to Dr. Sharabi, who has since opened her own clinic in Santa Monica, California. Huntley valued the longstanding friendship and sought her professional opinion on her cosmetic concerns.
In their conversation, Dr. Sharabi expressed her belief that Huntley was “too young” for a more invasive neck lift procedure. Instead, Safa recommended Renuvion, a body-contouring treatment that utilises helium gas and radiofrequency to tighten the skin from within. Huntley appreciated the surgeon’s honest approach; it reaffirmed her long-held confidence in Dr. Sharabi’s abilities. “I was always sure Safa would become a doctor because she was always sure she’d become one,” Huntley explained.
The procedure took place two months ago and, despite being a non-invasive treatment, it required Huntley to receive an anaesthesia injection. “I felt nothing, and I saw nothing because my eyes were closed. It took about 20 minutes. I clutched the egg-shaped crystal Safa had given me the whole time,” she recounted. The experience proved smooth and uneventful, leading Huntley to celebrate afterwards by visiting Erewhon for a smoothie, her face still wrapped in bandages.
The results of Renuvion take time to fully settle, but Huntley is already noticing improvements. She states, “I look less like a lizard now, and I am extremely grateful.” The gradual change has brought her newfound confidence and satisfaction.
For Huntley, the entire process was not just about the cosmetic enhancement but also the pleasure of sharing the experience with a close friend. “I really trust her and I know she has steady hands. It was also just fun. We got to hang out, I met her nurse, and it was cool to see her at work. I felt proud of her,” she said, highlighting how their friendship turned a medical procedure into a memorable occasion.
Dr. Sharabi reciprocated those sentiments when Huntley shared the news of her procedure on Instagram. In a nostalgic comment, she highlighted their shared past: “Us driving around in your 1985 Volvo in high school smoking cigs would be SO proud of us today.” This remark underscores the bond that has persisted through the years, proving that lifelong friends can also play vital roles in each other’s journeys, both personally and professionally.
Huntley’s experience serves as an example of how mutual trust and friendship can enhance sensitive processes, reminding others of the importance of maintaining close connections as we navigate the complexities of life.