Las Vegas resident Tami, 55, has embraced a fresh chapter in her life after undergoing a comprehensive facial rejuvenation procedure. While she had considered plastic surgery for several years, it was only after significant weight loss and noticing the effects of aging that she decided the time was right.
“I kind of kept it in my back pocket, thinking this is something I might be interested in doing,” Tami told PEOPLE. “I’ve lost a lot of weight recently, so my aging accelerated quicker than I thought. I thought, okay, now’s the time.”
Tami had been following San Diego-based plastic surgeon Dr. Amir Karam on social media for years and turned to him immediately when she decided to address signs of aging on her face. She describes choosing him as “like wedding dress shopping—the first one you try on is the one you choose.”
Dr. Karam, who performed Tami’s procedure, said she brought an infectious positivity from the very first consultation. “She represents really the spirit of the practice,” he told PEOPLE. “Most of my patients come in with a very singular desire: to look as young as they feel. They feel like aging has stripped away a part of their identity, and they trust me to restore a natural, refreshed version of themselves.”
Tami and Dr. Karam agreed on a full facial rejuvenation plan, including his signature Vertical Restore procedure (a face and neck lift), facial fat transfer, upper and lower blepharoplasty, and a lip lift. She has also incorporated Dr. Karam’s Trifecta skincare products into her routine.
“Vertical Restore addresses the entire shape of the face,” Dr. Karam explained. “As people reach their late 40s and early 50s, sagging occurs in areas like the brow, mid-face, jawline, and neck. The face changes from an uplifted heart shape to a heavier, rectangular appearance, and this procedure reverses that.”
Traveling from Las Vegas to San Diego for surgery, Tami described her surgery day as calm and even meditative. Performed under IV sedation and local anesthesia, the procedure went smoothly, and her recovery followed as expected. Dr. Karam noted that patients often experience initial swelling that can be alarming, but “by day seven through 14, things resolve quickly and look amazing.”
Tami shared that the emotional aspect of recovery surprised her. “I thought I was prepared, but there’s a mental side I didn’t anticipate,” she said. “You look in the mirror and question why you’re feeling emotional. I love the results—it went smoothly—but it still hits you in ways you don’t expect.”
Throughout her recovery, Tami documented her journey on Dr. Karam’s social media, where she has shared updates with his million-plus followers. She said she embraced transparency, despite knowing it could invite criticism. “Some comments are wild, but I enjoy that. I just laugh along,” she said.
Responses to Tami’s transformation have been overwhelmingly positive. Many viewers praised the subtle yet striking results, with some jokingly asking if her appearance had been digitally altered. Even friends and family have struggled to pinpoint the changes, with some attributing her refreshed look to a new hairstyle.
Reflecting on her decision, Tami expressed gratitude for those who shared their experiences publicly, which inspired her to take the leap. “We all have moments where we’re not happy with how we look or how we’re aging,” she said. “Seeing others take positive steps is inspiring. If you have the means to do this, why not? We care for our homes and remodel them; our face houses our soul. It’s incredible.”
