Strictly head judge Shirley talks about how non-surgical facelift raised her confidence

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 17, 2026

Shirley Ballas, head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, underwent six NeoGen nitrogen plasma treatments to rejuvenate her skin and boost her confidence ahead of her 66th birthday. The non-surgical procedure visibly improved her skin tone and firmness, allowing her to maintain a natural look without downtime, which she described as the best result in over a decade.

Shirley Ballas, the head judge of the television dance competition Strictly Come Dancing, recently shared insights into how a non-surgical facelift procedure has boosted her confidence and enhanced her appearance. Celebrating her 66th birthday on September 6, Ballas underwent a series of six NeoGen nitrogen plasma treatments throughout the year, aimed at rejuvenating her skin without surgery.

Ballas sought treatment after reviewing photographs from 2017, expressing dissatisfaction with her skin at that time, citing sagging jowls, wrinkles, and age spots as concerns. She explained that prior to the treatments, she frequently relied on tinted makeup and heavy foundation to cover imperfections. After completing the six sessions at the Ouronyx aesthetic clinic in Central London, overseen by Dr. Maude Calveley, Ballas reported significant improvements. “I can honestly say this is the most confident I’ve ever felt going into a new series,” she commented.

The NeoGen procedure uses nitrogen plasma, which delivers controlled thermal energy beneath the skin's surface to stimulate collagen and elastin production—proteins crucial for maintaining youthful skin texture and firmness. According to Dr. Calveley, the treatment aims to firm the jawline and neck, even out skin tone, and reduce sun damage, all while allowing patients to maintain their normal activities during recovery. Ballas noted that while she anticipated a downtime of about five days, the recovery period closer to 10 days resulted in “outstanding” outcomes.

Additionally, Ballas received lower-energy treatments earlier in the year from Dr. Johanna Ward, which allowed her to undergo procedures with minimal interruption to her filming schedule. She said the combined treatments have delivered results she had not seen in over a decade.

Ballas has publicly addressed past criticism regarding her appearance and clarified that her current look is the result of non-surgical treatments rather than a traditional facelift. “No facelift here,” she stated in response to speculation. Her son, professional dancer Mark Ballas, also noticed the changes, complimenting her appearance during their time together on the US show Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro.

Treatment costs at Ouronyx run approximately £750 per session, with Ballas describing the investment as worthwhile for the results achieved. NeoGen plasma treatments are available across various clinics in the United Kingdom.

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