‘i Could Feel Myself disappearing’

michelle Zelli, 57, is a life coach specialising in female empowerment. She lives in Surrey.

my mother was always so glamorous. when I was growing up, she wore lots of make-up and fancy outfits, and I suppose that’s why I’ve spent most of my life aiming to look as good as I can. In my teens and 20s, I loved it when someone complimented me on my appearance.

after giving birth to my first child in march 1983, followed by my second three years later, I worked hard in the gym to get my body back into shape.

But as I grew older, my face started to change. I bought expensive face creams and make-up. However, having thrown myself into work, my eye bags were only getting worse. I knew I had to do something.

Finally, aged 42, I decided to try cosmetic surgery. my children, then 20 and 16, and friends were glad I was doing something to feel like me again.

In march 2002, I spent £4,500 on a lower eyelift. and it was the best thing I ever did. For the first time in years, I didn’t want to hide my eyes behind sunglasses. It was such a boost.

not long after, I had a tummy tuck, too. I thought it would end there, but after I started the menopause, I couldn’t help but feel I was disappearing again.

I’ve since had facelifts, a neck lift, liposuction on my thighs and a brow lift.

I did take a year off and tried holistic procedures. But while they made me feel amazing, my lines started to reappear.

now, I spend more than £10,000 a year on my looks. This includes veneers, having my nails done, blow-dries, waxing, eyelash tinting and eyebrow preening.

People say that I look 10 years younger and I think they’re right. I’ll keep trying to disrupt the norms of middle age for as long as I can. I don’t feel old, so why should I look it?

‘My eyelift was the best thing’