Britain's self-proclaimed 'vainest man' has given up unnecessary cosmetic surgery after shelling out £100,000 to transform his face.
Sam Barton, 30, has had Botox, veneers, fillers in his cheeks, lips, jaw and chin amid speculation he wanted to look like reality TV star Joey Essex.
But he says he has now given up the treatments and his old party lifestyle following the pandemic and is instead focusing on his business - which specialises in cosmetic work, reports Birmingham Live.
Barton has also stepped away from social media and says some of his surgery was "pointless" in his quest for fame.
"I used to spend £1,000 on a bottle of Champagne," he said. I was just interested in being pictured on a night out enjoying a lavish lifestyle so I could post the pics on Instagram and other social media.
"I wanted fame and I said some stupid things in the past just to get in the papers. I had surgery on my face and other parts of my body, which cost me thousands of pounds .
"It was pointless and - although I may give myself a little bit of work if I think I need it - I will never undergo needless surgery again. I have changed."
"When I was younger and partying every night, I wasn't truly happy. I was constantly concerned about what I looked like. I was scrutinised on social media and it wasn't having a good impact on my mental health.
"Don't get me wrong. I still enjoy the occasional blow out - it is part of my personality. But the party lifestyle doesn't define who I am anymore.
"I was silly. I took advice on how I should behave with the media and told to say things which would get myself headlines. I wanted fame. I wanted to become a star but it was just so shallow.
"I was never truly happy like I am now. I feel I am achieving great things through hard work. I often work six or seven days-a-week but it is paying off. I have just bought a house with the money I have made through my business. I am self-sufficient.
Sam has used his experience of plastic surgery to set up his Sutton-based business, AMC Aesthetics. He said: "It was due to open as we went into the first lockdown, which was a huge blow.
"I spent the lockdown giving online training and working really hard. The business has gone from strength-to-strength and we have had a turnover over £300,000 since it opened. We are forecasting a turnover of £500,000 next year.
"Although I will not spend any more money on surgery transforming my body, I still have a keen interest in cosmetic work and I like to pass on my knowledge in the field to other people.
"We are very responsible and will generally only treat people over 25. They need to be sure they want cosmetic treatment. I think young people can be influenced very easily by celebrities who have treatment. Everything we do is very responsible."
He said travel would be a big part of his future - and had a message for a new generation of fame-hungry youngsters.
"I love travelling," he said. "I enjoy my holidays in places like Dubai and Tenerife and want to spend more time travelling.
"The wannabe celebrity lifestyle is so shallow. You will be happier going out and getting a fulfilling job or setting up your own business rather than chasing fame. Real happiness lies deep within you, seeking the celebrity life the way I did is is very shallow. I no longer use social media like Instagram and Twitter in my personal life. It is so negative."
