Thursday February 1, 2001

Middle-Age Makeovers

They're fab over fifty! Wouldn't we all like to look like Goldie Hawn, Raquel Welch, and Jane Fonda. But Mother Nature isn't always so kind.

Sonya Powell says, "When I look in the mirror I really don't like the way I'm looking right now."

Forty years ago Sonya Powell was a hot London model with high cheekbones. Those days are long gone, but Sonya wants them back. "I had an image of myself and was used to looking and having a good appearance. I really don't want to lose that."

Joan Griffith wants to recapture a bit of her youth too. At 56, she is young at heart, boogey boarding on the beach and biking with her husband. But years in the southern Californian sun have taken its toll. "I don't feel any older inside. I feel young enough to look the part."

They both decided to go for a dramatic plastic surgery makeover and EXTRA followed them from start to finish.

For Sonya, Dr. George Brennan recommends a full face lift. He'll remove loose skin on her eyes, face, and neck. Those beautiful high cheekbones that disappeared with age will reappear with implants. Dr. Brennan says, "It's not just about eliminating the signs of age. The idea is to recreate the beauty."

A computer creates an image of what Sonya should look like after the operation.

Joan wanted a makeover from head to toe. Face lift, nose job, tummy tuck and implants for bigger breasts. She says, "I'm not hoping to look different when it's over, but younger."

Last October, Sonya went into surgery. The next day Joan went under the knife. Thirty days later, EXTRA was back to see the results. Joan couldn't believe the difference: wrinkles gone, younger looking eyes and a new petite nose. She says, "I do look like myself but much better."

So does her figure, she's a pant size smaller and four bra sizes bigger, from a 34A to a DD.

Sonya is thrilled with her new look. The deep lines are gone, the cheekbones are back, and her neck is smoother. She's happy that she's recaptured a bit of her picture perfect past. "Looking in the mirror I see what I was and I had forgotten until now."