Caroline Stanbury, star of The Traitors Season 4 and former Real Housewives of Dubai cast member, has been candid about her decision to undergo a deep plane facelift, sharing intimate details of her procedure and recovery with fans.
Stanbury first went public with her extensive cosmetic surgery in November 2023, documenting the process through a recovery vlog. In the footage, her husband, Sergio Carrallo, was visibly emotional, tearing up as he watched his wife struggle during the healing process. “This was probably one of the hardest moments of my life,” Carrallo wrote on Instagram. “Seeing the person that you love with all your heart suffering… it was very hard.”
Initially unable to speak due to heavy facial bandaging, Stanbury gradually revealed her progress, posting a photo on Thanksgiving Day 2023. “NEW FACE, NEW ME,” she wrote on Instagram. “#happythanksgiving Thankful for a lot of things in my life! Day 14 of the journey.”
Why Stanbury Chose a Facelift
Speaking to People in August 2024, Stanbury explained that she opted for a facelift after years of less effective cosmetic treatments. Having started Botox and filler injections at age 26, she noticed changes in her facial structure over time. “I had one crazy eyebrow… my face just got rounder and bigger because I kept pumping filler into my jawline,” she said.
After dissolving her existing filler, Stanbury realized that the long-term cost and results of annual treatments made a facelift the more practical solution. “I have a very young husband, not that he wanted me to do it, but these are things that women go through,” she said. “I don’t want women to see me at 48 and feel bad about themselves. It’s an unnatural thing.”
Sharing Her Experience With Fans
Stanbury emphasized the importance of documenting her journey, both for authenticity and to help other women navigate their own cosmetic procedures. “I have a podcast called ‘Uncut and Uncensored,’ so if I censor my life, what’s the point?” she told People. “I wanted to find someone my age who had done it and still looked natural.”
Her husband, Sergio Carrallo, filmed much of her recovery, capturing raw moments such as his emotional reaction when seeing her bandaged face for the first time. “Oh my God… I love you so much,” he said in the post-op vlog. To lift her spirits, he surprised her with a “Get Well Soon” balloon and a Hailey Bieber-inspired Erewhon smoothie.
The Procedure and Recovery
Stanbury underwent the deep plane facelift at the hands of Dr. Steve S. Kim in November 2023, which included the removal of excess eyelid skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, the procedure repositions deep facial tissues and tightens the skin along the midface, jawline, and neck for a natural, rejuvenated look.
Though the initial recovery was challenging, Stanbury healed on schedule. She shared updates with fans, showing her swelling subsiding and the results of her procedure. “I’m so proud of her,” Carrallo said in a vlog, reflecting on the journey.
Addressing Scarring Concerns
Stanbury noted that one of the most frequently asked questions she received was about scarring. “The one behind your ear is the longest to heal, but now it’s just a little red light mark that can be covered with makeup,” she told People. “The body heals in an incredible way.”
Thrilled With the Results
Stanbury expressed gratitude for the support from fans, particularly after being praised for a natural-looking lift. In a January 2025 TikTok, viewers complimented her on appearing refreshed rather than “over-fillered.”
Advice for Women Considering Facelifts
On her 2025 podcast, Stanbury discussed timing for cosmetic procedures with Dr. Garo Kassabian. She encouraged women to consider non-surgical options first, but emphasized that there’s no universal “right age” for a facelift. “Friends now ask me, ‘When is too young? When is the right time?’ I’m so glad I didn’t wait until my 50s,” she said.
Dr. Kassabian added that the timing depends on visible signs of aging and the individual’s goals, noting options ranging from Botox and fillers to more invasive surgical treatments.
