A 28-year-old woman spent £9,000 on a secret facelift she admits she "didn't need" in a desperate bid to achieve the "cat eye look" of supermodel Bella Hadid. Antonia Higham first began getting cosmetic procedures at the age of 18 and quickly became "addicted" to filler. By 21, she had undergone a £9,500 nose job, followed later by an £8,000 breast augmentation.
Secret Surgery in Turkey
In March, Antonia travelled to Turkey and spent £9,000 on a facelift and lip lift to mimic the supermodel's distinctive look, despite doctors advising against the procedure. The London-based drama student, who endured cruel comments from online trolls and stares in the street, says she is happy with the results. "I started getting lip filler when I was 18, it became addictive. I just wanted more and more," she said. "I had my first surgery at 21, which was a nose job. I was bullied at school for having a big nose."
Addiction to Cosmetic Procedures
Antonia reflected on her journey: "I'd thought about getting a facelift since I was 21, it's not something I considered lightly. Obviously I don't need a facelift, but I wanted that cat eye, Bella Hadid look. Doctors advised me against it, but I finally had the funds to do it, so I thought 'why not?' I know it's going to make me happy." She kept the surgery a secret from her parents to avoid worrying them, especially since she went abroad.
After the surgery, Antonia wore tape on her face for weeks and faced harsh criticism. "I looked like something from another planet when I first woke up. My eyes were swollen so much that I couldn't really see. My mum called me crying after seeing pictures of how extreme it looked," she said. Her mother has since become more relaxed as the swelling subsided.
From Filler to Surgery
Antonia's cosmetic journey began at 18 with lip filler, influenced by Kylie Jenner's lip kit trend. She became "addicted" to filler in her lips and cheeks but had it dissolved at 21 after migration caused sagging. That same year, she had a nose job due to bullying. From 22, she used Botox for migraines. In 2025, she had breast augmentation, and in March 2026, the facelift and lip lift.
Antonia denies having body image issues, saying she simply wanted a youthful look. She chose Turkey not just for cost but because of the advanced techniques. "The surgeon said he'd rather do it for me in a safe environment than me going elsewhere," she explained. The four-hour procedure was uncomfortable, leaving her face swollen and unable to see. For the first week, she needed help with medication and cleaning scars, but recovered quickly after.
Recovery is expected to take three months, with possible swelling for up to a year. Despite trolls on TikTok (@antoniahigham), she ignores the negativity. For now, she has no plans for further surgeries, wanting to enjoy life without recovery.
