An Australian woman who traveled to Turkey for a more affordable facelift has shared her disappointment after experiencing sagging skin less than a year following the procedure. Jojo McGinniss, 45, underwent a deep plane facelift, neck lift, temple lift, and facial fat transfer in Istanbul in February, aiming for a more youthful appearance.
McGinniss had saved for five years for the surgeries, which cost approximately $15,000. Initially, she was pleased with the results and shared her recovery process on social media. However, she has become increasingly concerned about loose skin around her neck and lower face. She claims that when she contacted her surgeon for reassurance, his response further diminished her confidence in the outcome.
"I've always been a supporter of my surgeon because I've been happy with my results up until the last month," McGinniss stated. "It's been quite disappointing. He's actually not talking to me now and has referred me to his assistant." She expressed difficulty with the suggestion to explore other options after paying a significant sum for the surgery, noting the logistical and financial challenges of returning to Turkey from Australia for further treatment.
McGinniss first noticed the skin loosening while still in Turkey but initially attributed it to swelling and the early recovery period. "For quite a while I was genuinely happy with my results and I spoke very positively about my surgeon publicly," she said. "But as the months went on and the swelling completely settled, I started noticing things that concerned me more and more, particularly around my neck and lower face."
She felt a responsibility to speak out due to the influence her journey had on some of her social media followers. "I had documented this entire journey and had spoken so highly of my surgeon because, at the time, that genuinely reflected how I felt," she explained. "So when my feelings about my result changed, I felt almost embarrassed. I kept thinking, 'What am I going to tell everyone?'"
McGinniss acknowledged receiving critical comments online, with some users suggesting surgery is not a solution for self-worth or that she was experiencing "first world problems." She also faced criticism earlier in the year when some claimed her facelift had made her look older, a sentiment she refuted at the time, defending her decision and the cost savings compared to Australian prices.
Despite the backlash, McGinniss stated her intention to remain honest about her experience. "I shared the positive parts of this journey when I was happy, so I think it's equally important that I'm honest when things aren't going the way I hoped."
